the herb farm

Since the herb farm’s establishment, developing a sustainable business that benefits not only customers and employees, but also has a minimal impact on the environment, has been at the forefront of their endeavours.

The organisation has developed comprehensive sustainability policies around areas such as suppliers, raw materials, equipment, waste/recycling, energy and transport.

The herb farm has strong community and educational links and regularly run hands-on workshops and educational sessions for IPC, Massey University and UCOL. The organisation is also involved in local beauty pageants, such as Miss Manawatu and Miss Teen Manawatu, and leverages these opportunities to educate young women about the benefits of natural health and skincare.

The challenge

To continuously embed and nurture the founders’ firmly-held sustainability principles in an expanding business.

Some responses

• Formulating and instigating policies covering a range of areas such as raw materials, procurement, energy, waste and so on.
• Asking all suppliers to sign a supplier pledge whereby they commit to providing all natural ingredients and products, which are not tested on animals.
• Providing a wonderfully inclusive environment for staff, whereby all employees are engaged and encouraged to play an integral part in the business’ commitment to sustainability.
• Supporting local charities such as Safe, Horse Welfare, Fielding SPCA and Blind Week.
• Working closely with local educational institutions such as Massey, IPC and UCOL to run hands-on workshops for students.
• Supporting local beauty pageants in order to educate contestants on the benefits of using natural products.

The results

• A comprehensively-managed business which is committed to sustainable business practices.
• Consistently ensuring that all of the herb farm’s products are 100% natural.
• Engaging with the local community in a way which is mutually beneficial.

Central/Southern Regional Awards judges' comments

• The herb farm has demonstrated clear and true commitment to the principles of sustainability, which has resulted in a high quality product.
• The business has a strong community orientation: they have engaged with Massey University in order to educate students and advance their sustainability practices.
• The organisation has formulated and implemented many comprehensive sustainable business policies.