Westfalia Fruit Pays Tribute to Founder With Sustainable Farming Initiatives; Zac Bard Shares
OXNARD, CA - Not only was Westfalia Fruit's Founder a geologist, he was an innovator and pioneer in environmental farming initiatives. The supplier honors this iconic man, Dr. Hans Merensky, by setting forth new sustainability goals. Looking to conserve vital resources including water, soil, and more, the company developed environmentally friendly farming techniques that will continue to nourish the land and consumers.
“Dr. Merensky’s approach was that if you see a problem, you experiment on a small scale, roll it out on a larger scale, and then you do it commercially,” explained Zac Bard, Executive Manager for Westfalia Africa. “That’s exactly what’s still done today.”
In his last will and testament, the Founder stressed that Westfalia must continue to farm as a bioresource company, growing in harmony with nature and the people of Southern Africa, a release explained. Keeping this message in mind, the company implemented innovative methods that include low-flow drip technology, using small pipes to emit less than one liter of water an hour. This allows Westfalia to use 43 percent less water while also improving the air in the soil, increasing the output and economic value of its fruit.
Westfalia has also committed to becoming lifetime carbon-neutral by 2049 in addition to its sustainable farming practices. This date will also mark the 100-year anniversary of the establishment of the company’s first farm in South Africa and the Hans Merensky Trust.
Additionally, Westfalia is committed to the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals, as well as setting its own targets for environmental protection. In 2020, the supplier improved water-use efficiency by 14 percent, generated 50 percent more of its own electricity, reduced waste to landfill by 9 percent, and lowered its carbon footprint per kilo of fruit by 5 percent. Westfalia wants to achieve zero waste to landfill by 2025, carbon neutrality by 2030, and reduce pesticide usage on farms by 50 percent by 2035.
To read more about Westfalia’s initiatives, click here.
With these goals in place, what will be Westfalia’s next innovative move? Stick with AndNowUKnow for updates.
