IMMOKALEE, FL -In recognition of its in-depth work in conservation, protecting natural resources, and preserving water quality, Lipman has been awarded the 2016 Virginia Clean Water Farm Award in the Grand Basin district.

Gerry Odell, Chief Farming Officer, Lipman

“This award marks the culmination of many years of hard work and attention to detail on the part of our Virginia farming staff,” shared Gerry Odell, Lipman’s Chief Farming Officer, upon receiving the award. “We go to great lengths to ensure that our farms not only meet all regulatory standards, but continuously strive for a sustainable balance within the ecosystems where we operate. We are honored to be selected for this award that recognizes our core principle of caring for the planet we inhabit.”

According to a press release, one Grand Basin winner is selected from each of Virginia’s 10 river drainage basins. The company’s work in the state’s Accomack and Northampton counties resulted in its win of the Coastal Category.

This isn’t the company’s only forays into providing the produce industry with sustainable farming practices either. According to Lipman’s website, the company has achieved the following:

• Decreased fuel consumption per acre by 23.3% for diesel and 11.2% for gasoline since 2005.
• Repurposing 80-120 million pounds/year of produce as livestock feed.
• Cut energy consumption by 56% (1.9 million kWh/year) and reduced CO2 emissions by 1,232 tons annually by replacing outdated lighting fixtures.
• Recycles 100% of cardboard waste (300,000 pounds/week).
• Reduced water consumption by 70% and saved 66 million gallons per year from Florida’s aquifer using drip irrigation.

To learn more about Lipman and the company’s wide array of sustainability efforts, visit LipmanFamilyFarms.com.

Lipman Family Farms