Sustainability is the capacity to endure. It describes ecologically how biological systems remain diverse and productive over time. For humans, sustainability is the potential for long-term maintenance of well-being and has ecological, economic, political and cultural dimensions that require the reconciliation of environmental,
social equity and economic demands.

Though often used to define new farming methods and standards, sustainable agriculture is not a new phrase. Farmers are stewards of the land and have been farming sustainably for thousands of years. If not, our resources would have been depleted and there would be no crops to sustain our growing population.

Sustainable agriculture is an integrated system of farming production practices that will satisfy human food and fiber needs while minimizing the impact of natural resources and make efficient use of resources to sustain the economic viability of farming operations and enhance the quality of life for farmers and society.

Rava Ranches Inc. has always farmed sustainably and is committed to embracing new technology and production methods that advance the sustainability of our environment. We ensure that our farming methods are mindful of our environment and continue to go above and beyond the standards in order to reduce pollution and waste and conserve our natural resources like water, energy, and raw materials.

New technologies have greatly assisted us in our efforts to keep our lands sustainable while honoring our commitment to our employees, our families and yours to produce high-quality produce. One of the main principles of sustainability is to continuously meet the needs of the present without compromising the future. By applying these principles to our land, water, and farming practices we put ourselves in a position to develop a more efficient and brighter future.

The design and periodical leveling of our
fields not only helps conserve water, it
helps prevent erosion and topsoil depletion. This allows for the soil to have long-term productivity and stability.


Customized nutrient programs for each individual field are just another way Rava Ranches strives to produce the best possible crop. One crop may not have the same nutrient requirements as another, therefore,
it is essential to know what each crop may or may not need.

The mismanagement of water can be a major factor in the prosperity of agriculture and society as a whole. Our goal is to manage this resource responsibly to ensure that it will be there for future generations of farmers and at the same time, keeping our underground water sources clean and free of chemicals.

Our water is clean and natural, with no chemicals. We have several reservoirs to help improve water conservation and storage supplies. In those reservoirs there is a system in place that uses aerators to keep the water at proper aerobic levels, thereby preventing algae from growing without resorting to chemicals.

Integrated pest management is a critical part of maintaining and preserving the crops. Chemical (pesticides), biological (biocontrol), mechanical (tillage), and cultural practices are all used.

Cultural practices include crop
rotation, cover crops, intercropping, and composting. Integrated pest management attempts to use all of these methods to keep pest populations below the number which would cause economic loss, and recommends pesticides as a last resort.


Part of our integrated pest management is to use beneficials and the surrounding environment to help protect the crops. An example of the use of beneficials is: syrphid fly larvae, which are insects that feed on plant-sucking insects like aphids and thrips. A habitat has been created to support the larvae, with the surrounding hills covered in white alyssum flowers.