combined greener field together case studies

Meet Greener Fields Together National Farms Partner: Naturipe® is a partnership between four fresh berry growers: Hortifruit S.A.; Michigan Blueberry Growers; Munger Farms; and Naturipe Berry Growers. Naturipe growers are found throughout the Western Hemisphere, providing year-round strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and cranberries, as well as local varieties when in season.

The Greener Fields Together

National Farm program is

designed to build and

manage a farm supplier

network dedicated to

examining and improving

sustainability in their

operations. Through 5Ps

of Sustainability™ Verified

Case Studies, SureHarvest

will assist Greener Fields

Together National Farm

partners to evaluate their

sustainability efforts

according to the 5Ps.

SureHarvest then conducts

on-site verification to ensure

accuracy and authenticity.

“IPM is an art that

draws its inspiration

from a desire to be a

good steward of the

land, but is based in

science. A farmer who

applies IPM will fail

if there is no under-

standing of the biology

and chemistry of the

ecosystem where the

IPM is being practiced.” –Tom Am Rhein, Vice President

of Naturipe Berry Growers

5Ps Verified Case Study: Pest Management

Naturipe practices Integrated Pest Management (IPM)—an effective

and environmentally sound approach to pest management—as a

matter of company policy. For more than thirty years, Naturipe has

advanced its IPM program to enhance pests’ natural enemies and

reduce pesticide use in managing Lygus bug, a major pest for

California strawberries. SureHarvest documented and verified this

Lygus bug IPM program using the 5Ps of Sustainability.™

Sustainabllity Highlights

Naturipe has a long-standing, highly refined IPM program for Lygus

bug. From field operations to executive management, the company

marries up-to-date science with on-farm realities in its California

strawberry operations. Naturipe has established itself as an industry

leader in Lygus bug IPM and is well positioned to continuously

improve its pest management program.

Naturipe allows the natural ecosystem to help keep Lygus bug

in check by enhancing natural habitat and promoting beneficial

plants around its farms. The company consistently finds that its IPM

program substantially reduces pest populations and crop damage.

Naturipe knows that proper implementation of its IPM program for

Lygus bug results in fewer resistance problems, less overall pesticide

use, and more high-quality fruit.

Greener Fields Together Case Study SummaryNaturipe: Integrated Pest Management of California Strawberries

Verified Case Study: Naturipe IPM of California Strawberries March 2013

VERIFIEDSureHarvest

TM

1. Sustainability Principles

Naturipe strawberries are grown with a

company commitment to:

• Provide consumers a healthy, enjoyable

eating experience

• Create an enjoyable work environment

that allows employees to achieve their

full potential

• Operate in a legal, ethical and socially

responsible manner

2. Sustainablity Processes

Naturipe is committed to using IPM in its

farming operations to economically manage

pests with the least possible hazard to people,

property, and the environment. Naturipe

realizes the importance of its IPM program to

manage Lygus bug, a serious pest in the company’s

main strawberry growing regions in California.

For more than three decades, Naturipe has

been dedicated to IPM and supporting industry-

wide research and education efforts.

3. Sustainability Practices

As part of its IPM program, Naturipe uses a

suite of practices including: weekly field sampling

for Lygus bugs; establishing action thresholds;

protecting natural habitat surrounding cropland;

weed-host control; utilizing non-spray methods

such as bug vacuums when effective; and care-

fully selecting and timing necessary pesticide

applications for optimal efficacy. Naturipe walks

the fields frequently to observe first-hand if

Lygus bug and other pests are causing damage

to the plants and fruit.

The company has highly trained, certified field

and management team members who remain

up-to-date on the latest research in IPM

methods. Central to its program is participation

in industry and university IPM research trials.

This basic research is then taken and adapted

to meet the site-specific conditions at each


Principles

The core values that define the

business strategy

Processes

The sets of managed activities that

create internal and external value

Practices

The methods used to accomplish

the desired operational results

Performance

The metrics and measurements

used to evaluate practice and

process results

Progress

The approach used to document,

communicate and drive continuous

improvement over time

SureHarvest

utilizes its

5Ps of

Sustainability™

–a continuous

improvement

business management methodology

–to craft case studies that evaluate

the alignment and execution of Greener

Fields Together National Farm partners’

sustainability efforts that contribute to

financial profitability, environmental steward-

ship and social progress. Each case study

goes through a verification step to confirm

that the reported information is accurate,

thorough and authentic.

