Sustainable Agriculture
Makepeace uses a variety of non-chemical methods to manage insect pests whenever possible. For example:
- Late water floods affect many insects in the year of the flood. Emergence of insects is delayed and often synchronous (all individuals hatching over a short period of time rather than spread out over several weeks).
- Summer floods (mid-May to mid-July) can be used to control grubs, and in fact is the only method short of bog renovation.
- Detrashing floods and sanding are important in the management of certain pests.
- Conservative fertilizing in the early spring prevents pests which thrive on lush greenery.
When necessary, pesticides are used to reduce the variety of insects which are naturally attracted to cranberries.
All pesticides must be tested and registered for use with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Certified and licensed applicators must complete yearly training requirements to maintain their license or certification. All of the Makepeace employees who apply pesticides have these annual certifications or licenses.
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