|
Case
| HBS Case Collection
|
1994
(Revised from original 1994 version)
Ocean Spray Cranberries: Environmental Risk Management
by
Richard H.K. Vietor
|
Abstract
Ocean Spray Cranberries, one of the nation's most successful agricultural cooperatives, faces some difficult environmental management problems associated with water usage and wetlands development. Because of federal and state wetlands laws, new bogs for expansion had become virtually impossible to develop. Moreover, to protect its valuable brand, Ocean Spray needs to make reasonably certain that its 800 grower-owners utilize the best possible environmental practices in water management and the use of agricultural chemicals. A single incident could cause the company significant harm. The case describes some of the innovative programs undertaken to facilitate best practices among the loose knit community of growers.
Keywords: Agribusiness;
Innovation and Invention;
Risk Management;
Cooperative Ownership;
Environmental Sustainability;
Agriculture and Agribusiness Industry;