Yukon Farms has had its carbon footprint analyzed and is working towards a carbon neutral status.
The farm is in the beginning of a three year project of creating a composting facility. The idea is to replenish the carbon content in the soil. This will also create an ideal environment for earthworms and other insects, which in turn improve the quality of the soil and allows for “sustainable”/ “biological” farming.
Waste management
Our waste paper management policy is that waste packaging material is collected by the local waste paper collector for recycling at its plant.
With regard to harvested waste product not fit for human consumption, we have contracts with certain individuals to collect waste product for the feeding of their animals. Some of this waste is also used to make compost.
With regard to waste water management, this is pumped into a natural vlei area where it is absorbed by the vlei vegetation and seeps back into the earth thereby replenishing the local ground water. We must emphasize here that none of our effluent water is toxic as we use only food safe detergents and cleaning agents.
Empty chemical containers are first holed and are then incinerated in special burners. All other plastic is collected for recycling.
Glass waste management is collected and taken to the local municipal dump site where it is dumped.
Chemicals used/ residue
Our chemical usage is almost non-existent as we are determined to reduce the use of any products that are potentially dangerous to the environment and can contaminate the groundwater. We use only those chemicals that are registered and approved by the European Union as products that can be used for food production. The products used are in accordance with the PPL list supplied and approved by the PPECB (Perishable Products Export Control Board). No banned chemical substances are kept or used on the farm.
Regarding chemical residue, this is tested on an on-going basis and kept below allowable levels.
Community “development”
Waste product that is fit for human consumption but is classified as waste by virtue of it being ‘out of spec’ for our overseas and local customers is collected by various church groups/organizations, the local children’s home and feeding schemes to assist destitute and needy people in the local communities.