Intensive monitoring of the Lygus bug population is key to prevent the build-up of this pest population and detect when it reaches economically significant levels. Through prevention, biologic control methods, and carefully timed pesticide applications, Lygus bug can be optimally managed. Source: photo of Lygus pratensis courtesy of E.Balocchi. August 2009, Busalla, Genova.

As a key component of Naturipe’s commitment

to social responsibility and continual improve-

ment, the Board of Directors develops an annual

business plan that includes its social responsibility

priorities, and meets quarterly to evaluate

progress. Upper management team members tie

their annual work plans and compensation

directly to these strategic goals. Naturipe holds

meetings at all levels in the company during the

year to consider progress within its California

strawberry operations toward the company’s

strategic goals. Each fall, a large group of Naturipe

district and country representatives come

together to evaluate and refine their strategies

for strawberry operations.

company farm. In addition to managing its own

1,500 acres using IPM, Naturipe meets regularly

with its third-party growers to conduct trainings

and encourage information sharing within its

growing community.

4. Sustainablity Performance

Naturipe’s metric for success of its IPM program

is documenting that the protocols are put in

place and properly followed. Research and experi-

ence shows that regardless of what Lygus bug

populations or fruit damage might have occurred

in any given year, the results would have been

worse if the protocols had not been applied.

Naturipe carefully tracks and compiles field data

into a spreadsheet to chart Lygus bug popula-

tions throughout the season. To monitor and

evaluate its in-house and third-party grower IPM

programs, the company collects pesticide use

reports, conducts monthly random pesticide

residue tests, and adheres to a strict fruit

grading system.

5. Sustainablity Progress

Naturipe conducts internal trainings for field crews

and requires that key personnel attend external

trainings on IPM methods for California straw-

berries. The strawberry IPM team is in constant

communication about pest pressures and other

variables to insure that proper methods are used

to manage Lygus bug populations. Each winter,

farm-level group meetings are held to recount the

prior season and make plans and adjustments for

the next season.

During a typical growing season, a quality IPM program helps keep the Lygus bug population low, and reduces total pesticide use.

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

.5

0

May Jun Jul

Aug Sep

Oct

Non IPM

IPM


“When I first started

farming strawberries

years ago, I felt like

we were spraying

all the time. As we

applied and improved

our IPM program

over the years, we

have been able to

really reduce our

pesticide use.” –Mario Aguas-Alvarado,

Proud Grower for Naturipe

Naturipe is a partnership between four

fresh berry growers: Hortifruit S.A.;

Michigan Blueberry Growers; Munger

Farms; and Naturipe Berry Growers.

Naturipe growers are found throughout

the Western Hemisphere, providing

year-round strawberries, blueberries,

blackberries, raspberries, and cranberries,

as well as local varieties when in season.

The number one priority at Naturipe

is to provide healthy, nutritious and

tasty berries.

Since 1917, Naturipe Berry Growers

has brought berries, both conventional

and organic, to market. Based in Salinas,

California, Naturipe Berry Growers

produces berries within the very special-

ized maritime climate of the Pacific

coastline, including Irvine, Oxnard, Salinas,

Watsonville and Santa Maria. Naturipe

Berry Growers has ninety years of

experience, dedication, exclusive growers,

and safe growing practices.

For more information, please visit

www.naturipefarms.com

The Greener Fields Together National

Farm program was launched in 2012,

with the intent to build and manage a

supplier network of national farms dedi-

cated to examining sustainability in their

operations. Through the completion of

5Ps of Sustainability™Verified Case Studies

and reporting, the program will reveal

the efforts being made toward more

sustainable operations.

Sustainability process areas in the

Greener Fields Together National Farm

program include:

• Community

• Employee Wellness

• Energy and Climate

• Packaging

• Pest Management

• Soil Management

• Waste Management

• Water Management

The Greener Fields Together effort will

demonstrate the commitment farmers

are making toward ensuring a future

for food.


www.greenerfieldstogether.org

SureHarvest is an agri-food sustainability

solutions company delivering practical

strategies, proven technologies, and

exceptional services to accelerate financial

profitability, environmental stewardship

and social progress.

