100% of Ocean Spray’s Cranberries Verified as Sustainably Grown

BOSTONApril 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., the agricultural cooperative owned by more than 700 farmer families, announces it is the first major fruit cooperative worldwide to achieve 100% sustainably grown verification for its Ocean Spray cranberries through the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative Platform’s (SAI Platform) Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA). The cooperative has received a verification that 100% of the cranberries it utilizes from its farmer-owners qualify as sustainably grown using SAI’s FSA.  To continue these efforts, Ocean Spray is also working with National Geographic to support fieldwork in regenerative agriculture.

The SAI Platform defines sustainable agriculture as the efficient production of safe, high-quality agricultural products in a way that protects and improves the natural environment, the social and economic conditions of farmers and their communities, and safeguards the health and welfare of all farmed species. Third-party certifier SCS Global Services evaluated Ocean Spray’s sustainable agriculture program and on-farm practices at representative number of its farmer-owners’ farms, validating performance against the FSA’s 112-question checklist.  These performance requirements measure farm sustainability holistically, from soil health, to water conservation practices, to health and safety of farm workers and local communities. Ocean Spray Cranberries Inc.’s achievement also marks the first FSA verification in Chile across all agriculture.

“By using FSA, 100% of Ocean Spray’s cranberries have been verified as sustainably grown and we are thrilled to recognize their achievement,” said Nick Betts, Americas Director at SAI Platform. “It is meaningful to have companies like Ocean Spray create sustainable agriculture systems to help fight climate change and lead as an example for other companies.”

“We were able to confirm Ocean Spray’s efforts to move the needle on sustainable agriculture in their global supply chain, verifying their achievement of Silver and Gold performance levels in implementing the FSA with their cranberry growers,” said Bonnie Holman, Director of Sustainability Certifications at SCS Global Services.  “We commend Ocean Spray’s dedication to leadership in sustainable cranberry production!” SCS Global Services is a global leader in third-party sustainability and food safety certification, auditing, testing, and standards development.

Ocean Spray’s farmers take great care of the water, soil, ecosystems, and communities on and around their farms.  On average, every 1 acre of cranberry bog conserves 5.5 acres of natural lands, such as wetland, forests, and grasslands, conserving natural land for native plants and wildlife. To further conserve resources, many farmers use water efficiency technologies such as soil moisture probes, and monitor their soil health and nutrient management to ensure vines receive nutrients at the right time and in the right amount for berry growth and protection of water resources. As a long-lived perennial vine, farmers also work to ensure the farm is sustainable for generations. Some farmers are growing cranberries on vines that have been passed down over decades and are over 100 years old. Many farmers are leaders in their community, providing agritourism on their farms, serving on local school or municipality boards, and volunteering time and farming equipment to help their community infrastructure.

“As Ocean Spray moves into our 90th year as a cooperative and as the world faces unprecedented challenges, we are committed now more than ever to the future of our farms and the communities we serve.  We are so proud that our cranberries have been verified as sustainably grown through SAI Platform,” said Christina Ferzli, Head of Global Corporate Affairs and Communications at Ocean Spray. “We are now able to apply the learnings from our farms by supporting National Geographic’s work, shaping the importance of regenerative farming to combat climate change in the context of an agricultural system under pressure to feed 8.3 billion people by 2030.”

By supporting the National Geographic Society through grants, Ocean Spray will focus on the critical importance of regenerative farming practices to solve some of the world’s greatest challenges of our time including food security, preserving biodiversity and mitigating climate change. Ocean Spray will support National Geographic fieldwork across the globe to aid in agriculture practices that help preserve the health of the planet. The field work includes projects such as bee-friendly agriculture, automated land-use, insect collection and biodiversity discovery, and global mapping of center pivot agriculture.

“The issue of improving agricultural practices that help preserve the health of our planet has not received the attention it deserves, and we are proud to work with Ocean Spray to support regenerative agriculture around the world,” said Alex Moen, Vice President of Explorer Programs at the National Geographic Society.  “National Geographic has been investing in science, exploration and education for more than 130 years, and we look forward to working together with Ocean Spray to support these impactful projects.”

