Environmental Impact

The Farmer Family settled in the Athens area over 200 years ago. For generations they lived off the land as (actual) farmers, using just what they needed to sustain their families.

Today, Leon Farmer & Company holds the same respect for the environment and communities in which we do business. In 2008 Leon Farmer III launched an ambitious initiative called “Green Pastures”. The name honors his fore father's love of the countryside and understanding that “we reap what we sow”. Green Pastures seeks to minimize our company's energy costs while maximizing our sustainability.

The project consists of 4 phases:

Phase 1: Facility Upgrade

In 2008 we conducted a facility energy survey, courtesy of Jackson EMC, which revealed significant savings opportunities. In the spring of 2009, we completed a comprehensive upgrade of our electrical and lighting systems. The result of this investment will cut our annual power bill in half.

Phase II: Gas Fleet

After an internal study of our fuel usage by vehicle, we developed a strategy to greatly reduce our gasoline consumption. At the end of 2008 we placed 16 new vehicles on our highest mileage routes. These investments will double our fuel efficiency per route thus reducing our carbon emissions.

Phase III: Diesel Fleet

We are proud of our state of the art tractor-trailer fleet. However, the most modern diesel tractors leave a lot to be desired in the fuel efficiency department. That's why we are actively exploring the possibility of hybrid tractors, the first of which became available in 2009.

Phase IV: Solar Energy

It is our long-term goal to make our warehouses energy self-sufficient. In 2008 we partnered with a solar power company to perform a feasibility study on our Athens facility, the results of which were encouraging. We hope to make this project a reality in the coming years.

Our Local Efforts

Leon Farmer & Company is committed to protecting and promoting the environment. We have actively worked with local recycling companies for years to minimize waste and promote clean communities. In 2009 we proudly sponsored the first annual Athens Green Life Expo held at the Classic Center. It was an outstanding event to raise awareness and share ideas on environmental stewardship. If you have ideas, opportunities or best practices you'd like to share with us, please let us know.