July 2022 - 5

LIPMAN
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
1930s when Max Lipman, a European
Jewish immigrant, visited produce
purveyors and discovered a tomato stand
in the Washington Market in Lower
Manhattan, where the World Trade
Center buildings would later be erected.
In the early 1940s, Max and his
wife, Ella, relocated to Florida where
he planned to open a small vegetable
wholesaling business. In 1950, Max
bought land near Immokalee to
begin growing and selling tomatoes
commercially. Six L's Packing Co. was
named for Max's three sons and three
sons-in-law who partnered in the
business with him.
Since then, Lipman has entered new
areas of business, including repacking,
distribution and fresh-cut processing.
In 2011, Bill Lipman, the last of the
original company founders, died. That
year the company changed its name
from Six L's to Lipman Family Farms.
During the past decade, the
Lipman Local program has expanded
acreage and increased supply. The
program provides East Coast growers,
including from New Jersey, Virginia,
North Carolina and South Carolina,
plus California, with fair returns,
Lipman said.
" Locally-sourced produce is
becoming more important, and
demand is predicted to continue, "
he said. " Lipman's vast national
distribution network enables
local growers to sustainably reach
communities, reduce food waste and
minimize cross-country shipping
impacts. Our longstanding local
partnerships have provided fresh
produce with reduced transit miles to
the store, offering the longest possible
shelf life for our customers. "
Variety improvement
To maintain variety quality, Lipman
Family Farms invests in continuous
crop improvement. A longtime inhouse
research and development staff
develops custom varieties. Lipman's
scientists concentrate on improving
varieties for higher flavor and color
throughout the growing season. The
varieties are also bred for other factors,
including withstanding new pests and
diseases. The R&D staff also works with
Lipman's farms and greenhouses for
more efficient harvesting techniques.
Lipman's Accelerator Program
features dedicated staff members who
research and implement new ways of
operating and improving operating
efficiencies to reduce inputs and
resource usage.
Computer-controlled drip irrigation
is an example of technology pursued
through the Accelerator program.
The system, which automatically
adjusts for environmental factors
such as precipitation, humidity and
evapotranspiration, is installed in all
Lipman farms. It has reduced water
consumption for irrigation by 50%
to 70%.
Since Lipman Family Farms began growing tomatoes in Florida in
the 1950s, it has expanded to other vegetables, including peppers,
cucumbers, squash, green beans and mini sweet peppers.
Lipman Family Farms grows a variety of tomatoes and vegetables.
Its R&D staff develops higher-flavor and more colorful custom
varieties that can withstand new pests and diseases.
Elyse Lipman is Lipman Family Farms'
chief strategy officer.
Through the Lipman Local
program, employees work with
smaller farms and test new tools for
data collection to ensure high-quality,
local produce is available year-round.
In 2011, Lipman began growing
organics and in 2016 focused more
on the segment by introducing the
Grown True organic brand.
Organic, CEA ventures
" The demand for organics is
continuing to grow, " Lipman said.
" Last year, we noticed an increase
in demand from our customers and
decided to expand our compostable
packaging line to not only meet the
demand for organic produce, but
also for the demand for sustainable
packaging. "
In 2018, the grower entered
controlled-environment agriculture
(CEA), when it purchased Huron
Produce in Canada. The greenhouse
varieties are grown in hundreds of
acres throughout North America.
The acquisitions advance Lipman
Family Farms' product development
and growing technology. " Innovation
allowed us to grow into the company
we are today and helps us stay ahead, "
Lipman said.
Over more than 80 years, the
family's business has changed in many
ways. Workers are an extended family
of associates, and charitable programs
show the company's dedication to the
communities it serves.
" We are 'Good from the Ground Up'
because our people are, " Lipman said.
" It all starts with a world-class team
that makes excellence in all we do our
sole focus. We are inspired to create
growth that nourishes everyone. " VGN
Cross Action Forks
Double Forks
Box/Bin Nester
Brush Pusher
Conveyors
Mechanical Bulk Loader
Universal Dump All
Weed Spray Tank
3 Pt. Forks
3 Pt. Hi Lift
Sprayers
Freight-Mate
Lift, rotate and dump up to 3,000 lbs. on
24-inch load center
Dependable, low-cost hydraulically
Operated 180˚ or 130˚ rotator
Automatic box clamp also available
* Less than half the cost of most rotators.
* Smooth hydraulic operation - no gears or ratchets
* One man can attach and disconnect the rotator
* Can be used on conventional and rough terrain
forklifts
AUTHORIZED
DURANDWAYLAND
DEALER
PROVIDING
PARTS
&
SERVICE TO ALL
OF MICHIGAN
PHIL BROWN
WELDING CORP.
4750 8 Mile Rd.
Conklin, MI 49403
* Right to left rotation easily changed by operator in
the field
* Accepts standard forks on Class II fork mount
* Allows nesting and stacking from the driver's seat
while forks are at 180˚
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
HYDRAULIC CONTROL VALVE
HOSE REEL
HOSE PULLEY BRACKETS
PALLET GRIP
Phone: (616) 784-3046
Fax (616) 784-5852
www.philbrownwelding.com
VGN | JULY 2022 | 5
Lipman Family Farms started small but has expanded acreage and also repacks and
distributes products, including fresh-cut tomatoes. The company prepares for the
future by adopting new growing methods and technology.
We offer a
full line of
fruit &
vegetable
equipment
Equipment that makes dollars & 'sense'
http://www.philbrownwelding.com
July 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of July 2022
