Products & Sustainability
The fruit packed by Cowiche Growers is grown in the Upper and Lower Yakima Valley, and the Columbia Basin of Washington State. Cowiche Growers is continually evolving with our industry and our customers, and is producing/packing an ever-increasing variety of apples. In addition to our "flag ship" variety, Red Delicious, we handle Golden Delicious, Gala, Jonagold, Granny Smith, Fuji, Braeburn, Cameo and Honey Crisp apples. Our apples are available from September through August and are packed in a multitude of styles.
Our comprehensive "quality control" program helps insure that all apples packed are of the highest quality available. It begins in the orchard at blossom time and continues until the fruit is shipped to our customers. Our field staff work with our growers to insure the fruit is picked with optimum condition. From the time the fruit arrives at the warehouse, until it is loaded for shipment, it is continually checked for quality and condition. Our modern computer controlled storage facilities gives us the ability to provide a year-round supply of quality apples. The use of the product SmartFresh™ during the storage regime virtually assures our customers a great "apple eating experience" throughout the year. This product enhances the keeping quality and crispness of apples and gives it that just picked crunch and flavor.
Cowiche Growers recognizes the need to safeguard our environment. Management and growers alike are constantly searching for ways to be better stewards of the land and work hand-in-hand with Mother Nature. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is one of the ways our orchardists are reducing their reliance on chemical pesticides.
Cowiche Growers, Inc. Sustainability Practices
Growers as Stewards of the Land
- Growers routinely monitor the soil quality of their orchards so that only necessary nutrients are added.
- Growers employ professional pest consultants, helping ensure that accurate and specific control measures are used.
- Integrated pest management programs, which are natural biological and disease control methods, are used in concert with newer eco-friendly chemical control measures.
- Field cultivation methods and irrigation systems are designed and deployed so that soil erosion is minimized and that precious water resources are conserved.
Warehouse Green Initiatives
- In cooperation with Pacific Power, multiple energy saving changes have been implemented.
- Dump tank exhaust heat is reclaimed and diverted to the "drying tunnel".
- Comprehensive recycling programs are in place for cardboard, plastics, wood, metals, and spent petroleum products.
- Non contact cooling water is strictly controlled and monitored before release to surface water. This helps ensure sustainability of fish and wild life habitat.
- Cowiche Growers complies with the EPA Risk Management Program, as well as other federal and state environmental programs.
- Spent warehouse "lime" is recycled in orchards as a conditioner for acidic soil.