Clients span the agri-food value chain and

benefit from SureHarvest’s market-leading

expertise and experience in the design,

execution and verification of sustainability

initiatives. Our services are often coupled

with farm management and sustainability

program management software technolo-

gies to provide turnkey solutions.

SureHarvest is the pioneer in adapting

business process approaches (e.g. Total

Quality Management, Six Sigma, Lean,

etc.) to the more variable conditions of

farming, harvest logistics, and packing/ship-

ping. Titled the 5Ps of Sustainability™, this

business process management approach is

used as the principal strategic framework

for creating value with our customers.


www.sureharvest.com


Naturipe: Integrated Pest Management of California Strawberries

TM

Meet Greener Fields Together National Farms Partner: Founded in 1996, NewStar Fresh Foods is built on a legacy that spans centuries as the result of merging leading Salinas and Pajaro Valley family farmers. NewStar’s roots are steeped in innovation, having built a reputation as the innovators of packaged spinach, and pioneered the development of iceless green onions. Today, NewStar stands out as the world’s largest shipper of iceless green onions, and continues to focus on industry leadership in value-added spinach, asparagus, and tender leaf products.








operations. Through 5P’s







according to the 5P’s.

SureHarevest then conducts



Being one of the first

farming operations in the

region to adopt drip

irrigation, NewStar is

using less water and

energy to grow crops

while improving

food safety.

30% CROPLAND CONVERTED TO DRIP IRRIGATION

5P’s Verified Case Study: Water Management

NewStar is committed to the spirit and practice of doing the right

thing. A key component of this commitment is conserving water.

In the fall of 2012, NewStar made significant progress in water

conservation at its Mexicali, Mexico operations by converting nearly

one third of its acreage to drip irrigation and implementing other

water saving techniques. SureHarvest documented and verified the

Mexicali operation’s water saving program.


NewStar Fresh Foods is bringing innovative water saving practices

to the Mexicali growing region. NewStar is making significant prog-

ress in formally establishing and maintaining its process of continual

improvement in water management at its Mexicali farming opera-

tions, and has benefited from culturally and geographically adapting

water conservation techniques used in its other farming regions.

In the 2012-2013 growing season, NewStar expects to see signifi-

cant water savings through better irrigation efficiency. The company

projects their investment in the drip system to result in reduced

water costs, increased yields, and higher product quality.

Greener Fields Together Case Study SummaryNewStar Fresh Foods: Mexicali Water Management

Verified Case Study: NewStar Fresh Foods: Water Management December, 2012 Page 1

VERIFIEDSureHarvest


NewStar sustainability embodies the spirit and

practice of doing the right thing, in balance

with the business, the employees, and Mother

Nature herself.

NewStar’s principles for “Doing the right thing”

include:

• Providing a quality work environment

• Investing in our communities

• Reducing our environmental footprint

• Engaging in responsible practices


The company’s staff and management identified

multiple sustainability benefits that would be

achieved by implementing water conservation

processes including reducing long-term irriga-

tion costs, improving food safety, and optimizing

water use. NewStar took the initiative to con-

vert 600 of its more than 2000 acres farmed in

Mexicali, Mexico to drip irrigation. NewStar is

one of the first operations in the Mexicali basin

to convert to drip irrigation.


NewStar implemented a suite of water use

efficiency practices including the installation of

drip irrigation, monitoring the irrigation system

at all times to insure it is operating properly,

irrigating at night during times of extreme heat,

eliminating tailwater runoff through optimizing

water use, and returning unused water back to

the irrigation canal for other users.

The Mexicali growing region relies entirely

on irrigation water provided from the Colo-

rado River. From a food safety and resource

conservation perspective converting nearly one

third of the Mexicali acreage to drip irrigation

was important and timely. The transition away

from the long-standing tradition of furrow or

sprinkle irrigation required retraining of local

field personnel who make up a set of highly

experienced on-site irrigators.


Principles


business strategy

Processes



Practices

The methods used to accomplish the

desired operational results

Performance

The metrics and measurements used

to evaluate practice and process

results

Progress




SureHarvest

utilizes its

5P’s of

Sustainability™

-- a continuous

improvement


-- to craft case studies that evaluate









employing years of experience in making

judgments on when and how much to irrigate.

