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Although we would like to grow our apples organically, it is nearly impossible to acheive good quality fruit and a large enough crop to stay in business. This is due to our location. The moist, humid, and hot conditions in New England provide a perfect habitat for many orchard insect pests and diseases. So, at our orchard we practice whats called "Integrated Pest Managment" or IPM. We call our blueberries "Low Spray". They are usually only sprayed once or twice a year, and we are experimenting with an organic blueberry patch (not certified).
The following is how the Environmental Protection Agency defines IPM:
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.
IPM takes advantage of all appropriate pest management options including, but not limited to, the judicious use of pesticides. In contrast, organic food production applies many of the same concepts as IPM but limits the use of pesticides to those that are produced from natural sources, as opposed to synthetic chemicals.
Age-old, common-sense practices are what many people associate with IPM. Today many growers no longer apply pesticides to food on a regular basis regardless of whether or not there are insects, weeds, or other pest problems.
Some practices for preventing pest damage may include:
- inspecting crops and monitoring crops for damage, and
- using mechanical trapping devices, natural predators (e.g., insects that eat other insects), insect growth regulators, mating disruption substances (pheromones), and if necessary, chemical pesticides. The use of biological pesticides is an important component of IPM.
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Seal of Quality: We are proud that we have been approved by the State of Vermont to display this seal on our blueberries. This label signifies that the product is 100% produced and processed in Vermont.
Vermont Fresh Network: The Vermont Fresh Network helps Vermont farms and restaurants team up to provide the freshest local food at restaurants.
Buy Local: Buying your food locally is important! Not only does it support your neighboring farms, it also supports your local and state economies. In addition buying local means buying fresh, and everyone knows fresh is best. It tastes better and its better for you. Did you know that if Vermonter shifted just 10% of there food purchases to locally grown products, it would add more than $100 Million Dollars to the Vermont economy. |
