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.
Weu2019ve heard it for years. Words like u201cnatural,u201d u201cfresh,u201d or u201crealu201d have flooded the food marketplace, leaving consumers anywhere from curious to confused. What is the difference between u201cnaturalu201d and made with u201cnatural ingredientsu201d? Why would one buy a local product versus a low-sodium product? The questions are endless and the answers, elusive. The word u201csustainableu201d 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. u201cA stewardship program must be made up of several different pieces to be effective,u201d he said. u201cIf itu2019s one-dimensional, itu2019s not going to work.u201d
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.u201d Says Wetzel, u201cItu2019s all pieces; itu2019s not one big thing that makes you a good steward. Itu2019s got to be a lot of things.u201d
For this reason, Wetzel favors the word u201cstewardshipu201d over u201csustainableu201d or u201cenvironmentally friendly.u201d 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