The investments made in water conservation in

Mexicali reflect the company’s strong commit-

ment to advance sustainability in its operations.


NewStar has recently incorporated flow meter

readings to track water use as part of its stan-

dard operation and is committed to “measuring

and managing” water use efficiency by adopting

improved data collection and management tech-

niques throughout its Mexicali operations. Very

few ranches in the Mexicali growing region utilize

flow meters and instead rely on the local irriga-

tion district records to track daily and seasonal

water use.


A key component of NewStar’s continuous

improvement approach is the annual review and

selection of capital improvement projects. Each

year department or regional operations develop

a list of their high-priority projects that meet

multiple company objectives including food safety,

cost reduction, resource conservation and social

responsibility. Management reviews and selects

the final projects. Once implemented, projects

are evaluated to insure they meet the anticipated

benefits and cost savings.

The success of the Mexicali water management

efforts ultimately depend on the day-to-day

decisions made on the farm. NewStar operation

and quality assurance staff remain abreast of

basin-wide water management issues and

monitor on-farm water usage over time by

reviewing annual irrigation records. At the field

level, NewStar personnel bring an awareness to

minimize water use and they take pride in

With drip irrigation, more of the applied water, about 90%, makes it to the plant and soil.

Flow meters allow irrigation crews to keep an accurate

accounting of water being applied to NewStar crops.


NewStar expects to use

approximately 50% less

water per unit harvested on

the 600 acres they have

converted to drip irrigation.

PROJECTED D ECREASE IN WATER USE PER CARTON

50%

Traditional flood irrigation delivers only 50% of the water applied to the crop.

IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY

Flood Sprinkler Drip

Founded in 1996, NewStar Fresh Foods

grows and harvests on farms in premier

growing regions, and has grown to

become a leader in providing superior

quality value added produce. NewStar

offers a broad line of commodities

and its flagship items: green onions,

asparagus, and value-added spinach and

tender leaf greens. Steeped in innova-

tion, NewStar built a reputation as the

innovators of packaged spinach (Fresh

Choice® brand), and were pioneers of

the development of iceless green onions.

Today, NewStar stands out as the

world’s largest shipper of iceless green

onions. NewStar operates process-

ing facilities in Salinas, California, Yuma,

Arizona, and Mexicali, Mexico. NewStar’s

Mexicali operation—EstrellaNueva—is

a major producing region for NewStar

green onions and other specialty crops.


www.newstarfresh.com



intent to build and manage a supplier

network of national farms dedicated to

examining sustainability in their opera-

tions. Through the completion of 5P’s of

Sustainability™Verified Case Studies and

reporting, the program will reveal





program include:

• Community



• Packaging

• Pest Management

• Soil Management






for food.





strategies, proven technologies, and ex-

ceptional services to accelerate financial



Clients span the agri-food value chain

and benefit from SureHarvest’s market-

leading expertise and experience in the

design, execution and verification of sus-

tainability initiatives. Our services are

often coupled with farm management

and sustainability program management

software technologies to provide

turnkey solutions.





farming, harvest logistics, and packing/

shipping. Titled the 5P’s of Sustainability™,

this business process management ap-

proach is used as the principal strategic

framework for creating value with our

customers.


www.sureharvest.com


NewStar Fresh Foods: Water Management

Meet Greener Fields Together National Farms Partner:

Formed in 1893, Sunkist is a not-for-profit marketing cooperative owned by and

operated for its citrus grower members in California and Arizona. In 1907, the

growers formed Fruit Growers Supply Company (FGS) to provide most of the

materials to help grow, harvest, and package fresh citrus.








operations. Through 5Ps







according to the 5Ps.

SureHarvest then conducts



Sunkist prioritizes

recycling throughout the

life cycle of its fully

recyclable cartons by

optimizing recycled

content to maintain

carton integrity and

also recycling 100%

of the trimmings

from production.

65% recycled cardboard in cartons

5Ps Verified Case Study: Packaging

As part of its commitment to sustainable packaging practices, Sunkist

is dedicated to improving the material sourcing and manufacturing

of the FGS® corrugated cartons at the plant in Ontario, California.

In 2010, FGS was awarded Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®)

certification for the 328,000 acres of forestlands the company

owns and harvests, and in 2012, for the carton manufacturing plant.

