As the term “Regenerative Agriculture” gains more traction each day, it’s important to understand what it truly means. Its implementation puts soil at the forefront of the fight against climate change and prioritizes social fairness. Choosing a food supplier who is committed to developing and promoting regenerative agriculture not only has a positive impact on the environment, but also helps companies meet their environmental targets.

What is Regenerative Agriculture?

Regenerative agriculture is a comprehensive approach to farming that protects and enriches the soil, increases soil biodiversity, integrates livestock, and improves water retention. Unlike conventional farming, which relies on synthetic inputs, and traditional organic farming, which avoids synthetics but may not prioritize soil health, regenerative practices aim to restore and enhance the natural world and mirror nature’s systems as closely as possible.  Healthy soil sequesters carbon.

By prioritizing soil and plant health, regenerative organic agriculture increases crop yields and supports the surrounding environment and communities, leading to a more sustainable and equitable food system.

Pictured: Bolivian quinoa farmer presenting regenerative farming practices to Red River Foods.

Understanding the Regenerative Organic Certification

Administered by the Regenerative Organic Alliance (ROA) and established in 2017, the Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC) sets out to recognize farms and products that meet the highest agricultural standards. By filling the gaps in current organic standards, it adds extra layers of sustainability and ethical practices, making it the most thorough and demanding certification in the agricultural industry.

The 3 Fundamental Pillars of ROC:

Soil Health

Healthy soil is rich in microorganisms that are essential for nutrient cycling, water retention, and plant growth. Regenerative organic agriculture practices, including cover cropping, crop rotation, reduced tillage, and composting, help build organic matter in the soil, improve its structure, and enhance fertility. These methods also boost the soil’s capacity to capture and store carbon dioxide, playing a crucial role in combating climate change.

Animal Welfare

ROC emphasizes the humane treatment of livestock. This ensures that animals have access to pasture, are not subjected to unnecessary antibiotics and hormones, and are raised in conditions that allow natural behaviors. This not only benefits the animals’ well-being but also leads to healthier products for consumers and better environmental outcomes through integrated farm management.

Social Fairness

With a focus on the well-being of farmers and workers, ROC advocates for fair wages, safe working conditions, and support for local communities. By treating those who work the land with dignity and respect, regenerative organic practices aim to create a more equitable food system.

The Process

The journey to achieve a Regenerative Organic Certification is thorough and meticulous, ensuring only the most committed farms earn the label. Here’s a basic breakdown of the steps involved:

1. Application and Documentation: Farms begin by submitting a comprehensive application that includes detailed documentation of their practices in the three key pillars mentioned previously: soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness.

2. On-Site Inspection: Accredited inspectors conduct an on-site visit to assess compliance with ROC standards. This inspection involves interviews with farm workers, reviews of farm records, and physical assessments of farming practices.

3. Addressing Non-Compliance: If any areas do not meet ROC standards, the farm must make the necessary improvements. This step ensures that all criteria are fully met before certification is granted.

4. Certification and Maintenance: Once a farm meets all the criteria, it receives certification for a specified period. To maintain this certification, farms must undergo regular re-inspections and demonstrate continuous compliance with ROC standards.

Our Commitment to Regenerative Organic Agriculture

At Red River Foods, we’ve been deeply committed to sustainable agriculture from the beginning, working across more than 40 value chains and collaborating with millions of farmers, suppliers, and customers. We partner with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and leading initiatives such as Bees for Development, ComCashew, Jungle Keepers, USAID, and BeninCajou.

For us, the term “sustainability” isn’t just a buzzword; it is at the core of everything we do and is reflected in our company’s purpose: doing right from people to products to the planet. We actively empower communities and growers by fostering fair trade practices, ensuring equitable compensation, and promoting social well-being. By minimizing our environmental footprint through resource-efficient practices, waste reduction, and sustainable sourcing, we strive to leave a positive impact on the planet.

Take an in-depth look into how our Regenerative Organic Certified Quinoa is grown, processed, and shipped:

The addition of Regenerative Organic Certified products to our catalog is an extra layer of our dedication to sustainable agriculture. It embodies our values of environmental stewardship, animal welfare, and social fairness. By sourcing and offering ROC products, we not only provide high-quality, ethically produced foods – but also support regenerative farming practices that restore ecosystems and promote biodiversity. 

Currently, we offer ROC quinoa (red, white, & multi-color), macadamia nuts, dried mango, and dried coconut. We’re continuously working to expand our range of ROC products and believe that regenerative organic agriculture is the future of farming. Our team is actively engaged in identifying and partnering with more farms that meet the rigorous standards of ROC.

Join the Movement

Join the movement towards a more green and fair planet with Regenerative Organic Certified products. As they continue to gain popularity for their ethical sourcing practices, superior quality, and positive impact on the environment, having them on your shelves is not just beneficial — it’s a statement of support for sustainable agriculture and the fight against climate change.

Together, let’s use our food as a powerful instrument of positive change.

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