GARDNERS, PA - While one may have previously been afraid of winged insects, they likely grew to love some of them once entering the produce industry. Pollinators like honeybees and butterflies ensure successful fruit production, which is why Rice Fruit Company has embarked on its latest initiative: planting a pollinator habitat.

“The pollinator garden served as the perfect enhancement to our surroundings, rendering a picturesque landscape that also aligns with our sustainability initiatives throughout the company,” reports Brenda Briggs, Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Last spring, one of the company’s leaders developed the innovative idea while walking through an orchard.

“I noticed that we had just pushed out an older orchard which left a vacant block of land behind our office building,” said Valerie Ramsburg, Sales and Marketing. “That sparked the idea of creating a pollinator habitat. We worked closely with a local nursery to bring the vision to life.”

By planting a diverse range of native plants and flowers, Rice Fruit created a thriving habitat for honeybees, butterflies, bats, and other insects that feed on pests like the brown marmorated stink bug, a press release explained.

“It’s our responsibility to educate on the ecological practices of farming and the indispensable role of nature in bringing produce from the farm to the supermarket shelves,” Ramsburg said. “You can have perfect weather conditions and robust apple trees at the pinnacle of their production, but if you don't have the bees to pollinate, all you have are trees with pretty flowers.”

We applaud Rice Fruit on this impressive effort to improve sustainability across its operation.

Rice Fruit Company