S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y
Our Approach
As family farmers, we believe in responsible care of the land we cultivate to grow premium produce. The Top Brass team combines a multitude of efforts to run our operation as stewards of the land and environment. We know the efforts we make today support the generations of tomorrow.
Solar Energy
In 2014 we saw the need for a solar facility that would sustainably reduce our carbon footprint, and put us well on the way to energy independence. Our five acre solar energy facility adjacent to our cooler supplies over half of our total cooler energy needs.
Organic Growing
We utilize progressive growing techniques for our organic varieties of grapes and potatoes. CCOF certified, our crops use native predators including ladybugs and lacewings as natural pest management practices.
Drip Irrigation
Top Brass implements drip irrigation to preserve one of our planet’s most precious resources: water. This process reduces evaporation and allows us to apply less fertilizer and other treatments due to the targeted use of water. We also bury sections of the irrigation lines to penetrate the roots and percent loss of moisture.
Compost and Crop Covers
After pruning, we put the shavings back into the soil as compost – enriching the soil and eliminating waste. We cover our crops to naturally cool and heat plants and vines with humidity. It also helps protect from wind erosion, harsh weather conditions, and pests while keeping important nutrients in the soil.
Recycling
The materials we need for growing grapes and potatoes are chosen and used carefully to ensure minimum waste. We recycle our vineyard plastics, irrigation hoses, grape staples, and other harvest supplies like bags, cartons, boxes and packaging containers. In addition to recycling in the field, we ensure that materials in our offices are recycled as well.