Additional initiatives will be rolled out this year to help curb climate change, as well as to support food security and the health and wellbeing of all.

About Ocean Spray: 
Founded in 1930, Ocean Spray is a vibrant agricultural cooperative owned by more than 700 cranberry farmers in the United States, Canada and Chile who have helped preserve the family farming way of life for generations. The Cooperative’s cranberries are currently featured in more than a thousand great-tasting, nutritious products in over 100 countries worldwide. Leading by purpose, Ocean Spray is committed to the power of good—creating good, nutritious food that has a direct and powerful impact for the health of people and planet. All for good. Good for all.  For more information visit: www.oceanspray.com

Fall on the Bog

Some say fall is the most beautiful time of year in New England, as the forests show their brilliant colors and the crisp air brings with it everything pumpkin and apple. This quintessential New England scene is not to be outdone by the imagery in Southeastern Massachusetts of crimson cranberries floating against the backdrop of blue skies and green pines.

Here at the A.D. Makepeace Companies, we look forward to fall for a number of reasons, the beautiful scenery is just one of them. The middle of September marks the first of our over 1,700 acres of cranberry bogs being flooded, kicking off the 8-week harvest season. The agricultural team will move from bog to bog harvesting cranberries in the communities of Carver, Plymouth, Rochester, and Wareham, based on their variety, color, and readiness. As a member-owner of Ocean Spray, all the company’s fruit is delivered to the cooperative for processing and distribution.

Cranberries can be harvested dry or by utilizing water. Each of the two methods have their own advantages and uses. Traditionally, dry harvested fruit is utilized as fresh fruit and can commonly be found in bags or boxes in farm stands and grocery stores across the country. Wet harvested fruit is most often used for processed products including juice, cranberry sauce, and sweetened dried cranberries.
Dry harvesting involves using walk-behind machines to rake the berries off the vines into boxes or bags. Berries are removed from the bogs by either bog vehicles or helicopters. The fruit is delivered to fresh fruit receiving stations where it is graded and screened based on color and ability to bounce (soft berries will not bounce). Dry harvested cranberries are used to supply the fresh fruit market. These cranberries are most often used for cooking and baking.

All of Makepeace’s cranberries are harvested by the wet harvest method, as are most cranberries these days. There are three stages of water harvest: picking, racking, and loading. Cranberries have pockets of air around the seed chamber. Because of this, cranberries float in water, and thus, the bogs can be flooded to aid in removal of fruit from the vines. Picking machines make a single pass over the bog’s surface. The machines are equipped with either tines that comb through the vine, or water reels, nicknamed “egg-beaters,” that stir up the water enough to dislodge the berries from the vine.

Next, plastic “booms” are used to corral or rack all the berries into one tight circle which is brought to one edge of the bog for loading. The loading process consists of the berries being pushed over a suction pan and pumped up to a wash bay where they are cleaned, separated, and then loaded into the back of a tractor trailer for delivery to the Ocean Spray receiving station for cleaning, sorting, and packaging into large containers which are sent directly to the freezer.

In a typical year, thousands of visitors and locals alike would tour our grounds to view the spectacular harvest scene and learn everything about cranberries from our growers. This year, to ensure the safety of our employees, the public, and the fruit, we are not holding tours or public events. If you are interested in viewing a roadside cranberry harvest this season, visit Makepeace Farms for a daily posting of viewable harvest areas on our property. In addition, the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association offers a map and other grower opportunities here.

Carverside
Carver, Massachusetts
September 30, 2020

Summer on the Bog

The summer months see a wide variety of activity on the cranberry bogs. In the middle of July, the cranberry blossoms have been pollinated, fruit has set, and we see the bees disappear as quickly as they arrived in mid-June. The tiny cranberry flowers have dropped their petals and green cranberries have begun to grow.

At this stage, our top priority is to keep the crop healthy and growing. It is essential to feed, weed, water, protect, and support the growing fruit.

As the berries begin to develop in size, they need nourishment. During the summer months, fertilizer is applied to bog areas to encourage growth. Careful consideration is needed to encourage fruit growth over vine growth.

