INDUSTRY NEWS
Environmental focus continues for CMV Farms
ABOVE : Callum Wood and Jeremy Miatke inspecting some of the plants .
RIGHT : Brad Baker , who is based in the Mildura office , travelled to the Riverland to help with the tree planting .
CMV Farms has planted 9,000 native trees at its Fielke ’ s property in the Riverland . Fielke ’ s is one of five properties operated by CMV Farms and the company ’ s managing director Ryan Norton said it is planned to continue to plant over 1,000 native trees and shrubs each year until all the vacant land is filled . “ The new plantings will increase the forage for bees when they are in the orchard during pollination but it will also provide wind breaks and corridors for the birds ,” he said . In previous years bird boxes have been installed and tree breaks have been planted on CMV Farms properties . CMV Farms has a dedicated day where staff are paid to give back to the environment and a separate day for the community . “ It ’ s gratifying for staff to see the improvement in the landscape five or 10 years after the area is planted ,” Mr Norton said . The native tree plot is irrigated , but instead of using brand new equipment , CMV Farms reused old dripper lines from its orchards and
“
Sustainability is factored into all decision making in some way , shape or form .
- Ryan Norton , CMV Farms Managing Director
other farms . The company originally propagated their own trees and shrubs but as plantings become bigger now purchase them through Landcare and other organisations . Native grasses are expected to be added to future plantings . “ In 2025 we ’ ll consider holding the tree planting day in the school holidays so CMV staff can bring their families along ,” Mr Norton said . CMV Farms ' other almond property , Keith ’ s at Lindsay Point , also participate in the environment days by cleaning roadsides , tree plantings and the like . This is a focus of CMV Farms in general - even the finance office take up the days !
The CMV Group celebrates its 90th anniversary this year . Mr Norton said sustainability and the environment have been a company focus for a large proportion of that time . “ Sustainability is factored into all decision making in some way , shape or form ,” he said . The Fielke ’ s office and workshop are solar powered . Fielke ’ s also has a no plastic policy where and when they can , so wooden paddle pop sticks are used to mark out where new trees are to be planted . The company also participates in the Big Bag Recovery , which enables fertiliser bulk bags to be recycled .
industry . australianalmonds . com . au
31