Sustainability at the heart of berries: a Driscoll's perspective

Mulch Matters

In this episode of the Mulch Matters Podcast, we dive into the world of sustainable agriculture with James duBois, Senior Manager of Environmental Sustainability at Driscoll’s. With over 15 years of experience in water stewardship and environmental risk management, James shares invaluable insights on reducing field plastics and improving sustainability practices in berry production.

Learn about Driscoll’s journey as a fifth-generation family-owned company, their commitment to environmental stewardship, and the innovative approaches they’re taking to minimize the impact of field plastics. From high tunnels to drip tapes, James discusses the various applications of field plastics in berry production and the strides Driscoll’s is making towards their ambitious recycling goals.

Please note that since the recording of this podcast in Fall 2023, Driscoll’s has made significant progress toward their goal of recycling 100% of field plastics. Starting with zero acres in 2022, Driscoll’s nurseries and growers have already recycled nearly 8,000 acres of fumigation and bed mulch plastic, including 3,000 acres of bed mulch in 2024 alone. This progress marks a significant milestone for the industry and brings Driscoll’s one step closer to meeting their 2025 recycling goals.

Don’t miss this fascinating conversation about the challenges and breakthroughs in making berry farming more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Tune in to hear how Driscoll’s is leading the way in reducing plastic waste and shaping the future of agriculture.

Note: intro and outro music credit to Zakhar Valaha from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-motivational-ident-main-9923/