As “going green” has gained momentum in the marketplace, Prospect Hill Orchards discovers that we have been practicing sustainable farming for a long time. Over the years we have been forced by economics to reduce our inputs such as fertilizers, sprays and fuel to remain sustainable. ;Now it is a priority to become even greener by making more changes in how we operate!

    Our IPM (Integrated Pest Management) practices have allowed us to reduce the number of trips we take through the orchard with the tractor and sprayer because we spray only when scouting reports indicate a high degree of damage can be expected if we do not control a specific disease or insect. Twenty years ago we began planting short grasses between our rows of trees. This requires significantly less mowing, again reducing trips through the orchard and saving fuel and energy. Our marketing plan encourages energy conservation too. We supply local and regional farm markets and NYC Greenmarket farmers” markets with fresh, high quality fruit sold directly from the orchard. We do not pack our fruit on a conventional packing line, saving electricity and fuel. Our apples are picked into reusable and returnable containers usually made of wood. We make a conscious effort not to use cardboard, saving trees. Most of our fruit is sold within 75 miles of the farm compared with much of the fruit which is transported from the west coast or imported from outside the USA. Our pick your own fruits are marketed primarily to Hudson Valley, Metropolitan New York and northern New Jersey residents, who have become locavores by buying foods within 100 miles of their homes. This farm business plan results in an environmentally friendly lifestyle and a relatively small carbon footprint.

    In 2004, we cleared new land and planted 5 acres of organic orchard. We tried to choose apple varieties which are highly disease resistant. Having met the growing standards of NOFA New York and the Federal Organic Standards, we are certified organic growers since 2004. We are proud to be one of the few certified organic fruit growers in New York.

    We are actively working to conserve our water resources too. Fifteen years ago we installed microjet sprinklers on a large part of the orchard. This was the first step in our reduction of water use. Now, we are updating our irrigation system again and converting 25 percent of the orchard to trickle irrigation. This will significantly reduce water wasted through run off, evaporation and over watering.

    The trees in our orchards contribute most to our low carbon footprint by recycling carbon dioxide into oxygen and growing flavorful fruit at the same time! Through the process of photosynthesis, the leaves of the trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into oxygen and fruit sugars. This is the best way to sequester carbon and take it out of the atmosphere and turn it into something useful. As the carbon dioxide levels increase in the atmosphere, the trees work even more efficiently to convert this into our flavorful local fruit.

    As 7th generation farmers, our family is committed to operating a sustainable farm resulting in a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone to enjoy. It is gratifying to see so many people supporting agriculture through “buy local” programs and by participating in the “green tourism&” movement. Through our local farm organization, Meet Me in Marlborough, we direct our own pick your own customers to other nearby farms, wineries, markets and restaurants so they can enjoy a full day of family pleasures without driving long distances, thus leaving a minimal carbon footprint. Keep an eye on Prospect Hill Orchards as we strive to grow from green to greener!