Canton, MA (Oct. 4, 2010) This apple season, look for the Eco AppleTM label from Red Tomato to enjoy healthy, local apples grown by a network of Northeast farmers.
Fifteen orchards stretching from Pennsylvania to Vermont produce under the "Eco Apple" program – a strict, third-party certified Integrated Pest Management (IPM) protocol. The Eco protocol was developed by the non-profit Red Tomato of Canton, MA in partnership with scientists from UMASS, the IPM Institute of America, and participating farmers. The protocol recently expanded to include stone fruit, such as peaches, nectarines, plums, and apricots.
IPM relies primarily on the least-toxic and natural methods such as biological controls, along with extensive monitoring of trees, pests and environmental conditions. "When farmers grow according to the Eco guidelines, they reduce the use of high toxicity pesticides, contribute to a bountiful supply of top quality local foods, and improve farm worker safety, soil and water resources, wildlife habitat and biodiversity," explained Dan Cooley, a plant pathologist associated with the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and one of Red Tomato's key advisors on ecological growing.
This year's Eco Apple crop was produced entirely without the use of organophosphates. Recent studies have found negative impacts of pesticide residues, particularly organophosphates, on fruits and vegetables – especially for children. "From an increased risk of ADHD to developmental and neurological effects, scientific data continues to support the instincts of parents everywhere: toxic pesticides are not good for children," said Michael Rozyne, Red Tomato director. "New data shows increased exposure with seasonal and regional consumption of most conventionally grown fruits. Meanwhile, growers in our network have worked tirelessly to reduce the use of toxic pesticides within the Eco program, especially organophosphates."
While apple lovers on the West Coast enjoy easy access to organic apples grown locally without toxic pesticides, East Coast consumers face a different story. Unique weather and pest pressures making growing organic fruit a challenge: "Because our Eco fruit is grown without the use of the most toxic pesticides," assured Rozyne, "the program offers a truly viable solution for shoppers looking for the healthiest, freshest, and local option."
Speaking on behalf of Red Tomato's Eco Apple growers, Chris Hodges of Sunrise Orchards, who grows Eco Apples in Cornwall, VT said, "We are so proud to be a part of the Eco Apple network – particularly in a year when weather conditions enabled us to grow top quality apples without any organophosphates whatsoever." The Hodges aren't the only family farm that see the value of the Eco program – farmer inquiries to Red Tomato about the growing protocol and marketing program increased dramatically this fall.
Help celebrate the Eco Apple by coming to a Red Tomato apple sampling at Donelans Supermarket (on Oct. 12th in Lincoln and Acton, MA), Whole Foods Market (Oct. 21, in Hadley, MA) and Kings Supermarket (on Oct 26-27th in Shorthills, NJ).
Source: Red Tomato
