Sustainability
At Tanimura & Antle, sustainability isn’t just a goal - it’s how we approach everything. For generations, we’ve combined farming expertise with cutting-edge innovation to conserve resources, protect our land, and deliver premium fresh produce responsibly. Every decision we make - from seed to shelf - keeps the Earth, our communities, and our customers in mind.
Innovation & Technology
At Tanimura & Antle, innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. By investing in advanced technologies and smarter farming practices, we reduce inputs, improve efficiency, and ensure a reliable supply of fresh produce nationwide. Our operations feature numerous cutting-edge tools like the PlantTape Automated Transplanting System, which saves water and shortens time in the field, and the Stout Smart Cultivator, which uses AI technology to weed fields and collects data insights to optimize crop health. These innovations and more allow us to grow responsibly while maintaining the highest standards of quality and sustainability.
Land & Water Stewardship
Healthy soil and efficient water use are essential for sustainable farming. We rotate crops and plant cover crops to maintain soil nutrients and reduce nitrogen leaching, while GPS-guided tractors help lower fuel consumption and minimize our carbon footprint. Drip tape irrigation delivers water directly to the roots, conserving resources and improving plant health. These practices protect the land and ensure long-term productivity.
Greenhouse Growing
Greenhouse farming allows us to grow more food with fewer resources. This method uses 90% less water than open-field farming and requires less land, while controlled environments optimize nutrients and temperature for consistent quality. By producing more per acre, we reduce environmental impact and deliver fresh products closer to our consumers. Greenhouse growing is a key part of our commitment to sustainable innovation.
Digital Transformation & Traceability
Technology drives transparency and efficiency across our operations. We use blockchain systems like IBM Food Trust to provide full traceability from farm to table, ensuring safety and trust. Big data analysis helps us monitor inputs, water usage, and plant health, allowing us to make smarter decisions and reduce waste. Digital tools also streamline workflows, cutting paper use and lowering our carbon footprint.
Packaging & Recyclability
We design packaging to use the least material necessary while maintaining strength and integrity to protect our premium fresh produce. All of our clamshells are fully recyclable, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, and solid waste. Our cartons are Sustainable Forest Certified and contain up to 35% recycled materials, while reusable plastic crates (RPCs) significantly cut emissions and resource use. Every choice we make helps minimize environmental impact.
Energy Efficiency
Reducing energy use is a priority in our facilities and housing. We’ve installed high-efficiency lighting and motion sensors at multiple locations, achieving an average 46% reduction in energy consumption. Our employee housing at Spreckels Crossing uses LED lighting, cutting energy use by 75%. These improvements lower emissions and support a cleaner future.