Florida operations focus on long-term with sustainable practices

Dundee Citrus Growers Association's CUPS (Citrus Under Protective Screen) groves use less land, less water and less fertilizer than traditional growing methods to produce each box of fruit, says CEO Steven Callaham.
Dundee Citrus Growers Association's CUPS (Citrus Under Protective Screen) groves use less land, less water and less fertilizer than traditional growing methods to produce each box of fruit, says CEO Steven Callaham.
(Photo courtesy of Dundee Citrus Growers Association)

When it comes to sustainability, Florida grower-shippers are on it.

Customers and consumers alike are demanding suppliers to grow, pack and ship sustainably, and for many of the state’s producers, sustainability is nothing new.

Doral, Fla.-based J&C Tropicals has been focusing on minimizing its carbon footprint for more than 10 years, said Salvador Fernandez, vice president of operations. The company has been recognized as a Giga-Guru by Walmart’s Project Gigatron, designed to reduce greenhouse gases, he said.

He listed some of the firm’s accomplishments in the sustainability field:

  • Eliminated waxed boxes.
  • Working with suppliers to reduce use of plastics by 80% before the end of 2024.
  • Introduced reusable plastic containers, reducing corrugated packages by 250,000.
  • Redesigned packing boxes to minimize use of cardboard.
  • On target to switch from plastic clamshells to compostable sealed trays by the end of 2024.
  • Switched from plastic corner boards to recycled cardboards.
  • Eliminated produce dumped on the landfill.
  • Replaced overhead irrigation on farms with a micro jet system, reducing water usage by 80%.
  • Eliminated aquifer chemical leaching with micro fertigation and irrigation.
  • Eliminated the need for solid fertilizer.
  • Eliminated the need to spray chemical insecticides, protecting bees as a result.
  • Switched to all-LED lighting in packing facilities.
  • Eliminated herbicides.
  • Consolidated cargo, reducing over 2.5 million miles of transit a year.
  • Replanted more than 25,000 new avocado trees over the past two years.

“Over the last three years, more and more customers are inquiring about our efforts and asking to be part of the programs,” Fernandez said.

Customers of Dundee Citrus Growers Association, Dundee, Fla., also ask about the association’s sustainable growing methods, said CEO Steven Callaham.

“Our Citrus Under Protective Screen — CUPS — groves are getting a lot of attention from our customers for the sustainable aspects of that growing method,” he said.

CUPS groves use less land, less water and less fertilizer than traditional growing methods to produce each box of fruit, Callaham said.

The association also uses recyclable packaging, works to conserve water and energy and uses environmentally friendly growing practices, he said.

“Our corrugated packaging is made from 100% recycled material,” Callaham added. “It’s a remarkable story, and one that we are very proud of.   

Producing food sustainably makes sense for growers, said Bob Spencer, president of West Coast Tomato LLC, Palmetto, Fla.

“The most important part of sustainability is growing your crop in a manner and treating your fields in a manner that [enables] you to continue to grow on them every year,” he said. “There’s a certain amount of sustainability that is built into anybody who has a long-term view in our industry.”

South Bay, Fla.-based Branch: A Family of Farms, prides itself on being good stewards of the land, said owner Brett Bergmann.

The company is working to protect and conserve the earth through its participation in the Everglades restoration initiative.

“Our farms incorporate advanced farming methods that reduce nutrients leaving the soil and [minimize] the application of fertilizer through technology,” he said.

Branch continually looks for innovative ways to grow crops sustainably, keeping the earth in mind, he said.

 

Latest News

World Variety highlights combo pack of dragon fruit at AWG showcase
World Variety highlights combo pack of dragon fruit at AWG showcase

With more than 1,500 options among its offerings, World Variety Produce had plenty of options to highlight at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase, March 25-26.

AgroFresh bolsters postharvest solutions with Pace International purchase
AgroFresh bolsters postharvest solutions with Pace International purchase

The company says the acquisition will expand its postharvest portfolio and that it plans to collaborate with Valent BioSciences to develop future products to boost produce freshness.

Wonderful Citrus highlights Organic Halos, Seedless Lemons
Wonderful Citrus highlights Organic Halos, Seedless Lemons

Wonderful also promoted its No Shells pistachios, including its new Jalapeño Lime flavor, at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase.

NGA makes marketing hire, promotes government relations staffer
NGA makes marketing hire, promotes government relations staffer

The National Grocers Association has welcomed Caroline Sar as its manager of marketing and member engagement and promoted Max Wengroff to senior manager of government relations.

Vidalia onion promotions ready to roll
Vidalia onion promotions ready to roll

With Vidalia onions soon heading to supermarket shelves, retailers have options to enhance their marketing, and the Vidalia Onion Committee and Certified Angus Beef will feature a summer grilling series on social media.

NatureSweet swings big for Little League programs
NatureSweet swings big for Little League programs

The company plans to incorporate the league’s logo into packaging and provide local leagues with snacking suggestions after being named the official snacking vegetable of Little League Baseball and Softball.