Sustainability – What does this mean to a Cranberry Producer
First:
We have to define the word and understand its meaning:
What is Sustainability?
“Sustainability is the capacity to endure. In ecology the word describes how biological systems remain diverse and productive over time. For humans it is the potential for long-term maintenance of wellbeing, which in turn depends on the wellbeing of the natural world and the responsible use of natural resources.” (Wikipedia)
In today’s world sustainability “sits at the junction between strong community relations, a positive environmental outlook and financial well-being”. Sustainability from a corporate standpoint can be simply defined as the “Triple Bottom Line (TBL) = People, Planet and Profit (3P’s)" coined by John Elkington in 1998. If all entities consider the 3P’s in all aspects of their decision making process the best environmental and financial decision will be made.
All words change meaning with context, “Sustainability” has to be defined based on the “3P’s” and how they apply to each growers needs. The farmer needs to identify what capital expenditures will fulfill the “3P’s” most effectively.
Second:
Creating a formal “Sustainability” Plan
Being “Sustainable” is not new to Cranberry Farmers who have historically respected the land and naturally learned to operate sustainably in order to survive and grow. But now, due to the continuing increase cost of; water, fuel, labor, chemicals, and transportation along with the added government regulations, the farmer has seen their margins erode. To survive the farmer needs to push nature to maximize yield/acre while minimizing costs through the utilization of new technologies that allow more accurate automated control.
The farmer needs to create a short list typically starting with what is the largest annual expense and working downward. They have to consider what current conditions affect these costs (ie: international fuel costs, etc) and what initiatives can be implemented to decrease these costs. Work outward from this list to determine what environmental attributes each initiative will have and confirm what is most important. Determine the capital needs for each initiative and weight each accordingly.
The “Sustainability Plan” will include integrating sustainable business practices into every day activities which will decrease your operational costs, mitigate risks and help you meet your increasing budget challenges immediately, not next year but now as you implement the sustainable initiatives.
Third:
How is our IAS irrigation control system related to the “3P’s”:
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“Water management is arguably one of the most critical issues affecting the cranberry industry for
four major reasons, (a) crop production, (b) environmental concerns, (c) costs and (d) regulatory scrutiny.”
(Peter Jeranyama – UMass[2011 Chart Book])
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A Cranberry Growers “Sustainability” plan which includes an “Irrigation Automation System” (IAS) and/or “Frost ElertTM” system at the forefront of the plan will quickly help the farmer decrease overhead and help them manage the bogs to maximize yield.
The financial payoff as a result of obtaining the goals of the sustainability plan can be substantial, and will be received as you proceed with implementation. The major reward other than saving money is the knowledge that you have further protected the environment, maximized you stewardship of the land and created a legacy for future generations under your tenure.
With climate change affecting how bogs are managed, along with the science behind successful cultivation of the American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) becoming more sophisticated, more analytical data is needed to maximize the return on investment” (ROI).
Our IAS Irrigation Control System will meet the “3P” model as follows:
- People: The IAS control system will decrease the amount of time is spent on measuring and analyzing air and/or plant temperature, soil moisture, water table level, engine/pump performance and operation. Knowing engine/pump usage and operational data you can more accurately schedule preventative maintenance extending the life of your mechanical equipment. It can eliminate the cost of travel and the time spent driving to the pump houses to start/stop the irrigation systems. You can improve community relations due to the natural resource savings as a result of utilizing our irrigation control system. Your company will lead the industry.
- Planet: It will decrease the natural resources used to maximize crop yield/acre. By controlling the irrigation water flow based on crop need more effectively utilize your number one regulated natural resource. This will decrease plant stress which will lead to higher production. Using the analytical data gathered by the system you can more cost effectively operate your Chemigation and Fermigation systems. This can prevent oversupply of chemicals that adversely affects the surrounding environment. With flow totalization you can verify water usage fulfilling regulatory requirements and confirming no resources are wasted. By decreasing irrigation system use you minimize polluting emissions caused by operating the pumps unnecessarily.
- Profit: The IAS control system will significantly decrease your labor costs by freeing up time/travel costs typically used to physically visit each pump house to start/stop the irrigation pumps = Labor Savings. By decreasing water/chemical usage you save water, chemicals mechanical wear and fossil fuel = Lower Operational Overhead.