On April 9, 2005, members of the Merrimack Valley Sierra Club toured Stonyfield Farm in Londonderry, NH. Stonyfield is well-known both for its health-promoting products and environmental business practices.
Stonyfield yogurt is probably the
company's most familiar product, and organic whole milk, organic
lowfat, and all natural fat free yogurt are available. Other food
items include organic milk,
organic smoothies and all natural cultured soy. A number of "just for
kids" products are offered - for example "YoBaby Organic Drinkable
Yogurt for Babies and Toddlers." Stonyfield is committed to a healthy
planet and no artificial ingredients are found in its foods.
Stonyfield's "earth actions" reflect a commitment to responsible environmental stewardship and the company has received numerous awards from environmental groups and agencies. The company supports family farms, sustainable agriculture and organic farming. It carries out various recycling and reuse activities as opposed to contributing solid waste to landfills and incinerators. Energy-efficient measures are adopted in various aspects of its yogurt-making activities. In addition,Stonyfield is combating global warming by investing in projects that offset CO2 emissions from its facilities - for example company funds aided the reforestation of a riparian habitat in Oregon.
At the beginning of their tour, Sierrans saw an informative and entertaining video in the Farm's mini-theater. Among other things, the video explained how Stonyfield got its start in Wilton, NH in 1983. At that time, the present Chair/Founder, Samuel Kaymen, an authority on organic farming, teamed up with the present President/CEO, Gary Hirshberg, an environmental activist and entrepreneur. The company eventually outgrew the farm and moved in 1989 to its present location in Londonderry, NH.
After viewing the video, the tour group then followed a guide down a long hallway. Various glassed-in production areas were adjacent to the hallway. This arrangement permitted close-up observations of production lines where machines filled and packaged cups. Also visible was the company's elaborate quality control set-up. Meanwhile, the guide answered numerous questions about the company's policies, activities and products.
Following the tour, plentiful samples of Stonyfield products were offered to the group. There was also an opportunity to visit the gift shop where many interesting items were available. In the photo shown here Sierra Club member Nancy Boeckeler and her daughter Natalie are seen viewing some of the many items for sale.
Stonyfield Farm welcomes visitors. Information about the company and its goals, the time when tours are offered, and directions to the farm are located on the Stonyfield Farm Website.
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