As with any crop, weeds may interfere with the progress and health of the developing cranberries. Weeds that are deemed detrimental to a crop’s progress are typically hand weeded. Weeds that are not disturbing the crop’s progress are often left alone.

The traditional rule of thumb is that cranberries need an average of one inch of water per week during the growing season. Rain is preferred, as it provides nutrients that irrigation cannot duplicate. Fortunately, irrigation can balance rainfall shortages.

Technology has come to play a crucial role in each season of cranberry farming and is particularly helpful during the summer months. Our pumps are equipped with auto-start technology that make it easy to set a watering schedule that ensures sufficient irrigation.

Consistent with industry best management practices, we use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques as an ecological approach to pest control. IPM includes a combination of biological, cultural, or chemical control methods. Throughout the spring and summer, trained IPM scouts use insect nets to monitor pest activity. This helps to determine if individual insect presence meets a threshold where treatment is necessary. Insecticides and fungicides may be applied during the summer months to control or prevent serious damage caused by various insects and diseases. Pesticides are only used when necessary and are applied by state-certified applicators.

With our constant support and Mother Nature’s help, our summertime efforts will result in a bountiful fall harvest!

Rosebrook, Wareham, Massachusetts
July 23, 2020

Rosebrook Blood Drives: More Than Pints

WAREHAM – Beginning in May, the A.D. Makepeace Company partnered with the American Red Cross and Southcoast Health to host a monthly blood drive series at Rosebrook Place.  Over 130 donations have been collected, with plans to continue the series monthly through the balance of the year.

One recent blood drives included a challenge between the Wareham Fire Department (WFD) and the A.D. Makepeace Company.  The two event partners held a friendly wager to see who could get the most representatives to sign up for the drive.  The “losing” organization agreed to make a $100 donation to a charity of the winner’s choice.

The WFD took advantage of their slight edge and selected the efforts of Don’t Trash Wareham, a group of citizens who coordinate townwide cleanup efforts. Taking it a step further, the WFD team enhanced the donation by matching it.

“This is a win-win situation,” said Jim Kane, president and CEO of the A.D. Makepeace Company and a blood donor. “In these challenging times, we’re all looking for ways we can help those less fortunate than us, and the Red Cross certainly needs our help. Enhancing a sense of camaraderie with the Fire Department and supporting a local organization makes the benefit even better.”

The Rosebrook blood drive series continues this fall, with drives scheduled for October 21, November 17, and December 16 at the Rosebrook Event Center, 50 Rosebrook Place, Wareham. Advance registration is required. Visit admakepeace.com or the A.D. Makepeace Company Facebook page for a schedule of upcoming drives and registration links.

The A.D. Makepeace Company, founded in 1854, is the world’s largest cranberry grower, the largest private property owner in eastern Massachusetts, and an award-winning real estate developer known for sustainable land stewardship.

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Linda Burke, Vice President for Marketing and Communication, A.D. Makepeace Company.

Blossom Season

adm_beesWhile many think of cranberries as a fall fruit requiring much care and attention during the cooler months, the real work begins long before the autumn air arrives. The late spring and early summer months are vital to the cranberry crop’s success.

During this time of year, the tender vines are developing cranberry buds that will turn into tiny, yet powerful, cranberry blossoms. As the bud and blossom develop, it is crucial to protect them from frost damage, provide adequate nutrients, and establish a healthy environment for growth. This phase of care and protection leads to the next critical element of crop success: pollination.

Typically, blossom time extends from mid-June through mid-July. As the tiny bud begins to open, its outer pink petals reveal a white flower. This is a unique time of year when the thousands of tiny white flowers cover the bog’s surface, resembling a light dusting of winter snow.

The sheer volume of flowers that require pollination vastly outweighs the number of native pollinators in a given bog area. For this reason, the A.D. Makepeace Company obtains a large quantity of honeybee hives and bumble bee boxes each spring to assist in the pollination process. The rule of thumb is approximately two honeybee hives per acre of cranberries or one bumble bee box per acre. While the two varieties of bees cannot be in close proximity to each other, each has its own strengths and characteristics. Although the cranberry industry has long debated the most beneficial bee, today the honeybee remains the primary bee of choice throughout the industry.