SureHarvest documented and verified the Ontario plant sustainable

packaging program using the 5Ps of Sustainability.™


Sunkist has a history of innovation and stewardship that is demon-

strated in its effort to reduce the environmental impact of its fresh

fruit packaging. Sunkist’s initiative to obtain SFI certification highlights

its efforts, and illustrates the company’s commitment to make con-

tinual improvements to its package manufacturing.

By sourcing 100% SFI-certified materials for the production of its

cartons, Sunkist supports forests managed to promote biodiversity,

sustainable harvesting methods, and healthy habitats. The company

expects SFI certification will help ensure a future fiber supply to

meet global packaging needs while promoting long-term forest and

community health.

Greener Fields Together Case Study Summarysunkist: carton Manufacturing

Verified Case Study: Sunkist Carton Manufacturing March 2013 Page 1

VeriFiedSureHarvest

TM


Proud of its long history of adopting sustain-

able principles in packaging of citrus and other

fresh fruit, Sunkist is dedicated to sustainable

packaging practices that are good for the

environment, productivity, and business.


Control over the carton manufacturing process

was an area in which Sunkist could achieve signifi-

cant gains toward good sustainable packaging

practices. The foodservice corrugated cartons

used to transport Sunkist® fruit are manufac-

tured in the FGS plant in Ontario, California,

where the processes, practices and controls

enable Sunkist to reduce the environmental

footprint of packaging production.


Dedicated to reducing the company’s environ-

mental footprint, Sunkist took the initiative to

adopt sustainable materials and methods to

produce its corrugated cartons. Key carton

design features include the use of water-based

inks for printing, corn-based adhesives, un-

coated cartons that are fully recyclable, using

65% recycled content, and virgin material from

SFI-certified sources.

FGS has integrated many resource conserva-

tion practices into its Ontario facility and

manufacturing process. The plant captures

100% of its processing waste-water for in-plant

reuse to manufacture the carton adhesive.

Since 2010,100% of irrigation for landscap-

ing is reclaimed, recycled water from the city,

cutting fresh water use at the plant by 7.8

million gallons per year. All carton trimmings

and remnants are recycled. Lighting efficiencies

include the installation of skylights for natural


Principles


business strategy

Processes



Practices

The methods used to accomplish

the desired operational results

Performance

The metrics and measurements

used to evaluate practice and

process results

Progress




SureHarvest

utilizes its

5Ps of

Sustainability™

–a continuous

improvement

business management methodology–

to craft case studies that evaluate









Water-based inks

Corn-based adhesives

Uncoated, fully recyclable

Recycled content

SFI-certified sourced materials

are monitored regularly, and reviewed through-

out the year by facility staff. A packaging meeting

is convened monthly to evaluate performance

and improve efficiencies of the packaging

and operations.

5lighting so electrical lights are used only when

needed. Light-misers are in place to detect when

light conditions are low and high-efficiency bulbs

are used to further reduce electricity use.


Committed to SFI certification as a matter

of company policy, Sunkist and FGS regularly

conduct management reviews, evaluate program

performance (in part internally and also through

third party audits), and drive toward continual

improvements through education and training.

The employees at the carton plant are highly

engaged in the daily operations. Company em-

ployees regularly monitor machinery to ensure

it is operating properly to achieve quality, safety

and efficiency standards. Energy use at the plant

is meter monitored and tracked using the local

electric utility company’s tools and resources.

Water use is tracked monthly through two flow

meters, one for total plant fresh water use, and

another for recycled water used to irrigate the

landscaping.


Sunkist is committed to the continual evaluation

and improvement of its packaging program.

Sunkist and FGS management share corporate

offices, which facilitates regular communication

and weekly meetings. Carton plant staff regularly

engages with management to balance goals with

operational challenges. Energy consumption,

water use and reuse data, and carton waste

Enough water saved to supply 53 U.S. families of four for one year.

SFI certification is science-based and supports the responsible

production of wood and paper products, communities, jobs

and conservation values that are derived from working forests.

saVed: 7.8 Million Gallons oF FresH Water Per year.

Water Conservation Program


Switching to recycled water

to irrigate its landscaping

allows FGS to reduce

demands on valuable fresh

water resources while staying

in compliance with city code

that requires landscape

maintenance.

conVersion to recycledWater ForlandscaPe

100%

Sunkist is a not-for-profit marketing coop-

erative formed in 1893. It is entirely owned

by and operated for its approximately

3,000 California and Arizona citrus growers.

