Toppenish, Washington. Cornerstone Ranches proudly announces GlobalG.A.P. Certification for their Apples and Hops. GLOBALG.A.P. certification will open valuable new markets to Cornerstone Ranches by satisfying the basic food safety and sustainability specifications of retailers and major buyers worldwide.
GLOBALG.A.P. is an internationally recognized food safety program for pre-farmgate operations benchmarked to the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). Certified GLOBALG.A.P. operations have achieved high levels of food safety while demonstrating a commitment to worker welfare, environmental protection, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) protocols, and responsible energy use. Cornerstone Ranches’ Apples and Hops received this certification from SCS Global Services. SCS has been providing global leadership in third-party quality, environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, testing, and standards development for three decades. Its programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, power generation, retail, and more. SCS is accredited to provide services under a wide range of nationally and internationally recognized certification programs. Consistent with its mission, SCS is a chartered benefit corporation and Certified B Corp.
Cornerstone Ranches, LLC is proud to be a pioneering grower in the Yakima Valley by achieveing this valuable certification. As the demand for transparency in environmental practices increase, such certifications provides a competitive position in the Hop and Apple markets. The hop industry continues to strive to meet the growing demand of the expanding craft market; however growers like Cornerstone Ranches with certifications like GLOBALG.A.P. can uniquily provide assurance that their environmental practices meets and/or exceeds all of the food safety and sustainability specifications many national and worldwide buyers demand.
“As we continue to develop and nurture strong relationships with merchants and brewers in the hop industry, achieving this certification was critical for Cornerstone Ranches to assure its dedication to the highest level of quality.”, says Graham Gamache.
With 75 years of experience, Cornerstone Ranches, LLC is an operational family farm growing a variety of hops, apples and grapes. Cornerstone Ranches features 1,000 acres which are in full production. Please call Graham Gamache at (509) 949-6883 or email him at graham@cornerstoneranches.com for any questions.
Posted October 28, 2014