Fruit company Sun World has announced plans to install 921 kilowatts (kW) of solar-powered photovoltaic (PV) facilities at four new ranches in California's Central Valley.

This project should allow the group to have 10% of its power generated by on-site energy sources in efforts to reduce dependency on fossil fuels by 2022.

Sun World expects to generate 41 million kWhs of solar energy over the next 25 years, reducing its greenhouse gas footprint by 34,000 metric tons (MT) of carbon dioxide equivalent.

Following Earth Day on Sunday, Sun World has highlighted its other environmental initiatives focus on water conservation and soil and bee health.

Water conservation efforts include the development of over 500 acres of groundwater retention ponds, and sourcing 75% of its water from these basins in dry years.

Sun World is also planting cover crop and hedgerows on at least 50% of its acreage in an effort to support the health of both soil and bees.

These initiatives, goals and measures are part of Sun World's larger sustainability program, The Better Future Project.

"As an organization, we understand the importance of implementing sustainable practices into our day-to-day operations. Our initiatives will help achieve our vision for a better future", said Sun World CEO Merrill Dibble.

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