Sunkist members grow oranges, tangerines,

mandarins, lemons, limes, grapefruit, organic

citrus and table grapes.

In 1907, grower members of the Sunkist

cooperative formed Fruit Growers Supply

Company to source wood and produce

cartons for packing fresh citrus. Fruit

Growers Supply Company shares many of

the same board members with Sunkist,

including the chairman. Today, the company

has a carton manufacturing plant in Ontario,

California and owns approximately 328,000

acres of Sustainable Forestry Initiative

certified forestlands in Oregon, Washington,

and California.


foodservice.sunkist.com

Sunkist is a registered trademark of Sunkist Growers, Inc.,

Sherman Oaks, CA 91423, USA, All rights reserved.

fgs is a registered trademark of Fruit Growers Supply

Company, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423, USA, All rights reserved.


Farm program was launched in 2012, with

the intent to build and manage a supplier



tions. Through the completion of 5Ps of







program include:

• Community



• Packaging

• Pest Management

• Soil Management






for food.






















ping. Titled the 5Ps of Sustainability™, this





www.sureharvest.com

TM


sunkist: carton Manufacturing

Meet Greener Fields Together National Farms Partner:

Taylor Farms California, Inc. processes fresh produce to make a variety of salads, vegetable and healthy snack products for consumers throughout North America. Operating in Salinas, California and Yuma, Arizona, Taylor Farms makes about one out of every three salads consumed in restaurants and foodservice outlets in the United States.Taylor Farms aligns itself with family farmers in California and Arizona who grow fruits and vegetables for its fresh products.








operations. Through 5P’s







according to the 5P’s.

SureHarevest then conducts



These savings were

achieved on top of

previously recognized

accomplishments; the

facility received a 2008

and 2009 “Energy

Champion Award” from

the U.S. Department

of Energy.

10% REDUCTION IN TOTAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION

5P’s Verified Case Study: Energy and Climate

As part of its “Green Projects” initiative, Taylor Fresh Foods is

reducing energy use at its processing facilities throughout North

America. In early 2011, Taylor Farms California–an affiliate of Taylor

Fresh Foods–made significant upgrades to its refrigeration and

lighting systems at the Abbott Street processing plant in Salinas.

SureHarvest documented and verified the Abbott Street plant

energy program using the 5P’s of Sustainability.™


Taylor Farms has a sophisticated, highly responsive protocol for

evaluating success and challenges to its energy savings program.

With participation and buy in at every level within the company,

Taylor Farms is well positioned to make sustainable, continual

improvements for energy conservation at its Abbott Street plant.

In 2011,Taylor Farms realized annual energy savings of 1.74 million

kWh, enough to power 151 US households per year. These envi-

ronmental returns on investment are expected to yield a 3½ year

return on Taylor Farms’ financial investment in energy upgrades

at the plant.

Greener Fields Together Case StudyEnergy and Climate at Taylor Farms’ Abbott Street Plant

Verified Case Study: Taylor Farms’ Abbott Street Plant Energy and Climate September, 2012 Page 1

VERIFIEDSureHarvest


Taylor Farms is dedicated to:

• Adopting effective processing techniques that

maximize value in production and use of natural

resources.

• Building a better sense of community among

its members and developing goodwill with

customers.

• Making environmental management decisions

that influence real and tangible factors that can

affect us all.


Dedicated to reducing the amount of energy

used in its processing facilities, Taylor Farms

took the initiative to make small, medium and

large energy conservation improvements in

its Abbott Street processing plant. This facility

was selected through company brainstorming

sessions to identify which areas in the process-

ing plant could benefit most from increased

attention and capital spending to meet a variety

of organizational goals such as cost reduction,

corporate responsibility, and performance

monitoring.


Fresh produce arrives at the plant from the

farm fields and is cooled to 35-36°F. The

produce is maintained at this temperature

throughout processing through refrigeration

systems. These systems consume between

55-65% of the total electrical energy use at the

plant. Improving refrigeration energy efficiency

was a logical focal point.