Hoppy Bog, Carver, Massachusetts
June 10, 2020

Office Temporarily Closed

June 1, 2020

welcome to our officeIn accordance with Governor Baker’s order, the A.D. Makepeace Company offices are currently operating under restricted guidelines.

For the time being, visitors are not permitted inside the office, and only 25 percent of our office staff is present at any given moment. Others are working from home, as they have been for nearly 12 weeks, and we have seen no interruptions in our workflow.

As an agricultural business, we were deemed “essential” early on, and have taken extra precautions to ensure the health and safety of our staff. The Tihonet area remains closed to visitors; permit holders will be notified when their return is allowed.

It’s a good time to remind everyone that this is our workplace! In these times of social distancing, please avoid walking around these bogs if you see us out working. Stay safe!

NACD New England Chapter Announces 2020 Director of the Year Award Recipients

Boston, MA — January 22, 2020 — The National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) New England Chapter announced today the recipients of its 14th annual Director of the Year Awards.

Each year, using an extensive process involving several member committees, the NACD New England Chapter selects and recognizes independent directors of public, private, and non-­‐profit boards who have embraced high standards of leadership and corporate governance and made valuable contributions to the companies and organizations they serve. To be honored at a formal ceremony on Monday, May 4, 2020, at the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel are:

Public Company Board of the Year: Dunkin’ Brands

With more than 21,000 points of distribution in more than 60 countries, Dunkin’ Brands is one of the world’s leading franchisors of quick service restaurants (QSRs) serving hot and cold coffee and baked goods, as well as hard-­‐serve ice cream. Dunkin’ Brands’ 100-­‐percent-­‐ franchised business model currently includes more than 12,900 Dunkin’ restaurants and more than 8,000 Baskin-­‐Robbins restaurants. Based in Canton, Mass., the company has set corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals to make continuous progress in the areas of sustainable sourcing, packaging, energy efficiency, waste reduction, nutrition, diversity and inclusion, and other material issues. Dunkin’ franchisees around the world volunteer time and donate product and funds to countless non-­‐profit groups, most notably the Joy In Childhood (JiCF) Foundation.

Private Company Board of the Year: The A.D. Makepeace Company

With a 160-­‐year history in the cranberry business, the A.D. Makepeace Company, based in Wareham, Mass., is the largest private property owner in Eastern Massachusetts and a recognized leader in environmentally responsible real estate development and land and water stewardship. John Makepeace was one of the three original founders of the Ocean Spray Co-­‐ Operative, in 1930. The board embraces a culture of responsible governance, with independent directors holding 40 to 50 percent of the board seats.

Leadership in Corporate Governance Award: Ronald P. O’Hanley

Mr. O’Hanley is chairman and CEO of State Street Corporation. Mr. O’Hanley was previously president and chief operating officer of State Street Corporation, and before that president and chief executive officer of State Street Global Advisors, the investment management arm of State Street Corporation. He joined State Street in 2015. Prior to State Street, Mr. O’Hanley held senior positions at Fidelity Investments, BNY Mellon Asset Management, Mellon Financial, and McKinsey & Company, Inc. Mr. O’Hanley currently serves on the boards of Unum Corp., Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, The Boston Foundation, the IYRS School of Technology and Trades, Syracuse University, and WBUR.

Myra H. Kraft Award for Non-­‐Profit Leadership: Benaree Pratt Wiley

Benaree “Bennie” Pratt Wiley is Principal of The Wiley Group and for 15 years served as President and Chief Executive Officer of The Partnership, Inc., an organization that strengthened Greater Boston’s capacity to attract, develop, and retain talented professionals of color. Ms. Wiley has worked as a management consultant for Abt Associates, Contract Research Corporation, and Urban Systems Research and Engineering. Ms. Wiley is currently a Director on the boards of the Dreyfus Mutual Funds, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, CBIZ Inc., Dress for Success Boston, Partners Continuing Care, the Black Philanthropy Fund, the Efficacy Institute and Howard University where she serves as Vice Chair. Her many civic honors include honorary doctorates from Boston College, New England School of Law, and Newbury College; the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Pinnacle Award for Lifetime Achievement; and the Harvard Business School Distinguished Alumni Award from its African American Student Union.

