[Green Growing] Sustainable Agriculture

More than sixty years ago, George Washington Carver said, “I believe the Great Creator has put ores and oil on this earth to give us a breathing spell. As we exhaust them, we must be prepared to fall back on our farms, which are God’s true storehouse, and can never be exhausted. For we can learn to synthesize materials for every human need from the things that grow.”

WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE? Since the end of World War II, agriculture in America has changed dramatically. American farmers were strongly encouraged to maximize production and capitalized on new technologies to dramatically increase food production yields through agricultural specialization and increased use of fertilizers and chemicals. These changes significantly increased food available for markets in America as well as excess products for export. Unfortunately, these changes in farming practices were not without a cost. Topsoil depletion, ground water contamination and a decline in small and mid-size farm family units have caused economic and social problems within rural communities.

The term agricultural sustainability is complex and difficult to define. Some may say that it is a multi-dimensional topic that encompasses the environment, family, community and even the economy of our country. To be more specific, our company defines agricultural sustainability as the management and conservation of natural resources for present and future generations with minimal impact to the environment. Activities associated with sustainability must be environmentally sound, economically viable and socially responsive.

MORE THAN A BUZZWORD. Sustainable practices include products, systems and procedures. Multi-dimensional aspects include the advancement of agricultural practices such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM), the implementation of effective water conservation techniques, and the need to mitigate any ecological damage that may be caused by an agriculture production operation — either to the habitat or to a specific wetland.

Also, stewardship of the land should include recycling or composting of agricultural waste and the proper disposal of agriculture chemicals. In turn, further focus must be given in agriculture to adhere to recognized labor and community standards to include employee health and safety, wages, living conditions, discrimination and hiring practices.

I am frequently asked by various business and social communities about the scope of Agricultural Sustainability activities at Sysco. Many people often ask, “Why is a food distributor making this commitment?” Our activities in agricultural sustainability contribute to our corporate platform of corporate social responsibility.

Our company has focused a commitment to social, economic and environmental concerns directly related to our business, and the success of various associates along the food supply chain. Agricultural sustainability activities will foster the success of highly differentiated products that are profitable to all stakeholders, encourage farmer ownership and control and contribute to environmental stewardship in rural vitality.

One of our most mature programs of agricultural sustainability is the Sysco Sustainable Integrated Pest Management Program, which was developed and implemented beginning in the 2005 growing season. IPM is the prudent use of agricultural pesticides to support a more sustainable state of land, water, and the environment.

This program currently is supported by 78 branded suppliers representing 168 processing facilities producing branded canned and frozen fruits and vegetables. There are currently approximately 615,000 acres under cultivation to meet our growing needs of fruits and vegetables. During the past growing season we avoided approximately 110,000 pounds of pesticides and 2.2 million pounds of fertilizer and we recycled 185 million tons of waste and 14.8 million pounds of paper/cardboard/plastic/motor oil.

FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS. Our company is working in other areas to make a difference. We have recently completed the development of our Seafood Sustainability Initiative, and look forward to moving forward in the upcoming year. Additionally, we have developed and implemented a social responsibility audit that will be completed at manufacturing facilities in sensitive areas of the world to ensure that equitable treatment of laborers is completed subject to established standards.

I strongly encourage any private or public company involved in the food supply chain to get involved in agricultural sustainability. Look beyond your immediate footprint and remember that all products have a “back story.” Sysco believes that initiatives such as sustainable agriculture are necessary to attain a globally sustainable food supply. There is a definite consumer trend that consumers are demanding to know more about the products they consume and the conditions in which they were raised or grown. agricultural sustainability is a learning journey. Consider getting involved, and remember: Sustainability is not a zero-sum game. It provides economic returns and social recognition for your company.

The author is Vice President, quality assurance and agricultural sustainability, Sysco Corporation.