November 18, 2024 WENATCHEE, Wash. – Stemilt Growers BB #:113654, a long-standing pioneer in food safety, is proud to announce its latest achievement: becoming the first U.S. farming company to secure the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Addendum of Conformity from Safe Quality Foods (SQF).
This landmark certification reflects Stemilt’s dedication to sustainable practices that prioritize a balanced ecosystem and reduce pesticide dependence, enhancing food safety and quality across its operations.
In 2000, Stemilt set a new standard in the industry as the first U.S. company with SQF facility certification. Now, nearly a quarter-century later, Stemilt is once again leading the way, becoming the first to achieve SQF’s IPM certification for its expansive network of apple, pear, and cherry orchards in Washington State. This certification brings direct value to consumers by guaranteeing that the fruits they buy are produced with a conscious commitment to both safety and sustainability.
“SQF’s mission to protect consumers and reinforce food safety mirrors Stemilt’s commitment to delivering safe, high-quality fruit,” says Lisa Myers, Food Safety and Compliance Manager at Stemilt. “After 24 years as an SQF-certified company, we’re thrilled to add this IPM certification, which currently covers over 120 growers. In 2025, we plan to extend this certification to additional partner growers, further raising the industry benchmark.”
The IPM certification offers consumers peace of mind, as it reflects rigorous practices in the orchard that nurture a healthier growing environment. Stemilt’s practices around IPM include weekly scouting, pest-trap monitoring, and natural pest control methods, such as releasing beneficial insects like green lacewing and ladybug larvae. Additionally, kestrel houses attract natural predators to minimize the need for chemical interventions. This eco-friendly approach ensures that consumers can trust their fruit was grown responsibly with minimized impact on the environment.
In addition to this certification, Stemilt collaborates with the SQF Technical Committee to help shape future SQF standards, ensuring the continued evolution of food safety protocols industry wide.
“Our collaboration with SQF and our growers allows us to uphold the highest standards of food safety,” says Myers. “Together, we’re setting the bar for safe, world-renowned fruit, aligning with the demands of an evolving supply chain and, ultimately, enhancing consumer trust in the produce they love.”
Through this pioneering effort, Stemilt continues its mission to deliver high-quality, responsibly grown fruit to consumers around the world, establishing itself as a leader in both sustainability and food safety. For consumers, this means access to safer, healthier fruit grown with care for both people and the planet.
“Having served as the SQF auditor for Stemilt back in 2000 when they achieved the status of the first SQF certified business in the U.S.A., I know the commitment and rigorous standards required to achieve SQF certification. Stemilt’s achievement in securing the first Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Addendum demonstrates their dedication to sustainable practices and food safety,” says Damien Alexander, SQF Business Development team member.
“Stemilt has always set the bar high, consistently doing the right thing for consumers and the environment. This IPM certification is another testament to their forward-thinking approach, showing the industry what’s possible when we prioritize safety and sustainability.”
About Stemilt
Stemilt is a family-owned grower, packer, and shipper of tree fruit. Owned and operated by the Mathison family, Stemilt’s mission is to cultivate people and delight consumers with its World Famous Fruits. Stemilt is a leader in sweet cherries and organic tree fruits, and a key supplier of apples and pears. The company stewards an environmentally sustainable and socially responsible business through its Responsible Choice® program, which has been in place since 1989. For more information about Stemilt, visit www.stemilt.com.
Contact:
Brianna Shales
Marketing Director
Stemilt Growers
