September 5, 2007 - Ocean Mist Farms, the leading grower of artichokes and  other fresh vegetables, in its ongoing commitment to sustainable agriculture is creating a new position dedicated to environmental stewardship.

Afreen Malik, currently the manager of food safety, will take on the added responsibility of managing the company's environmental activites said Joe Pezzini, vice-president of operations.

"Afreen understands the importance of these two functions and is in a unique position to direct our environmental initiatives across the company," Pezzini said.  "As farmers, we understand the importance of caring for the land and the footprint we leave behind."

Ocean Mist is a leader when it comes to green initiatives.

For example, 90 percent (moving toward 100 percent) of the company's farmed acreage utilizes drip irrigation to reduce water consumption and fertilizer usage.

The company uses energy efficient lighting in its offices and implements conservation measures in its cooling facilities through lighting, variable speed evaporator fans, electronic forklifts and a cardboard recycling program.

The company has long been a proponent of integrated pest management practices to reduce pesticide use and farms artichokes organically.

"We see a need for this new position because it is important to us and to our customers."  Pezzini said.  "We fully realize this will only grow in importance with time."

Malik has been with Ocean Mist Farms since 2004.  As manager of food safety, she has been integrally involved in directing the company's food safety program from "Farm to Fork" as well as enhancing product traceability and recall protocols.

Prior to joining Ocean Mist Farms, whe worked with Frozsun Foods/Sunrise Growers.  Malik is a graduate of the Univeristy of California, Santa Barbara.