SUSTAINABLE FARMING

Alexander Ranch and the greenhouse industry have long been at the forefront of sustainable farming. Precision growing by our expert growers in carefully controlled greenhouse environments creates optimal conditions of light, temperature, humidity, and plant nutrition for healthy crop production, year-round. Water, land, and resources are respectfully conserved in environmentally responsible farming practices. We use natural, organic, biodegradable, and recyclable materials as this lies at the heart of our mission at Alexander Ranch — we grow with integrity.

Hydroponics

Hydroponic cultivation, a method of growing plants in nutrient rich water without soil, goes hand in hand with sustainable farming. Our greenhouse hydroponic system allows us to provide our customers the cleanest, safest, and most flavorful produce possible. We start with pure water that is filtered daily and recirculated. We maintain a precise nutrient balance and oxygen levels in our hydroponic system to achieve optimum plant growth without excessive application of plant nutrients. Our lettuce and herb seedlings are soil-free, grown in stone wool plugs created from natural volcanic rock. Utilizing advanced horticultural technology and generations of experience, Alexander Ranch is positioned as a leader in sustainable farming, benefiting our customers and the world.

Water, Land & Resource Conservation

Historically low ground water levels in California is a significant concern in our region. It is comforting to know that the growing practices at Alexander Ranch are exemplary for water conservation. Our greenhouse hydroponic system allows us to sterilize and recirculate our water supply. This means we use only what we need, which equates to a fraction of the water required by traditional farming.

High density planting of our hydroponic growing system allows efficient utilization of greenhouse space for plant production. This maximizes crop yields with minimal land use. Our sophisticated greenhouse environmental control systems create ideal growing conditions. This leads to nominal disease incidence and pest infestations, which equates to a reduced need for plant nutrients and crop protection products.

Integrated Pest Management & Pathogen-Free Environment

Established Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Pathogen-Free Environment protocols are part of our food safety program to prevent food contamination by pests and pathogens. IPM is a broad-based approach that integrates methods to control pests, emphasizes the healthy growth of a crop with minimal disruption to agro-ecosystems, and minimizes risks to human health, beneficial and non-target organisms, and the environment. IPM and pathogen-free procedures are monitored daily by our knowledgeable pest management team. The goal of this program is to maintain a safe, clean environment for cultivating Alexander Ranch produce.