YAKIMA, WA - Living in tune with Mother Nature is a coveted skill in our industry—one that Superfresh Growers® has successfully mastered as it pushes further toward its sustainability goals. In a double-feature video release, the supplier invited viewers to explore its orchards, diving into the company’s use of beneficial insects and shade cloth to mitigate environmental challenges.

In the first video, Battling Pests with IPM, Director of Sustainability and Packaging Tyler Weinbender visits an orchard block struggling with aphid issues. While observing the release of ladybugs and lacewings—two beneficial insects that naturally combat pests—Weinbender discusses how Integrated Pest Management (IPM) can be more effective than insecticides, particularly when dealing with aphids. As a press release explained, ladybugs and lacewings prevent damage caused by aphids in a way that can be more cost-effective than chemical treatments.

Giving us a look at another element of its sustainability efforts, the July Orchard Update with Horticulturist and Proprietary Variety Developer Dave Gleason explores strategies for managing potential climate threats, specifically by mitigating light intensity with shade cloth.

While the desert environment in Central Washington is ideal for apple cultivation, it also poses significant risks due to high solar intensity, a press release explained. Sunburn can damage apple skin, diverting apples straight to the processor.

Superfresh ensures the success of its orchards by integrating nature’s allies into its pest management strategies and adapting to the challenges posed by climate change. The provider’s exclusive video features offer an up-close look at the company’s commitment and approach to cultivating high-quality apples, pears, cherries, and blueberries in the Pacific Northwest.

Stay tuned as ANUK continues to cover the latest releases from Superfresh!