Sustainability
Our Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is no longer just a phrase that is stated, and nothing is done about it. It is act that requires diligent efforts be made, follow-up, and lifelong commitment. At Alico, Inc., we are dedicated to being an industry leader. We understand that the world is constantly evolving and changing, causing us to do the same. Our beliefs and focus are shaped by how we operate our company each day. Alico has been around for generations and we are ready to continue increasing our sustainability value for the many years to come. As a frontrunner in the citrus industry, we are committed to being a responsible corporate citizen. We operate with integrity, protect our lands, cultivate the safety and skills of our people, and support our communities.
Putting Our People First
We understand the significance of treating our employees with the upmost respect and the longevity that they will stay working for us if they are treated equally. Our Alico family is built on trust, a good work ethic, and looking out for one another. We all strive to attain one common goal: to continue producing the best juicing oranges in the nation. The way we will achieve this is by holding those in the workplace to the highest stature.
- Health and Safety
- Fair Labor
- Employee Education and Development
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Farmer Engagement and Support
- Community Investment
Since 2021, Alico, Inc. has been committed to the UN Global Compact corporate responsibility initiative
and its principles in the areas of human rights, labor, the environment and anti-corruption.
Our Planet is Our Only Home
Alico, Inc. is continuously exploring fresh and innovative approaches to enhance our day-to-day field operation to lessen our impact on the global environment. We invest in automation and microjet irrigation systems with moisture sensors to operate water systems as efficiently and effectively as possible, and to distribute water precisely to our citrus trees. We equip our spreaders and sprayers with Variable Rate Technology (tree sensors) that regulate chemical and fertilizer usage by applying the fertilizer or spray volume based on the size of the tree. Alico adheres to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (“FDACS”) Best Management Practices (“BMP’s”) for Citrus, which are intended to enhance water quality, while sustaining agricultural production. These BMP’s cover important areas, such as nutrient management, irrigation management, and water resource protection.
- Prevent pollution wherever possible
- Properly dispose of hazardous chemicals
- Water Management
- Precision Farming
Conservation Efforts
Alico has a long history of working with state and local governments as well as environmental organizations to protect environmentally sensitive land.
In the late 1980’s, Alico transferred land that would become part of the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW). This has become an important wildlife and environmental area. The CREW provides natural flood protection, water purification and critical aquifer recharge. The watershed also serves as important habitat for animal species such as the endangered Florida panther, snail kite and wood stork.
In 1986, Alico transferred land which became part of the Tiger Creek Preserve which is managed today by The Nature Conservancy.
In 1998, Alico transferred land which became the Okaloacoochee Slough Wildlife Management Area (WMA). This area is important to the survival of several declining wildlife species, especially the Florida panther, wood stork, Audubon’s crested caracara, snail kite, American swallow-tailed kite and sandhill crane.
In June of 2008, Alico worked with the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County to designate 3,699 acres of Alico’s land as a Stewardship Sending Area to help support the counties preservation efforts.
In September of 2013, Alico entered into an easement agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture ("USDA"), through its administering agency, The Natural Resources Conservation Service, on approximately 11,600 acres of Ranch and Conservation land located in Hendry County, Florida. The easement bars commercial development on the property in perpetuity. The property was enrolled in the Wetlands Reserve Program designed to restore, protect, and enhance the values of the wetlands and for the conservation of natural resources.
Additionally, in 2019, Alico sold 5,534 acres to the State of Florida to support the Devil’s Garden Florida Forever project. Florida Forever is Florida’s premier conservation and recreation lands acquisition program, a blueprint for conserving natural resources and renewing Florida’s commitment to conserve the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
On June 3, 2021, the Company sold approximately 11,600 acres of Ranch and Conservation land to a third party rancher. As such, the new owner will continue to graze cattle on the land and assume responsibilities under the easement agreement.
The 5,534 acres Alico is comprised of 3,233 acres of uplands and 2,301 acres of wetlands. In purchasing the land, Florida Cabinet staff analysis noted, “"The long-term stewardship of the landowner is evident through the diversity of ecosystems and resource integrity found throughout the western portion of the project area."
Specifically, this property will help the State of Florida:
- Provide a natural habitat to several threatened native plant and animal species, and has numerous recorded sightings of the Florida Panther;
- Adjoin the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail; and
- Provide a critical flow of water to the natural systems of Fakahatchee Strand and Big Cypress Preserve
Sources:
https://www.sfwmd.gov/recreation-site/corkscrew-regional-ecosystem-watershed-crew
https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/tiger-creek-preserve/
https://myfwc.com/recreation/lead/ok-slough/history/
View Alico ESG Report 2023
View Alico ESG Report 2022
View Alico ESG Report 2021
View Sustainability Policy
Third Party Labor Policy
View Vendor Code of Conduct
Company Safety Manual