Resources

At Onions 52, we are devoted to growing, packing, and shipping high-quality, delicious, and safe onions. We are third-party certified by Primus Auditing Operations and committed to economic, environmental, and social sustainability throughout our entire company.

      
Sustainability

WATER CONSERVATION

  • A pipeline was installed at Hartley Produce in Prosser, WA, to transport water from the Columbia River to surrounding farms. This pipeline conserves water by eliminating evaporation during irrigation as water moves between fields.

  • At several of our farms, we use drip irrigation, which delivers water directly to the roots of the onions. This method conserves water and promotes healthier, more robust plant growth.

SEED SELECTION

Selecting the right seed is essential for crop success and sustainable farming. Here are a few key considerations:

  • Choose seed varieties that are best suited to produce high-quality onions

  • Aim for optimal yield to maximize production while conserving land

  • Keep detailed records of seed varieties and vendors for consistency and traceability

SOIL HEALTH

Each crop, including onions, is susceptible to specific diseases and weeds. To conserve soil health, we implement the following practices:

  • Crop rotation to prevent disease buildup and improve soil fertility

  • Use of cover crops and no-till methods whenever possible to protect soil structure

  • Regular soil sampling to ensure optimal planting conditions

  • Application of a state-of-the-art, certified organic laser weeder (where applicable), which reduces chemical use, protects beneficial insects, and minimizes soil disturbance

PACKAGING

Onions 52 is committed to adopting sustainable packaging whenever feasible. We currently use reusable plastic containers (RPCs) and reusable pallets (CHEP, PECO) to help reduce excess waste and minimize our environmental impact.

ipm certified

At Onions 52, we're committed to protecting pollinators like bees and butterflies—essential partners in growing healthy crops. Through sustainable farming practices and a focus on reducing chemical use, we're on track to achieve IPM (Integrated Pest Management) certification at every farm by the end of 2025. It’s all part of our mission to support pollinators and protect the planet.

Food Safety & Responsible Labor Practices

Responsible Labor Practices

Onions 52 is committed to responsible labor practices, which include:

  • Ethical recruitment of farmworkers

  • Compliance with all state and federal labor regulations

  • Adherence to local government rules regarding minor workers

  • Zero tolerance for forced labor

  • Ensuring fair compensation and safe working conditions

  • Addressing worker needs through appropriate language support and signage

  • Fostering a culture of food safety

  • Providing ongoing leadership team training

FOOD SAFETY

When it comes to food safety, we hold our growers and facilities to the highest standards through a rigorous approved supplier program, ensuring that our harvesting, packing, and storage practices consistently exceed industry benchmarks.

Traceability

Onions 52 adheres to the USDA regulations regarding food safety and traceability. We take traceability one step further with scannable GS1-Databar PLU stickers placed on our bulk onions. 

Industry Associations
  • International Fresh Produce Association: IFPA
  • Southeast Produce Council