Sustainability:  a Step-by-Step Process

What we do to be sustainable at the farm – If it’s taken out of the environment, it’s put back in, so land and resources such as water, soil and air can be replenished, and are available for future generations.  At the farm we use canal water for irrigation during the summer months.  In the winter months we follow dry-farming practices.  The canal water is collected in reservoirs during the months of rain and snow, and then provides a reserve for the hotter arid months to come.

The fertilizer we purchase is seaweed and kelp based. For weed control our first method is to mow down the weeds growing in the center row. Some fruit varieties (Persimmons, pomegranates, jujubes and figs) that we grow have never seen a single application of pesticide.  They are not prone to bugs and pests and we more than are glad to take advantage of Mother Nature’s gift.

We follow a  no/ zero waste policy both at farm and at market. Most leftover fruit that we won’t sell is donated to food banks, and schools. Some inedible fruit is used for deer and horse feed, and some used for compost, a nutrient-rich mixture of decaying organic matter that makes a good natural fertilizer. All pruning is shredded and left in the orchards as an indigenous top mulch. The waste from our production stays within the farm’s ecosystem and doesn’t cause buildup or pollution elsewhere.

We no longer use plastic bags at the markets; instead we offer biodegradable or recycled paper bags. Packaging other then bags is minimal and reusable and biodegredable. As well, we transport our produce in reusable boxes.  Our main truck is large and efficient, which allows us to have fewer vehicles on the road, reducing our carbon footprint.

Scott is always on the hunt for new varieties new to plant the orchards. As often as possible we introduce new tree types knowing diversity is a key element in sustainable, healthy farming.  In the spring of 2010 we planted close to 2500 new trees all of which were new to the growing Arnett growing areas. A wide variety of plants and animals (from chickens and peacocks to goats and horses) are at home on the farm, but these guys aren’t for sale.

 Our New Varieties are sometimes a type of fruit that has been selectively and carefully propagated to produce a more flavorful, resistant, longer lasting fruit. And often varieties new to our orchards are heirloom or traditional types of fruit, not so common to the market place.

 

We are proud to say that Arnett Farms is starting its transitional period to certified organic growing in the beginning of the year 2011.

Commitment to our employees: This begins with competitive and fair wages. We value loyalty as much from our employees as we do from our customers, and understand how hard they work in all stages of farming, transportation and sales.  We have employees that help just with the markets, and we have a diehard group that works and live at the farm. Some employees are second and third generation members of our team. The safe and close-knit  work place we create is a part of our quality approach and extends to everyone involved.