Red Jacket Orchards, a third-generation, family-run business in upstate New York, has demonstrated its commitment to social and environmental responsibility by earning certification from Food Alliance for its sustainable agriculture and food handling practices. The result is a bumper crop of certified apricots, plums, and prunes now in the New York City Greenmarket and metro area retail stores.

Food Alliance certification verifies that Red Jacket Orchards’ farm operations meet high standards for soil and water conservation, safe and fair working conditions, responsible pest and nutrient management, protection of wildlife habitat, and other agricultural concerns. The company’s packing facilities are certified to similar criteria plus specific facility management issues like solid waste and recycling, energy conservation and reduction of toxic materials.

Food Alliance Certified apricots, plums, and prunes from Red Jacket Orchards are available now at NYC Greenmarkets, and at retail stores such as Whole Foods, Wegmans, Fresh Direct, Price Chopper, Tops, King Kullen, Food Emporium, Fairway, ShopRite, Red Jacket Orchards farm stand, and other Metro NY Gourmet retailers.

From “Local and Sustainable Apricots, Plums, and Prunes Feed the Big Apple” published by a Food Alliance press release, August 12, 2009.