SACRAMENTO – Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced that Houweling’s Tomatoes has won a 2011 Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA) for its sustainable Camarillo greenhouse expansion.
GEELA is California's highest and most prestigious environmental honor. The award recognizes individuals, organizations and businesses that have demonstrated exceptional leadership in conserving California’s resources, protecting and enhancing the environment, and building public-private partnerships.
“Houweling’s is a true leader,” said Secretary for Environmental Protection Matt Rodriquez. “They prove that you can support and promote environmental values without sacrificing your business objectives. They understand that going green can be a successful economic strategy that can also lead to sustainable growth and development.”
Houwelings is one of the highest yielding Tomato greenhouses in the world. Although growing area has increased by 50%, water and fertilizer usage is down by 30% and natural gas usage in the newest facilities is 28% lower than conventional greenhouses. In addition, sufficient energy is provided by 5 acres of Photo Voltaic Solar panels.
The Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Awards program was established in 1993. The award program is administered by the California Environmental Protection Agency and the California Natural Resources Agency in collaboration with the State and Consumer Services Agency; the Department of Food and Agriculture; Labor and Workforce Development Agency; the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency; and, the Health and Human Services Agency.
For more information on GEELA and this year's award recipients, visit the Cal/EPA Web site: http://www.calepa.ca.gov/Awards/GEELA/.
Source: Houwelings Nurseries Ltd.