Wawona Packing Company is a leading company in California in agricultural production. The company produces a variety of fruits in more than 9,000 acres in central valley, which makes it the largest producer of fresh fruits in the state. Besides fruit production, the company packs and sells its products to various leading retails around California and the surrounding states. Its growth and expansion have seen it merge with several fruit and vegetable producing farms in California.
For over seventy-five years, Wawona Packing Company has remained steadfast in fruit production and packaging. It has been able to deliver fresh fruits in summer, winter, and any other season throughout the year. The fact that the company farms and packs different varieties of fruits is a clear indication of the success of the company in agriculture. However, besides the huge production of fruits, the company has incorporated sustainability practices, some of which have been discussed below.
1. Water Conservation
Wawona Packing Company does not rely on rain-fed fruit production, which would never work in a state that receives very little rainfall throughout the year. Most of the agricultural activities around the farm are done through controlled irrigation.
However, the company has significantly invested in various techniques that test the amount of moisture in the soil. This prevents excessive use of water during irrigation while at the same time preserving the health of the plant. Water is a vital resource in California and the world at large. Incorporating methods of water conservation should be highly appreciated.
2. Use of Solar Energy
Wawona Packing Company has eliminated the use of electric lighting and electrical energy in cooling and packing facilities. The company is currently relying on solar energy to cool its storage facilities. Solar energy is also being used to light all the packing facilities in the company.
The use of solar energy is a welcome bonus in environmental conservation. It is playing a critical role in ensuring that the company reduces carbon footprint into the atmosphere while at the same time promoting the use of green energy in the world.
3. Recycling Practices
Recycling is a major environmental protection strategy that is becoming a norm in thousands of companies around the world. Most of the companies are recycling various by-products such as water, raw materials, and defective products.
Wawona Packing Company has embraced recycling in the operations of the farm. Most of the packing materials are collected and recycled to prevent the accumulation of solid waste into the environment. In addition, the company has started recycling mulching materials, which is an indirect way of conserving water in the farm.
4. Biological Pest Control
Another sustainable farming practice that has been incorporated in the firm is the use of biological pest control. Wawona Packing Company has been using predatory insects to feed on pests and other insects that have been destroying plants. Use of biological pest control is useful because it prevents the use of pesticides, which might not be harmful to the environment but also the final consumer of the fruits.
