Our competitive processes and technologies combined with our specialized experience put us at the forefront of apple growing, storing, processing, and shipping. From high-speed infrared sorting capabilities to automated palletizing, we’ve embraced the future while staying true to our homegrown roots.

Roche Fruit is poised to lead the industry, continually striving to make improvements through careful consideration of our natural resources and impact on the environment. In 2020, approximately 180 tons of waste cardboard and paper products were recaptured and transported to a recycling center to be used in other packaging products. We invest regularly to streamline processes, reduce energy, and conserve resources—from V-trellis plantings and farming best practices to modernized refrigeration, sanitizing, and more.

Ongoing Sustainability Initiatives:

• Cardboard and paper product waste is recaptured and transported to a recycling center to be used in other packaging products.
• Apples that do not meet juicer/processor grade are considered “edible waste” and are used to feed cows and livestock at local dairies and feedlots, minimizing the burden on local municipal landfills, and helping local farmers feed livestock.
• Split water flume systems and turbidity monitoring of flume water allow us to use less water and determine optimal discharge times, allowing water to be used longer, minimizing consumption and discharge.
• Optimal fan speed, frequency drive motors, and velocity cones on refrigeration fans allow for uniform cooling and a reduction of energy use by 60%.

Farm-level Innovation

The V-Trellis—Better for Earth, Workers, & Consumers: Roche Fruit is moving future farm plantings to V-trellis and other high density systems, which maximizes harvest potentials by increased yields (bins per acre), maximizes sunlight potential, reduces water use with drip irrigation and soil moisture monitoring, reduces fertilizer and chemical use, increases harvesting speeds by allowing worker platforms to travel unobstructed, and minimizes employee injury from ladders and the need for heavy picking bags.

Ultimately, the V-trellis method is one step closer to a harmonized system between humans and the environment.

Mentorship: We’re committed to cultivating our leaders from within the organization and have developed an open, available, yet rigorous, On-the-Job Training and Mentorship Program. Through building relationships, Roche Fruit creates opportunities for growth and advancement.

Education: From the orchard to packing, education is key to the success of our workers. That’s why we’ve developed an open, available, yet rigorous, On-the-Job Training Program, and scholarship opportunities each year. We’ve also invested in digital training platforms to advance industry standards, providing on-demand education and safety training at every location.

Some areas of focus include:

• Production and quality control personnel are trained to detect any cosmetic defects.
• Employees are trained to identify specific pests to ensure we are following the protocols of our buyers not only nationwide but worldwide.
• Quality control personnel ensure our products are packed to meet buyer specifications.

Scholarships are awarded each year, through the Washington Apple Education Fund, to employees, or their family members. We encourage all employees to work towards their educational goals and we are proud to provide financial support.

Safety: From safe lifting to environmental protection training, Roche Fruit has invested in safety projects to ensure a safe workplace:

• All supervisors are CPR/First Aid trained to ensure employee safety at even our most
  remote ranches.
• Our ranch managers are committed to training workers on topics such as ladder safety, lifting ergonomics, as well as illness and environmental education.
• In addition to being trained to the EPA’s Worker Protection Standard (WPS), staff is often further educated, earning additional WSDA Pesticide Applicator Licenses.
• We’re committed to ensuring safety through prevention. Our Accident Prevention Program (APP) identifies and solves safety concerns by soliciting feedback from staff representatives from all departments.
• Regular warehouse safety inspections include various management levels and inform safety management teams who responsively develop and implement safety procedures. Walkthroughs with employee representatives allow us to swiftly identify potential safety projects to prevent potential hazards.