The NACDNE non-­‐profit leadership award is named in honor of the late Myra H. Kraft, president and director of the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation and trustee of the Robert K. and Myra H. Kraft Foundation, who also served on the boards of directors of the American Repertory Theatre, the United Way of Massachusetts Bay, Northeastern University, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston, and Brandeis University

Lifetime Achievement Award: Jack O’Brien

Mr. O’Brien was CEO and President of Allmerica Financial Corporation, now known as The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc., an insurance and diversified financial services company, from 1995 until his retirement in 2002. He currently serves as lead director of The TJX Companies, Inc., an off-­‐price retailer of apparel and home fashions in the United States and worldwide, and as a director of LKQ Corporation, a nationwide provider of recycled auto parts, and of a family of mutual funds managed by BlackRock, an investment management advisory firm. Previously Mr. O’Brien served as Cabot Corporation’s non-­‐executive chairman of the board from 2008 to 2018 and as chair of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and as a director of ABIOMED and GAM Technology.

NACDNE Gala Chair Ellen Zane, CEO Emeritus of Tufts Medical Center, said: “Dunkin’ and A.D. Makepeace are not only legendary New England business success stories, they also demonstrate every day an unparalleled commitment to corporate social responsibility and community volunteerism. In Ron O’Hanley, Bennie Wiley, and Jack O’Brien, NACD New England is delighted to salute three of our region’s pre-­‐eminent examples of business and civic leadership.’’

NACDNE President Beth I. Z. Boland, chair of Foley & Lardner’s Securities Enforcement & Litigation Practice and vice chair of the Litigation Department, said: “NACDNE is devoted to improving corporate governance and developing a deep pool of talented prospective directors to serve on boards. Our rigorously researched and highly competitive Director of the Year honors represent one of the most important ways that NACDNE can showcase what high-­‐ impact board service and leadership looks like.”

About NACD New England (NACDNE)

The NACD New England Chapter is part of the larger NACD network, the only not-­‐for-­‐profit membership organization founded by and for corporate directors. With a national headquarters in metropolitan Washington, D.C., NACD has 21 active regional chapters and more than 21,000 director and key executive members around the country. NACD’s resources include an annual leadership conference, fellowships, downloadable publications, and in-­‐boardroom education programs. NACD is also part of the Global Network of Director Institutes, a 100,000-­‐member-­‐ strong international collaboration of directors who share expertise from around the world.

Learn more about NACD New England Chapter membership and general governance information online at www.NACDne.org

Redbrook Nets Seven Prism Awards

Boston, MA — October 31, 2019 — The Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Boston (BRAGB) presented Team Redbrook with another seven Prism Awards recently. The annual awards celebrate the best of the best in the region’s residential building industry.

The new village won Gold for Best Rental Community (Redbrook Apartments) and Best Digital Marketing Campaign, and Silver for best detached home 2,000-3,000 SF (The Birch by The Valle Group), Best Attached under 1,800 SF (The Topaz by Whitman Homes), best interior merchandising of an apartment community, best digital ad, and best showroom sales center (Redbrook Apartments).

Three of the prestigious awards went to the Redbrook Apartments, a 184-apartment complex which includes four buildings arrayed around a picturesque courtyard featuring an outdoor pool, firepit and grilling area, and clubhouse. This rental community within Redbrook is a partnership between the A.D. Makepeace Company, Campanelli, and Corcoran Management, exclusive leasing company, and the first building opened last summer. 85 percent of the apartments have been leased in 6 months.

The Gold award for Best Rental Community was especially significant, said Michael P. Hogan, president and CEO of Agawam Development Company, the A.D. Makepeace Company subsidiary responsible for Redbrook’s development.

“This is truly a unique housing option,” said Mr. Hogan. “It combines luxury and affordability, convenience and proximity to nature, in a way that appeals to young professionals, empty nesters, and everyone in between.”

