Organic suppliers leading in sustainability, innovation

Organic growers say they’ve introduced a number of innovative approaches to their growing and packing operations to help ensure sustainability.

Miami-based Fullei Fresh now composts seed hulls, roots and any excess products, said CEO Olivia Wong.

“Our watering systems are automated to avoid excess water use, and we also recycle cardboard,” she added.

New Sprout Organic Farms, Ashville, N.C.,  is launching a program called TagBack with Bedford Industries, a Worthington, Minn.-based bin tie manufacturer, that will allow consumers to recycle bin ties found on bunched greens, said Bridget Kennedy, director of sales and grower relations.

In the past, the ties had to be discarded, but with this program, they’re put through a special process that recycles them and creates new ones.

Doral, Fla.-based Alpine Fresh Inc. has entered into a fair trade program for its organic asparagus and organic Brussels sprouts, said Chris Elmer, vice president of sales. He said the company plans to add a Fair Trade program for some of its blueberries, as well.

“We’re trying to add it where it makes sense,” he said.

Santa Paula, Calif.-based Calavo Growers Inc. recently released its 2021 sustainability report. Here are some highlights:

• Hired a new corporate officer with a formal responsibility for environmental, social and governance initiatives;
• Replaced propane forklift fleet with electric models;
• Installed LED lighting upgrades at all value-added distributor facilities;
• Recycled 49,380 tons of materials formerly sent to landfill;
• Increased starting wages in its Mexican operations to be at least 49% higher than minimum wage; and
• Initiated a strategic review of ESG programs to develop vision for next 10 years.

Sustainability concerns enter into nearly all of the decisions made at Salinas, Calif.-based Taylor Fresh Foods Inc., which markets the Earthbound Farm Organic brand, said Rachel Molatore, director of communications.

Here are some Taylor Farms sustainable projects:

• Solar energy installations at two large Taylor Farming operations have offset more than 80% of the energy needs.
• The company has begun regenerative pilots on three ranches in an effort to use farming practices to sequester carbon and “tackle a root case of a warming planet,” Molatore said.
• In the processing plants, Taylor Farms is actively investing in solar, wind and alternative energy sources. The company has constructed solar installations at nine facilities and recently kicked off a large solar installation at its San Juan Bautista, Calif., facility.
• Taylor Farms has received Total Resource Use and Efficiency Platinum Certification by Green Business Certification Inc. for zero waste efforts at four of its processing facilities and plans to achieve similar results at other locations.

“We are proud of the impact we have on our communities and the environment,” Malatore said.