ALTO PASS, IL – Rendleman Orchards, located in Alto Pass, Illinois, is proud to announce its recent achievement of Eco Certification, joining a community of forward-thinking farmers who are committed to sustainable and environmentally responsible fruit growing practices.
The EcoCertified Fruit program, known for its high ecological standards, focuses on supporting pollinators, maintaining the natural balance of insect populations, and fostering soil and tree health, ensuring that the farming methods benefit both the environment and the local community.
The EcoCertified Fruit program, managed by Red Tomato in partnership with the IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Institute of North America, empowers farms across the United States to produce high-quality fruit while preserving their ecosystems. By earning Eco Certification, Rendleman Orchards demonstrates its dedication to environmentally friendly farming and a commitment to protecting local natural resources and future generations of consumers.
What Eco Certification Means for Rendleman Orchards
Farmers in the EcoCertified Fruit program adhere to advanced Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles, which promote a balanced ecosystem in orchards by reducing crop protectant type and use, encouraging beneficial insects, and preserving the health of the land. Rendleman Orchards now joins a growing number of farms that work to maintain this delicate balance to grow the safest, most sustainable, and delicious fruit.
Photo: Devin Leigh Photography
“We are incredibly proud to be EcoCertified,” said Wayne Sirles, President at Rendleman Orchards. “This certification aligns with our farm’s mission of continually improving, utilizing new products, technology and most current farming practices to be cutting edge growers and good stewards of the land. We strive to produce the highest-quality fruit in the most ecologically responsible way, and achieving this certification, especially considering the longevity of our business is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and especially the people we grow food for.”
Why Consumers Should Choose EcoCertified Fruit
When consumers buy fruit with the EcoCertified label, they can be confident that they are supporting local farms like Rendleman Orchards, which prioritize environmentally sustainable growing practices. EcoCertified fruit is not only delicious but also safe for the environment, contributing to the long-term health of ecosystems and local communities.
“When first reviewing the standards to earn Eco Certification, I quickly noted that our farm has already been meeting most of the requirements,” stated Mr. Sirles. “The addition of our flower field acreage in recent years, along with the new apiary on the farm and natural habitat for birds and butterflies has contributed greatly to our Eco methods. We have also worked closely with an entomologist over the past year to help identify crop protectants we could reduce or switch altogether for a better choice moving forward. There are always new ideas and new information we are open to and I feel these EcoCertified farming practices will bridge the gap for us between conventional growing and organic farming to meet our needs with the amount of fruit we produce at our family farm.”
About Rendleman Orchards
Founded in 1873, Rendleman Orchards has been a cornerstone of fruit production in southern Illinois. Known for producing high-quality apples, peaches, nectarines, pumpkins and more, the 150-year-old family-owned farm has a long-standing tradition as mentioned, of sustainable farming practices. With its new Eco Certification, Rendleman Orchards certainly strengthens its commitment to environmentally conscious farming and community stewardship.
For more information about Rendleman Orchards visit www.rendlemanorchards.com.
About EcoCertified Fruit Program
The EcoCertified Fruit program has supported farmers in the northeastern and eastern U.S., who grow fruit using the most ecologically friendly practices. Rendleman Orchards is now happy to be on the forefront of this movement in the Midwest. Managed by Red Tomato, the program brings together farmers, scientists, and experts to create a sustainable future for local orchards through rigorous ecological standards and advanced farming practices.