At Melon Acres, the safety and quality of our produce is a primary concern. Throughout the entire growing process, steps are taken to insure that our produce is grown and packed using good agricultural practices (GAP). The purpose of GAP is to maximize quality and safety while minimizing environmental impact. Throughout our history, Melon Acres has demonstrated a commitment to being “good stewards” of the environment that we all share.
Melon Acres was one of the first farms in Southwestern Indiana to utilize fertigation as a means of reducing nitrogen use and preventing contamination of ground water. Melon Acres also has been a leader in using integrated pest management (IPM). In 1992, Melon Acres began using field scouting to reduce pesticide use. By adapting IPM techniques and using field scouts, Melon Acres was able to reduce insecticide use in melons by 50% in just two years!
Melon Acres is currently using satellites and space technology as tools in our plant disease management program. Using a system called MELCAST, developed by researchers at Purdue University, Melon Acres is using weather satellites to determine the need for protectant fungicide sprays in melon crops. Additionally, a system called TOMCAST is being utilized in our asparagus production. Using the satellites, Melon Acres applies fungicides only when warranted by weather conditions. The MELCAST system, has allowed Melon Acres to reduce fungicide use by 25% in the last five years!
The Melon Acres dedication to product safety doesn't stop in the field. Forced-air cooling and modern packing lines insure that our produce is packaged quickly and cleanly in an environment that slows ripening and extends shelf life. Our packing facilities are registered with the FDA and receive the same careful attention as our field production. Melon Acres is currently implementing a food safety protocol to insure against microbial contamination. The implementation of this protocol will insure that our products remain free from harmful microbes and will arrive at their destinations in near-perfect condition with minimal risk to the consumer.
