There is a lot of talk about sustainability.
So what does it mean, practically, for a small farm?
By definition, to be sustainable is to be able to last, to keep farming.
In order to do so, an awareness of the environmental, social,
and economic consequences of our actions is required.
Most of the trees we grow at Penryn Orchard Specialties live to be 150 years old,
so sustainable practices are a must.
Environmental Responsibility
- Learn everything you can about what you grow and how to care for it.
- Nourish your soil so it can feed the trees and plants.
- Don't contaminate the aquifers.
- Use water wisely and sparingly.
- Work with nature, enlisting the help of beneficial insects and animals,
and companion plants whenever possible. - Use sprays only when absolutely needed to protect the crop, even when they are organic.
- Take only what you need, and use all you take.
Social Commitment
- Nurture relationships with neighbors, community, suppliers, and customers.
- Support locally owned businesses,
- Share your knowledge, be an educator.
- Reliably and consistently deliver the best product and service possible, and stand by it.
Economic Sense
- Develop a diversity of markets and products.
- Always give the customers value for their purchase,
while earning enough to keep the farm financially viable. - Keep developing new and better products to bring to market.