As Earth Day approaches, it is important to reflect on the impact that we have on our planet and the steps we can take to protect it. At BCFoods, we believe that sustainability should be a year-round effort, and we are committed to doing our part to preserve the earth for future generations.
BCFoods farms thousands of acres of land to grow tens of thousands of tons of produce. According to the World Resources Institute, only about a quarter of commercial agricultural producers measure and manage their greenhouse gas emissions. We not only measure our emissions but also our effects on soil and ground water. We’re proud of the actions we take to reduce our environmental impact.
BCFoods’ Sustainability Efforts
One of the ways we demonstrate our commitment to sustainability is through responsible sourcing. We prioritize local and regional sourcing whenever possible, and we collaborate with suppliers who share our values and commitment to responsible farming practices. We believe that by supporting sustainable agriculture, we can reduce our environmental impact and promote a healthier food system.
In 2021, BCFoods embarked on a project at two local farms in China (over 600 acres) to address unnecessary usage of water and pesticides. Through this project, we helped our farmers to adopt drip irrigation and automation control through the BCFoods Agriculture App and pest risk forecast model. By switching flood irrigation to drip, our farmers reduced water use by 42.5% and reduced pesticide use by 2-3 applications for different seasons, compared to 3 calendar applications/season.
In our manufacturing processes, we prioritize energy efficiency, waste reduction, and water conservation. We use renewable energy sources when possible and continuously seek out new ways to reduce our carbon footprint. Our waste reduction efforts include reducing packaging waste, repurposing byproducts, and recycling wherever possible.
Gold Level Farm Sustainability Assessment
Additionally, BCFoods has achieved Gold Level FSA. The Gold level FSA (Farm Sustainability Assessment) is a certification program that recognizes food companies for their commitment to sustainability. The FSA is a platform developed by the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) that helps food companies assess their sustainability performance across various areas, including environmental impact, social responsibility, and economic viability. The Gold level FSA certification is the highest level of certification awarded by the SFTA, and it indicates that a company has achieved a high level of sustainability performance and is committed to continuous improvement.
This Earth Day, we want to remind our customers, suppliers, and partners of our commitment to sustainability and encourage them to join us in protecting the planet.