How We Care For Our Environment
Conserving our lands and environment is a major part of our Valley Fresh Foods environmental sustainability programs and farming philosophy. Most of our farms are surrounded by sustainably farmed almond orchards in California and various types agricultural crops in the Pacific Northwest. A symbiotic relationship exists between our farms and our lands in which each supports the other. Our programs focus on energy efficiency, conservation of water, preservation of nature’s land and biodiversity, and recycling and reducing waste. Basically, our goal is to leave the land and environment in a better state for the next generation.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency a central part of our energy conservation program. Our energy is sourced from the Turlock Irrigation District in California which harnesses the majority of their electricity from renewable and hydro electric plants. Our Pacific Northwest energy is primarily sourced from hydro-power as well. Our farms in California have all been modernized with LED and HID units, cooling from energy efficient evaporative units and computer controlled systems for ventilation efficiency.
Our barns in the Pacific Northwest are remodeled or are in the process of remodeling for energy efficiency. We operate some of the most energy efficient style barns in the egg farming industry.
Nurturing the Land and It’s Biodiversity
Our philosophy is that our land is not ours but belongs to the next generation. It is to be nourished, protected, and left in better health that when we farmed it. It’s the right thing to do for the future of our planet. Here are a few aspects of our programs.
Our manure fertilizer is sold to numerous farmers for use as a natural fertilizer in California’s Central Valley and in the Pacific Northwest. Natural fertilizers help these local farmers avoid using chemical fertilizers which in turn allows them to produce their own crops with a lower carbon footprint. It’s all part of the new generation of sustainable farming.
Our best practices in manure management uses beneficial insects to prey on flies and fly larvae greatly reducing our need for insecticides.
Every decision we make ensures that our farming practices are healthier for our environment.
Conservation of Water
Conservation of water is critical in our Valley Fresh Foods environmental programs as our local communities deal with more extreme drought situations. Fortunately, eggs have one of the lowest water footprint of all animal proteins. Also, almonds are comparable in water use to other tree nuts and use significantly less water than beef to produce an ounce of protein. When analyzed per ounce of protein, eggs and almonds are very sustainable protein sources with low water footprints.
The almond orchards in California that surround our farms use a water saving micro-spray system. Our egg barns all use a nipple drinking system that reduces water waste and water usage. Additionally, our barn cooling systems are evaporative, using recirculated water which reduces water usage.
Recycling and Reducing Waste
First of all we believe its best to use less … reduce , reduce, reduce. Very little of our waste goes to the landfill. We recycle our cardboard, carton pulp, paper, Styrofoam and PET plastic waste. Our egg cartons are made from recycled plastics and recycled molded pulp.