Rice Fruit Company, PA (Growers and packers)

 

Family owned for 7 generations

 

Jurisdiction over other apple growers: 80% from other growers – generations of cooperatives

 

Products:

Apples, peaches, nectarines, pears

"We do not grow ‘organic’ fruit. The climate and conditions of our area are not conducive for growing organic fruit.　 There is some organic vegetable production in the state, but virtually no significant production of organic fruit."

 

Food safety:

GAP, SQF certified, full time USDA federal inspector on premises

 

Green:

Porous concrete system allows absorption of runoff and rain before it can enter streams leading to Chesapeake Bay

"Green roof" on storage buildings does similar

 

Pesticide use:

IPM – alternate row spraying

Mating disruption of moths using pheromone cards in trees

Minimal spraying

 

Sustainable:

Each grower uses own methods

"Seven generations has to indicate sustainability"

 

Independent testing:

USDA

 

HACCP approved

 

Fair Trade – No

 

Other state or federal certification:

Good Handling Practices in packing house

GAP in field

Dept. of Labor/OSHA

Required

 

Comments:

Have won awards for green practices