ELGIN, MN - Honeybear® Brands recently received an industry honor in regards to its commitment to sustainability. The grower and packer of premium apples was honored with an International Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Symposium Award of Recognition. Selected as one of three winners for the 2021 IPM Team, Honeybear Brands was recognized for its TruEarth® program.
“Our sustainability journey began over ten years ago with the creation of the TruEarth certification, a set of growing protocols developed in collaboration with IPM and Midwest regional growers that includes dedication to water conservation, limited pesticide use, development of healthy pollinator habitat, and provides growers with the best possible outcome for healthy orchards,” said Don Roper, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Honeybear Brands. “We are honored to be recognized for our mission to grow great food responsibly. TruEarth ensures we are keeping that promise to customers and to nature.”
The TruEarth certification program is an advanced IPM certification program enabling growers to produce top-quality fruit, while reducing Honeybear’s ecosystem impact. The program has been followed since its introduction and now encompasses all of the company’s growers in the Upper Mississippi River Valley Region. The TruEarth program compliments Honeybear’s sustainability goals that touch all operations, including pollinator health; packaging; food loss and waste; and climate and energy.
According to a press release, the award is designed for groups, projects, or organizations that deserve special recognition for their work implementing practices effectively managing pests in agriculture communities and natural areas. Companies are selected through a rigorous evaluation process, which includes an in-depth review of the program such as program outcomes, minimized adverse pest effects, improved environmental impact, and a full team contribution.
“IPM combines tools and strategies to reduce pest problems in the most effective, economical, and sustainable ways with minimal risk to people, property, and the environment. IPM is all about teamwork, and our award winners clearly demonstrate the power of collaboration,” said Shaku Nair, Co-Chair, International IPM Symposium awards committee.
Congratulations to Honeybear on this achievement!
