US (CA): Sun Valley tulips now Rainforest Alliance Certified
The Sun Valley home in Humboldt County exists within the largest Temperate Rainforest in California, populated by Sequoia sempervirens, better known as the tallest tree in the world, the coastal Redwood. You've probably seen Rainforest Alliance Certification seal on food, beverages, and other agricultural products all around the world. That little frog assures that the product comes from a farm that has met the strict standards of the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN), designed with environmental, social, and economic sustainability in mind.
In order to certify the Arcata farm and all its products--lilies, iris, and of course tulips--they are regularly audited for verification of compliance with SAN's comprehensive sustainable guidelines. These guidelines are based upon the basic principles of sustainable farming: biodiversity conservation, improved livelihoods and human well-being, natural resource conservation, and effective planning and farm management systems to reduce waste.
Energy Management
The farm records, reports, and makes efforts to reduce energy usage, by using renewable energy (such as energy-efficient greenhouses and Snap Fans). Team members use bicycles to get from place to place, which is friendlier for land and health.
Soil and Water Conservation
At the farm, they conserve water through the use of drip-tape irrigation, fertigation, and by monitoring waste-water and preventing contamination. They conserve soil with natural barriers to reduce runoff, and utilize steam-sterilization techniques to sanitize and reuse soil, which reduces overall waste.
Working Conditions, Occupational Health, and Community Relations
Team members are treated with respect—not only in accordance with the conventions of the International Labor Organization, but also under the farm's Guiding Principles, which guarantee respect and opportunities to learn and grow, along with access to training and healthcare services. They also have occupational health and safety programs to reduce the risk of accidents and to support the health of team members who are involved with hazardous activities (such as operating heavy machinery).
Integrated Crop Management
Certification requires the shunning of highly toxic pesticides and the use of earth-friendly biological and mechanical methods (good bugs vs. bad bugs) instead. If approved pesticides are used, they are applied responsibly and safely with the protection of team members and the environment in mind.
Integrated Waste Management
The farm manages waste through recycling, reducing, and reusing. They reuse soil by steam-sanitizing it; plus, leftover greenery (stems, roots, bulbs, leaves, and flowers) aren't just thrown in the garbage--they're added to the compost pile out back, where they eventually breaks down into a nutrient-rich additive which can be used again.
For more information:
The Sun Valley Group
3160 Upper Bay Road
Arcata, CA 95521-9690
T: 800-747-0396
F: 707-826-8708
www.thesunvalleygroup.com