Quinn to participate in Soil Carbon Initiative, working with sorghum farmer
QUINN announced its participation in the Soil Carbon Initiative (SCI), a program from nonprofit Green America. Dedicated to the regenerative agriculture transition process, SCI incentivizes farmers to improve soil health, biodiversity, climate resiliency, and farm economics. SCI and QUINN are working together to quantify the impacts of their work with farmers transitioning to regenerative agriculture.
Soil is the foundation of 95% of our food system. Currently, 99% of US agricultural farmland is conventional*, relying on synthetic chemical inputs which negatively impact long term soil health. Quinn is on a mission to change that by partnering directly with farmers transitioning to regenerative practices, proven to improve soil health.
Since 2020, QUINN has worked with Nebraska sorghum grower Steve Tucker, an SCI farmer partner, as he transitions to regenerative practices. Sorghum, a nutrient-dense and inherently sustainable crop, has been a crucial ingredient for Quinn’s supply chain since the company debuted whole-grain, gluten-free pretzels in 2016. Due to its drought tolerance, sorghum requires 30% less water than other grains, and an estimated 91% of sorghum acres are rainfed, saving 1.5 trillion gallons of irrigation water per year.**
* Source: Organic & NON-GMO Report
** Source: United Sorghum Checkoff Program
SIMPLi receives award for sourcing Regenerative Organic Certified grains and legumes
The Greg Steltenpohl Pragmatic Visionary Award announced the inaugural recipients of its $100,000 annual grant are Sarela Herrada and Matt Cohen, co-founders of SIMPLi, which sources Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC) pantry items from around the world. The Award, honoring Califia Farms and Odwalla founder Greg Steltenpohl, seeks to encourage and support innovators, entrepreneurs, and change makers building a more positive, plant-centric food system.
Founded in 2020 by wife and husband duo Sarela Herrada and Matt Cohen, SIMPLi is an ethically-sourced ingredients company with a larger mission of tackling a fraudulent international supply chain. SIMPLi works directly with the growing communities in Peru, Greece and other countries to bypass all the middle parties and bring single origin, nutrient-dense ingredients straight to US consumers.
he company has the ambitious vision of building a full pantry of single origin, Regenerative Organic Certified® retail and foodservice packaged food, including grains, beans, legumes, oils, spices and superfoods. At the forefront of formalizing the regenerative movement, Sarela was appointed to the board of the Regenerative Organic Alliance last year.
Lotus Foods extends Regenerative Organic Certified rice line
Lotus Foods will add to its existing Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) rice varieties by pursuing ROC for Organic White Quick Cook Rice, launched in 2022, as part of its ongoing commitment to changing the way rice is grown globally. Lotus Foods’ White and Brown Basmati Rice, sourced from family farmers in Uttar Pradesh, India, was the first rice to receive ROC Silver, a rigorous standard that goes beyond existing Organic and Fair Trade certifications in promoting farming that enriches rather than degrades soil and values workers and animals.
In 2018, Lotus Foods was one of 19 brands and farms selected to pilot the ROC standards as a result of its work helping rice farmers use System of Rice Intensification growing methods, which are inherently regenerative. In November 2022, Lotus Foods was honored to be featured as an example of a circular economy for regenerative food production in a video produced by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation for the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27).
Watch a video that highlights Lotus Foods’ efforts to mitigate climate change through regenerative rice production.
www.lotusfoods.com
www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org
Silver Hills Sprouted Bakery refreshes line of whole grain breads
Silver Hills Sprouted Bakery, a producer of wholesome, plant-based bakery products made with sprouted whole grains, announced a brand refresh that includes a full product packaging redesign as well as a refreshed product portfolio, including the introduction of a hearty, Omega-3 ALA rich loaf, Omegamazing, coming to shelves later this year.
The reimagined packaging, which debuted at Natural Products Expo West, was inspired by the brand's longtime mission to inspire healthier living through healthier choices. The new design features Silver Hills Sprouted Bakery's beloved bold and bright colors while shining the spotlight on its signature ingredient: sprouted whole grains. Featured on each package of Silver Hills Sprouted Bakery's breads, bagels, and buns is an eye-catching clear window, which allows consumers to easily see the color, texture, and the wholesome grains in every product.
The new packaging allows consumers to easily spot the outstanding nutritional values for the nutrients they care about most – fiber, protein, and whole grains – and on which Silver Hills Sprouted Bakery breads are uniquely positioned to deliver. Packaging also includes labels for Non-GMO Project Verified, USDA Organic Ingredients, Certified Glyphosate Free, Certified Vegan, Kosher, and Peanut & Nut Free, all clearly featured on the new packaging.
The updated line of sprouted whole grain bread products, which includes organic and made from organic ingredients breads, bagels, and buns, has been reformulated to offer the highest quality product possible. The reformulations include enhancements to the sprouting and preparation techniques of grains for improved consistency, taste and softness
