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Stemilt Growers has revealed that it has been named on the recently published Washington state Green 50 list, which recognises excellence in sustainability and social responsibility.

It is the fourth time that Stemilt has been recognised in the Green Washington Awards, which are published by Seattle Business Magazine, with the group actually named the greenest agriculture company in Washington in 2008.

The Wenatchee-based fresh produce packer-shipper was praised in particular for its ongoing Responsible Choice programme, which was first initiated by founder Tom Mathison in 1989.

Sustainability leadership demonstrated by the group includes a compost farm on Stemilt Hill to regenerate green waste, the Stemilt Organic Recycling Centre, and energy and water conservation initiatives.

'When it comes to sustainability, even subtle changes like our paper recycling programme can make a big impact, both economically and environmentally,' said marketing director Roger Pepperl.

Social responsibility is another key area for the group's Responsible Choice programme, Pepperl noted, with health benefits for all full-time employees and a free health clinic.