An internal focus team for energy worked with

VaCom Technologies, an industrial refrigeration

company, to target optimal points in the refrig-

eration system for improvement. Upgrades to

the refrigeration system included installation

ENERGY USE AND LOSS THROUGH PROCESSING

PRE-COOLING

• Vacuum Coolers

• Forklifts

PRE-STORAGE

• Refrigeration

• Air Circulation

• Lighting

• Forklifts

• Building Seals

PROCESSING

• Refrigeration

• Air Circulation

• Processing Equipment

• Lighting

• Building Seals

• Compressors

POST-STORAGE

• Refrigeration

• Air Circulation

• Lighting

• Forklifts

• Building Seals


Principles


business strategy

Processes



Practices

The methods used to accomplish the

desired operational results

Performance

The metrics and measurements used

to evaluate practice and process

results

Progress




SureHarvest

utilizes its

5 P’s of

Sustainability™

-- a continuous

improvement


-- to craft case studies that evaluate









health and comparison data used to measure

performance on a quarterly basis. Additionally,

energy use performance is tracked remotely by

VaCom and reports are generated for Taylor

Farm’s use on a quarterly basis.


Taylor Farms has a sophisticated, highly responsive

protocol for evaluating success and challenges to

their energy savings program that values full

participation and buy-in at every level in the

company, starting from the ground up. Through

its process of continual improvement, Taylor

Farms evaluates practice efficacy and future

energy savings on a regular basis.

The energy focus group communicates regularly

through email and group meetings. Weekly

operation and maintenance meetings are

conducted between the Engineering Department

and refrigeration contractor. Taylor Farms carries

out monthly internal energy use reviews and

holds quarterly meetings to review usage and

system performance with VaCom.

To keep its guiding principles current and

evaluate company-wide performance, Taylor

Farms holds an annual managers’ meeting. Prior

to the annual meeting, each department holds

smaller group meetings to generate ideas and

evaluate high-level issues to optimize effective-

ness at the managers meeting. Employee input is

valued and suggestions help identify areas for

improvement.

of state of the art refrigeration software and

hardware technologies.

Other key steps include installation of top of

the line air compressors with modern insulation

systems, automated doors to maintain low tem-

peratures inside the plant, and improved lighting

placement and fixtures.


Taylor Farms utilizes a range of metrics to assess

the energy use reductions achieved as a result of

the equipment upgrades and practice improve-

ments made at the Abbott Street plant.

Total energy use is evaluated using Pacific Gas

and Electric (PG&E) on-line tools that allow

month-to-month and year-to-year comparisons of

energy usage and resulting savings. Taylor also cal-

culates energy use of each large refrigeration unit

in real-time, which provides a baseline of system

Energy saved in 2011 was enough to power 151 US households for an entire year.

A state of the art computer system enables engineering staff

to achieve optimal power usage to meet refrigeration needs

throughout the plant.


Operating seasonally from April

to November, the Abbott Street

plant is saving about 7,200

kWh of energy every day,

enough to power 1,500 HD

TV’s for the day.

K I L O W A T T H O U R SS A V E D E V E RY M I N UTE

5.0

Each house equals five US households’ annual energy use.

30

25

20

15

10

5

Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov

ENERGY SAVINGS EQUIVALENT (US Households)

Taylor Fresh Foods, Inc. (known as Taylor

Farms) was founded by Bruce Taylor and

several partners in 1995 with the quest

of becoming “America’s Favorite Salad

Maker”. Headquartered in Salinas, Cali-

fornia, Taylor Farms is the world’s largest

producer of fresh-cut vegetables. Taylor

Farms has strategically positioned itself

with eleven US processing plants and

one in Mexico to supply its customers

and end consumers with the freshest and

greatest tasting products industry wide.

Taylor Farms California, Inc.—an affiliate

of Taylor Fresh Foods—operates season-

ally in Salinas, California and Yuma, Arizo-

na. From April until mid-November, Taylor

Farms California processes fresh produce

in their processing facilities in the Salinas

area. In mid-November operations shift

south to Taylor Farm’s processing plant in

the Yuma area.


www.taylorfarmsfoodservice.com



intent to build and manage a supplier



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• Pest Management

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ping. Titled the 5 P’s of Sustainability™, this





www.sureharvest.com


Energy and Climate at Taylor Farms’ Abbott Street Plant

combined greener field together case studies

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