SUSTAINABILITY

California Pear Farmers Are Leaders in Sustainability

Beginning in 2009, regular assessments were conducted to determine the level of farming practices considered “sustainable” that have been adopted by California pear farmers and packers. Results indicate an exceedingly high level of adoption of many key indicators of sustainability. What seems clear from these assessments is that California pear farmers understand they’re growing healthy food for a global community and they are taking an intentional and thoughtful long-term approach in how they care for the land, environment, resources, workers and communities where they live and work.

Environmentally-Friendly Pear Farming

Please use the links below to read results of sustainability assessments conducted by SureHarvest, Inc., a leading agricultural sustainability program design firm. The information gathered has clearly established the very high level of adoption of sustainable practices in many areas of farm management by the California pear community, from the use of reduced-risk Integrated Pest Management activities, adoption of prudent use of fertilizers; utilizing natural vegetation to enhance habitat for pest natural enemies as well as prevent soil erosion; and high level adoption of practices related to food safety planning and waste management.

You can also watch a brief documentary about the report findings which features pear farmers talking about how and why sustainable farming is important to them.