This field of solar en Chile It is part of the sustainability initiative of Naturipe Farms, based in Salinas, California, says Janis McIntosh, director of marketing innovation and sustainability. The company also uses water management, integrated pest management, composting, mulching, drones and other tools to improve efficiency and minimize resource consumption, she says. (Photo courtesy of Naturipe Farms)

Whether it's using recyclable packaging, installing solar energy systems, or implementing a host of other environmentally friendly practices, berry growers and shippers say they are committed to sustainability.

Water management, integrated pest management, composting, mulching and the use of drones and other tools to improve efficiency and minimize resource consumption are some of the sustainable initiatives adopted by Naturipe Farms, based in Salinas, California, said Janis McIntosh, director of marketing innovation and sustainability.

This year, 6 acres of solar panels are being installed in Delano, California, powering one of the company's largest blueberry operations. Additionally, more than 25% of Naturipe's production is packaged and cooled with renewable energy in key regions such as New Jersey, California and Chile.

"Combined, these advances partially contribute to Naturipe reducing its total carbon emissions by 100.000 metric tons," he said. Over the past four years, Naturipe producers have made significant investments in solar energy.

“Last year, our flagship chiller in Watsonville, California, installed solar canopies on the roof and in the parking lot to power their operation,” McIntosh said. “Our producers in Chile also recently celebrated the installation of the largest floating solar plant in South America.”

Gem-Pack Berries, based in Irvine, California, continually strives to improve and maximize sustainable practices, said Michelle Deleissigues, vice president of marketing.

“We have worked diligently on reducing packaging content, for example, reducing the corrugated content of berry trays, but maintaining the integrity of the tray,” he said.

Gem-Pack uses all recyclable packaging, including biaxially oriented polypropylene or BOPP labels, which are recyclable as bottle caps and allow shells to enter the bottle recycling stream.

“We are also partnering with BADP (Bio Accelerated Degradable Plastic) America to explore degradable plastic alternatives, as well as with Earthmade Foods to test agricultural techniques that do not use chemicals or heavy metals,” he said.

Bobalu Berry Farms, based in Oxnard, California, has spent the last few years stepping up its sustainability efforts and achievements, it said. Cindy Jewell, which is in charge of the company's marketing.

“We started by focusing on protecting the land we farm on and reducing waste,” he said.

Bobalu Berry Farms has initiated a policy to harvest all berries.

“Whether the fruit goes into the fresh box or into a bucket to be diverted to the processor, our employees are committed to harvesting all the berries from the plants to ensure there is no waste and to keep the plants pest-free by not simply throwing away lower quality fruit to the ditch,” Jewell said.

This process reduces waste and increases productivity, he said. And harvest staff receive additional pay for the additional fruit harvested.

Bobalu Berries has also redesigned its packaging, using 95% post-consumer recycled plastics in its clamshell containers and switching to fully recyclable labels.

“The box and packaging configuration we use also allows for more fruit per truck,” Jewell said. “That has resulted in a reduction in gas emissions [equivalent to] around 11.000 fewer miles each year.”

Consalo Family Farms and The Fresh Wave's warehouse and distribution facilities in Vineland, New Jersey, constantly monitor the latest trends in sustainable packaging, said Chelsea Consalo, executive vice president.

“Right now, we've been looking at some new packaging styles, but not without challenges,” he said.

In the past, the company has tested cardboard blueberry trays that are 100% recyclable.

The company is also proud of its water conservation efforts.

“Our advanced on-farm drip irrigation systems deliver the precise amount of water to crops at specific intervals,” Consalo said. “This eliminates the use of any excess water.”

Producer-distributors say their customers are often great partners on their path to a more sustainable future.

Two examples of customer-driven initiatives at Naturipe are the adoption of the Ethical Charter and the protection of pollinators around environmental sustainability, McIntosh said.

“Naturipe Farms is on the advisory committee of ECIP, the Ethical Charter Implementation Program, and was the first to add farms to the program,” he said. “In addition, our growers understand the importance of bee health and have installed more than a thousand acres of pollinator habitat in North and South America.”

Many Gem-Pack customers are committed to sustainability and want to know how they can work with the company “to forge a more sustainable food web,” Deleissegues said.

“Some have implemented the mandatory annual survey to capture and track the carbon footprint,” he said.

Bobalu Berries has some specific customers who asked the company to join their sustainability efforts to positively impact the environment, Jewell said.

“We have adopted their programs and have seen some significant results from working together on sustainability,” he said.

One customer reported that the companies' combined efforts have resulted in savings of nearly 1,5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, he said.

“We hope to achieve more in the future and plan to continue increasing our progress in this area,” he said.