“This is a great partnership of two longtime family companies, and we’re delighted that the Prism judges recognized that,” said Dan DeMarco, partner of the Braintree-based Campanelli.

Redbrook has won a total of 26 of the prestigious awards since the new village welcomed its first homeowners in 2015.

BRAGB, a trade association affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders and Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Massachusetts, has represented the industry since 1944. BRAGB has evolved into one of the leading trade associations in New England. With over 390 member companies, including single-family, multifamily builders, and commercial builders and remodeling contractors, BRAGB is one of New England’s most prominent and influential trade associations.

The A.D. Makepeace Company is developer of the award-winning Redbrook. The 165-year-old company is the world’s largest cranberry grower, the largest private property owner in eastern Massachusetts, and a recognized leader in environmentally responsible real estate development and stewardship.

Information about the village is available at redbrookplymouth.com

Kane Promoted to Makepeace President

Wareham, MA — October 21, 2019 — James F. Kane, chief operating officer of the A.D. Makepeace Company, has been promoted to president and chief executive officer of the company.

Mr. Kane will replace Michael P. Hogan, who will shift to direct the company’s award-winning Redbrook operations in Plymouth as President and CEO of Agawam Development Company, LLC. Mr. Hogan will continue to serve on the Ocean Spray Board of Directors.

Mr. Kane has been with the A.D. Makepeace Company since September, 2005, serving in a variety of senior roles before assuming his current responsibilities in 2018. Most recently, he managed the transition of Read Custom Soils into a fully integrated division of the A.D. Makepeace Company.

A graduate of the College of the Holy Cross, Mr. Kane also holds a master’s degree in public administration from Clark University. He and Mr. Hogan previously worked together at MassDevelopment, where Michael was president and CEO and Jim was chief operating officer. Before that, Mr. Kane served as Chief of Operations for the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority.

He serves as Chairman of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy Board of Trustees and is an elected selectman in the town of Shrewsbury, where he resides with his wife, State Rep. Hannah Kane, and their three children.

The management transition occurred on October 1, and was approved by the company’s Board of Directors in July.

Mr. Hogan’s focus on Redbrook comes at a time when the new village in South Plymouth achieves significant milestones, with the opening of 184 rental apartments and the village’s second commercial building, and the sale of 300 homes. Ultimately, Redbrook will include some 1,200 residences in a variety of styles and price points, along with up to 90,000 square feet of commercial space.

The 165-year-old A.D. Makepeace Company is the world’s largest cranberry grower, the largest private property owner in eastern Massachusetts, and a recognized leader in environmentally responsible real estate development and stewardship. In addition to Redbrook, the company is developing the mixed-use Rosebrook in Wareham, is a leader in the development and production of engineered soils, and has installed solar fields generating more than 70 MW of power.

Ierardi Named Read Custom Soils General Manager

Wareham, MA — August 22, 2019 — Christopher Ierardi has been promoted to General Manager of the Read Custom Soils (RCS) Division of the A.D. Makepeace Company.

Ierardi, 50, joined the company in 2005 as a property manager and was assigned to the Custom Soils Division in 2016. Under his leadership, Read sales increased by some 20 percent in 2018.

Mr. Ierardi holds a bachelor of science degree in landscape architecture from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He lives in Bourne with his wife Kristina, and son.

RCS is New England’s most experienced precision blenders. It operates from a state-of-the-art blending facility in Carver, Mass., located in the heart of enormous reserves of USGA-quality sand, and from a Westford, Mass. wash plant and blending yard. It is New England’s leading provider of lightweight planting soil for green roof installations, stabilized stonedust for nature paths and pedestrian walkways, bioretention/raingarden soils, a proprietary blend for challenging urban tree planting, specialized soils for sports fields, and golf course materials, serving more than 300 golf courses throughout New England.

The A.D. Makepeace Company is the world’s largest cranberry grower, a founding member of the Ocean Spray co-op, the largest private property owner in Massachusetts, and a recognized leader in environmentally responsible land development and stewardship. The company acquired Read Custom Soils in 2011 and has maintained the highly respected RCS brand.