Key Takeaways:
- Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has named Costa Farms recipient of the 2024 Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award.
- The award recognizes entities that integrate environmental stewardship with agricultural production.
- The company has implemented several initiatives to enhance sustainability, focusing on water conservation and waste reduction.
Award Announcement Details
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced that Costa Farms has won the 2024 Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award. This recognition, given annually since 1994, highlights the efforts of Florida's agricultural community to combine effective production practices with environmental preservation.
About Costa Farms
Costa Farms, one of the largest commercial plant growers in the United States, is based in Miami, Florida. With over 5,000 employees, the family-owned business has operated for over 60 years. The company is recognized for its commitment to sustainable agricultural practices. It is a certified member of More Profitable Sustainability (MPS), which advocates for minimizing the environmental impacts of pesticides and nutrients.
Sustainability Practices at Costa Farms
The company’s sustainability initiatives include:
- Conservation Efforts: Over 34 acres of farmland are designated conservation easements. Additionally, the farm maintains 16 acres of water storage and retention areas and over 60 acres of wetlands that are part of the National Wetland Inventory.
- Water Moisture Program: This program is designed to optimize water usage in plant care, conserve water, and minimize fertilizer runoff.
- Waste Reduction Measures: The Company employs various methods to reduce waste, including reusing plant trays, recycling plant material back into the soil, and repurposing discarded pallets into wood chips for potting mix.
Formal Recognition
The company is scheduled to be formally recognized for its environmental contributions at the Fresh From Florida Breakfast in October, which will take place during the Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting.
Commissioner Wilton Simpson expressed his approval of Costa Farms' practices, noting horticulture's significant role in Florida's economy, food supply, and natural landscape. He emphasized the importance of innovative approaches like those of Costa Farms in maintaining the viability and environmental integrity of the agricultural sector.
Image provided by Costa Farms
