Growing Greener: Congratulations to our newest Sustainability Partners

Fresno, CA – August 30, 2024 – Netafim North America, Orbia’s Precision Agriculture Business, a global leader in precision irrigation solutions, proudly welcomes three of the nation's top agricultural producers— D'Arrigo California/Andy Boy Produce, Tanimura & Antle, and Merrill Farms—as the latest partners in its ReGen AgVantage Recycling Certification Program. This certification program, launched at the end of 2023, sets a new standard for growers who have demonstrated a commitment to sustainability by working with us to reduce dripline plastic waste and minimize their environmental impact. The ReGen AgVantage Recycling Certification Program offers a structured approach to help growers achieve their sustainability goals. 

Netafim operates the first fully circular recycling program in the industry, transforming used drip tape at its Fresno, California ReGen Recycling Plant. Here, the tape is shredded, washed, pelletized, and then extruded into new drip tape—ready to irrigate the same types of crops and farms it was originally used on. Netafim is the only precision irrigation company to own a plastics recycling facility and recycling program certified by SCS Global Services.  

We are thrilled to welcome D’Arrigo California, Tanimura & Antle, and Merrill Farms into our ReGen AgVantage family," said Mike Hemman, President Netafim North America. "These partnerships underscore our shared commitment to sustainability and innovation in agriculture. By working together, we are not only helping growers meet their environmental goals but we are setting a new standard for sustainable practices in the industry." 

About the New Partners 

• D’Arrigo California/ Andy Boy Produce: Family-owned and operated since 1923, D’Arrigo California has built a legacy of excellence, producing a diverse range of lettuces, broccoli, cauliflower, and specialty vegetables. As a true pioneer in innovation and social responsibility, D’Arrigo California has consistently embraced environmentally friendly practices, making their participation in the ReGen AgVantage program a natural progression in their commitment to sustainability. 

• Tanimura & Antle: An industry leader with a commitment to premium quality produce, food safety, innovation and automation since 1982. Tanimura & Antle is known for their high standards and committed to sustainability, making significant strides in water conservation, energy efficiency, and waste reduction – making them a crucial partner in our ReGen AgVantage program. 

• Merrill Farms: With a rich history in farming, Merrill Farms is a fourth-generation vegetable grower, producing a variety of lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, and several other specialty vegetables. Merrill Farms is dedicated to maintaining sustainable farming practices while delivering superior produce to its customers and we are eager to have their partnership in the program.

About the ReGen AgVantage Program

Netafim’s ReGen AgVantage Certified Recycling Certification Program is the first circular recycling program for drip tape. By joining the program, growers can recycle their used materials through a process that includes collection, cleaning, and reprocessing into new drip tape that will be used back in the field. Netafim’s ReGen Recycling Facility earned the SCS Recycling Program Certification, spotlighting how the company collects and recycles end-of-life irrigation tubing in an environmentally responsible way. In 2007, Netafim opened a dedicated facility in California to process end-of-life drip irrigation tubing into high-quality recycled resin through a proprietary process developed over the last 16 years. The end-of-life tubing is carefully shredded, washed, and pelletized, resulting in high-quality recycled production inputs. These recycled production inputs become part of a sustainable manufacturing process that creates top-quality drip irrigation tubing, ready to be used again.  

Since its inception, the program has been recognized for its effectiveness in promoting sustainability and supporting growers in their efforts to reduce plastic waste. Partners in the ReGen AgVantage program not only contribute to a cleaner environment but also a sustainable future for generations to come. To learn more about the recycling program and how to become a certified irrigation plastics recycler, visit https://www.netafimusa.com/recycling/regen-certified-partners/.   

"The ReGen AgVantage program is about more than just recycling," added Netafim’s V.P. of Products & Agronomy, Chuck Bates. "It's about creating a lasting impact on the environment and the agricultural industry. By partnering with forward-thinking growers like D’Arrigo California, Tanimura & Antle, and Merrill Farms, we are driving meaningful change that benefits everyone." 

For more information about the ReGen AgVantage Recycling Certification Program or to inquire about partnership opportunities, please visit Netafim USA’s website.

Netafim, Orbia’s Precision Agriculture business is the world’s largest irrigation company and a global leader in precision agriculture solutions committed to fight scarcity of food, water and land, for a sustainable future. Netafim USA, based in Fresno, CA, develops and manufactures drip irrigation systems for agriculture, landscape & turf, greenhouse & nursery, mining, and wastewater. Netafim offers an extensive range of irrigation solutions including driplines, filters, sprinklers, valves, water meters, digital farming equipment, and turnkey greenhouses. Founded in 1965, by farmers and Agronomists on the idea that micro-irrigation is a solution to one of the world's most urgent problems: lack of quality water for food production, Netafim pioneered the drip revolution and created a paradigm shift toward low-flow agricultural irrigation. We started in the Negev desert in Israel, trying to grow crops in desert soil. So, we know what it’s like to farm in extreme conditions. That struggle taught us how to combine precision irrigation, agronomic expertise and relentless innovation to help farmers grow more of any crop, in any climate, with less resources. 

About SCS Global Services

SCS Global Services (SCS) has been providing global leadership in third-party quality, environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, testing, and standards development for more than 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, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices.