More than 2,800 Associates have earned diplomas since program launch; new university cohorts begin degrees in Agriculture and Industrial Engineering
SAN ANTONIO, TX — December 11, 2026 — NatureSweet®, North America’s largest vertically integrated controlled environment agriculture company recognized for its commitment to workforce well-being, today announced significant progress and expansion within its long-standing adult education initiative for its agricultural workforce. Nearly twenty years after the program began in Zapotlán, Mexico in 2005, NatureSweet has reached record graduation numbers, launched new university cohorts, and continues to demonstrate the transformational power of education in advancing its workforce’s lives.
What began with just 26 graduates in 2005 has grown into one of the most impactful education programs in the agricultural industry. As of December 2025, NatureSweet has celebrated:
– 431 associates graduating in 2025 alone — the highest number in the program’s 20-year history
– 2,846 total graduates across all education levels since the program began
– 539 Associates completing literacy training
– 471 completing elementary school
– 1,072 completing middle school
– 759 completing high school, including the oldest graduate at 59 years old
– 5 university graduates to date, with enrollment rapidly growing
Currently, 179 Associates are actively pursuing diplomas, 20 in high school and 159 at the university level. Among those pursuing higher education, the youngest is 22 years old and the oldest is 55, underscoring the program’s accessibility and life-changing potential at any age.
Bachelor’s Program Expansion
In 2023, NatureSweet introduced the “Unleashing Your Power” bachelor’s program to provide NatureSweet Associates with the opportunity to pursue a university degree—an unprecedented offering in the agricultural industry. With expanded support from Fair-Trade Committees, which voted to direct resources toward educational advancement, NatureSweet established three new university groups in 2025 at its Colima, San Isidro, and Zapotlán locations. These new cohorts provided 102 additional associates with the opportunity to begin a university degree. Today:
– 129 associates are pursuing a Bachelor’s in Agricultural Engineering
– 30 associates are pursuing a Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering
“Our mission has always been to elevate the lives of the people who grow our food,” said Rodolfo Spielmann, President and CEO of NatureSweet. “When agricultural workers gain access to education, they gain the power to transform their families’ futures, power to lead, and power to dream bigger than the circumstances around them. These milestones prove what is possible when a company invests in its people with trust, respect, and long-term commitment. We’re incredibly proud of every Associate who has stepped forward to pursue their education, and we remain dedicated to expanding this opportunity even further.”
A Model for Responsible Agriculture
NatureSweet, a Fair Trade and EFI-certified company, continues to set industry standards for worker well-being, sustainability, and long-term economic mobility. The company’s education program, now in its twentieth year, remains one of the most comprehensive initiatives in the agricultural sector, offering literacy courses through bachelor’s-level degrees, all designed to expand opportunity and build multi-generational impact.
Acerca de NatureSweet® (NS Brands, Ltd.)
NatureSweet® is the leading brand in snacking tomatoes and a trusted provider for greenhouse-grown vegetables. As the largest vertically integrated controlled environment agriculture company and greenhouse grower in North America, it operates on more than 1,500 acres of greenhouse space, cultivating premium tomatoes, cucumbers, and sweet peppers. The company’s 10,000 Associates ensure every product is handpicked at peak freshness, delivering exceptional quality and flavor to supermarkets across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Its mission is to transform the lives of agricultural workers in North America through a profitable business model that inspires others to follow suit. With a deep commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, NatureSweet has earned B Corp, Fair Trade, and Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) certifications.
Contacto:
Jenny Halpin
Sr. Manager, Corporate External Communications
NatureSweet®
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