Many of us who spend hours reviewing food labels and packaging can agree upon one thing: there are a lot of words associated with food right now.
We’ve heard it for years. Words like “natural,” “fresh,” or “real” have flooded the food marketplace, leaving consumers anywhere from curious to confused. What is the difference between “natural” and made with “natural ingredients”? Why would one buy a local product versus a low-sodium product? The questions are endless and the answers, elusive. The word “sustainable” is likewise causing confusion as more brands become use it to appeal to growing consumer interest in companies that have the planet in mind.
But is sustainability enough? In a recent article on ThePacker.com, Mitch Wetzel, vice president of sales and marketing at Sunview Marketing International advocated for multi-dimensional stewardship of agricultural land and organic businesses. “A stewardship program must be made up of several different pieces to be effective,” he said. “If it’s one-dimensional, it’s not going to work.”
Sunview Vineyard, which is one of the largest organic grape producers, has its office and cold storage area covered with a solar array, and has an extensive integrated pest management program.” Says Wetzel, “It’s all pieces; it’s not one big thing that makes you a good steward. It’s got to be a lot of things.”
For this reason, Wetzel favors the word “stewardship” over “sustainable” or “environmentally friendly.” In this respect, stewardship is an integral part of any company that wishes to sustain business through difficult times.
The CCOF Foundation thanks Sunview Marketing International for its continued support of our nonprofit programs that provide education and training to organic farmers and producers across the United States.
Source:
Burfield, Tom. (2020, July 1). Sustainability, conservation play role in grape vineyards. The Packer. https://www.thepacker.com/article/sustainability-conservation-play-role-grape-vineyards