Meet the Amazing Florida Crystals® Owls

As the only growers of Regenerative Organic Certified® sugarcane in the U.S, we go beyond organic by following regenerative organic farming practices. A prime example of our commitment to cultivating a thriving planet is our unique Owl Program, which is our unique form of pest control.

Barn Owls Proving Key to Regenerative Organic Farming

Our Research & Development department includes 30 scientists, all united in the search for more eco-friendly farming techniques. Developed with the the University of Florida our Owl Program has created a symbiotic relationship between native barn owls and our sugarcane farms. By providing nesting homes, the owls get green space that allows them to thrive, while our farmers control pests in a natural way. As a result, not only are we able to farm without the use of synthetic pesticides, but today our farming area has one of the highest concentrations of barn owls in North America.

Fun Facts About our Native Barn Owls

They’re cute! White, heart-shaped faces make them easy to distinguish.
They’re light! Owls are mostly feathers, so even females (who are larger than males) only weigh a single pound.
They’re skilled! Exceptional night vision, nearly silent flying and long talons make them excellent hunters.
They’re hungry! Barn owls primarily eat mice, voles, rats, muskrats and marsh rabbits, but sometimes feed on lizards or other small birds.
They’re territorial! Barn owls stake out their turf and will defend it against both pests and predators.

At Florida Crystals, we’re extremely proud of our owl program and are always searching for additional, sustainable ways to grow sugarcane and craft cane sugars that are as kind to you as they are to the planet. That’s what creating Honest To Goodness Sugar™ is all about.

Our Owl Program

For more than 15 years, we've collaborated with Dr. Richard Reid and his team to refine the Eco-Owl Program. Since 2017, we've added 20 owl boxes to our farms, and today, over 2,500 barn owls reside in more than 2,000 boxes across Florida Crystals farms. These owls play a vital role in pest control, with a family of five owls consuming over 3,000 pests in a single season. By integrating this natural method, we support healthier sugarcane growth and contribute to a balanced ecosystem.

As part of our barn owl program, we monitor the number of owls on our farms twice a year. Our scientists conduct our very own owl census by counting the owls in October and then again in March. They’ve observed that due to the migration pattern of owls, 50-60% of our owl boxes are full in October, and up to 97% are occupied in March when the sugarcane is at its sweetest and pest control is most critical. Another revealing piece that shows how nature has a way of keeping all its pieces in sync.