Climate Change Data

Van Drunen Farms

Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2019)

Reporting Period: 2019

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

  • Responsible Employment Practices
  • Community Engagement
  • Sustainable Agriculture
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Waste Reduction
  • Water Conservation
  • Food Safety
  • Research and Development

Environmental Achievements

  • Recycled 3.8 million+ pounds of cardboard, 326,000 pounds of steel drums, 1 million+ pounds of plastic film, and 175,000 pounds of kraft paper bags from 2017-2019.
  • Reclaimed just over 33.5 million gallons of wastewater in 2018.
  • Implemented energy-efficient equipment and controls, resulting in reduced energy consumption.
  • Planted up to 12,000 trees annually.
  • Committed 200 acres of land to the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) for habitat reclamation.

Social Achievements

  • Paid above minimum wage.
  • Provided employee benefits including health insurance, retirement savings, and wellness programs.
  • Offered tuition assistance and skills development training.
  • Partnered with local organizations for community service projects (e.g., food drives, Christmas drives, Sleep in Heavenly Peace).
  • Sponsored local athletic groups, FFA, 4-H, and community events.

Governance Achievements

  • Complied with all national and local employment laws and workplace safety regulations.
  • Implemented comprehensive food safety plans and quality control procedures.
  • Maintained organic and other religious certifications.
  • Operated under BRC Global Standards for food safety.

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

  • COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on operations and employee safety.
  • Maintaining optimal soil moisture balance in varying climates.
Mitigation Strategies
  • Activated Crisis Management Team (CMT) to implement COVID-19 safety protocols (work from home, social distancing, PPE, testing, etc.).
  • Implemented various irrigation methods (drip irrigation, pivot irrigation, field drain tile systems) to optimize water use and soil health.
  • Used direct placement fertilization to prevent water pollution.

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement
  • Supplier Code of Conduct
  • Consolidating shipments
  • Drying ingredients closer to source

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities