At Farmgate we believe in sustainable practices. Respect for the natural world with which we share our planet is paramount for us.
We intentionally leave more than half of our land wild - supporting our pollinators and all other living things is integral to how we operate and live here at Farmgate. We benefit from the wild lands while cross-country skiing and bird watching in winter (and hopefully skating on our restored pond), making maple syrup and foraging for
fiddleheads in spring, paddling the Mississippi in summer and hiking our trails in the fall. Having happy, healthy apple trees is an added bonus.
The forest around us is a beautiful, primarily hardwood forest with a few conifers. It is home to dozens of species of nesting birds, mammals from small to large, wildflowers and lots of insects including solitary bees. We leave space for nature to thrive.
The agricultural portion of our land has cover crops year round. This is important for protecting the biodiversity and health of the soil. In 2025, we implemented late harvest practices so that field nesting birds have a chance to raise their broods before the hay is cut.
We are in the process of restoring a wetland here. It is in the planning and procurement of funding stage. Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority are providing support. This wetland will provide habitat for reptiles, amphibians and hopefully a few ducks.
We manage our orchards organically. Spraying with Dormant Oil in early spring (water, dish soap and vegetable oil) and later, as needed, with BT (a natural bacteria found in soil) helps us to control insect infestations. Careful management and low density planting have made it possible to steer clear of chemical sprays.
Cider production requires a lot of cleaning and sterilization of equipment. We use ozonated water rather than chlorine based products whenever possible. Ozonated water is a strong anti-oxidant and therefore great at killing bacteria and fungi. Instead of persisting in the environment it quickly turns back into ordinary water.
Instead of using sulphites and other preservatives, we sterile-filter our cider and keep it cold. When a little sweetness is required we back sweeten with natural sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup and fresh juice.
Other eco-initiatives include making our own electricity with solar panels and heating our buildings using geothermal. We have eliminated almost all plastics from our production, opting for spent grain and recycled paper packaging. Cider bottles can be returned to be cleaned and reused.
There is still more to do. Each year we hope to reduce our carbon footprint even as our business grows, find ways to reduce our water usage, and maintain harmony with our environment.
Photos: Allie Liko Photography and Lauren McCormick Photography
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