Image courtesy of Green Giantâ„¢ Fresh Potatoes

They also have embraced technology, which has helped them become more efficient and even more sustainable. So not only do they employ these new technologies, but they also have a network of industry leaders, universities and other experts that they turn to consistently, to make sure that no stone is left unturned when it comes to discovering new ways to be sustainable. For example, while some farms will do blanket schedules when it comes to applying water or fertilizer, they do not. They instead monitor pH and nutrient levels of the soil to make sure they only apply water and fertilizers as needed, specifically, and carefully. They constantly optimize all of their farming processes, making sure that every step that they do towards farming the different varieties of potatoes leads them to the most environmentally sound practices that are even possible. With water issues becoming more and more of a concern in farming, they’ve implemented state of the art irrigation systems, which allows for momentary adjustments in water flow based on anything that might be happening, including being weather sensitive. Drip irrigation is really important, and this is being utilized often, resulting in a reduction of water use by up to 20% some years. That’s another thing that I love, they are chipping away at being more efficient and working at it so hard, year after year. In order to strengthen the soil naturally, they also allow for time for some fields to rest. Additionally, their innovative potato research team is working tirelessly behind the scenes developing potato (and onion) varieties that require less water and resources to grow, all via natural cross-pollination methods. Non-gmo.

Furthermore, they use an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, which is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to controlling diseases and pests, and I can speak from experience how challenging those pests can be. They can wear you down, relentless and causing havoc, so using an IPM method versus just using something more potentially quick, is a testament to commitment. They’re taking no short cuts, using specific data collected at the farm on the life cycles of the targeted pests, and control methods are employed to deal with the insects with the least possible hazard to people, property and the environment. This is regularly updated as insects and their threats change rapidly and constantly. I guess this is why the Green Giant™ Fresh and Klondike Brand potatoes are truly the most safe, delicious and ‘healthy’ potatoes out there. Not a sales pitch, but they are truly the best I’ve had.

I have to tell this story though. Weather has been unpredictable and can undo everything that’s been done in a matter of moments. Starr Ranch was facing this kind of environmental disaster (yes, disaster) when an unforeseen frost was predicted and would soon be coming in, literally ruining all of the orchards. The workers were no longer available as having to harvest at this time was not predicted, and everything would be lost. Know what happened? All of the employees, wives, and friends, and families, gathered together to save and pick the apples by hand, in order to keep them from being killed. They literally picked 100,000 apples by hand, at that time, to divert a full loss. This is the kind of heart, passion, and respect these trees and their fruits get from the community. And Starr Ranch Growers. I can’t help but seek out their label every time I am at a store.

They are doing things the right way, and in so many different ways. Many of Starr Ranch orchards are certified organic, however, even though some orchards maybe are not officially labeled ‘organic,’ it doesn’t mean that farmers are not implementing most of the same protocols in these neighboring fields as well. Getting the official 'organic' label is incredibly expensive, and regardless of being labeled officially organic or not, the farmers are always caring for the land, the quality of the soil, and tending to the individual trees.