Founded in 1937, Lundberg Family Farms has been dedicated to improving the land they work on and learning from previous generations. Their commitment to sustainability has led them to take important steps towards becoming 100% Regenerative Organic Certified by 2027, making them a leader in regenerative organic agriculture in the U.S. Recently, they achieved ROC certification for over 8,500 acres of rice fields and now offer a wide range of Regenerative Organic Certified products.
The Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC) is a significant milestone in agriculture, requiring practices that not only protect the environment but also work towards rehabilitating it. The certification focuses on soil health, animal welfare, and the social wellbeing of farmers and workers, setting a high standard for farm sustainability. Lundberg Family Farms sees the ROC certification as an opportunity to hold the industry accountable for meaningful change and to showcase their commitment to sustainability practices.
Bryce and Brita Lundberg, part of the Lundberg family, highlighted the importance of stewardship in sustainability practices and emphasized the significance of ROC certification in driving impactful change. Their journey towards becoming ROC certified involved adopting organic and regenerative farming practices that align with their belief in producing high-quality rice while preserving the health of the planet. By becoming the leading ROC certified food brand in the U.S., they aim to demonstrate the feasibility of implementing regenerative organic farming practices at scale.
The process of becoming ROC certified required Lundberg Family Farms to make adjustments to their previous approach to rice farming, aligning their practices with the Regenerative Organic Alliance’s pillars of soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness. Despite challenges, such as the absence of livestock on their farms, they have found innovative ways to support wildlife, particularly birds, by creating habitats that replicate natural wetlands and provide food sources. Their commitment to regenerative systems extends beyond farming practices to actively contributing to the debate about industry standards and advocating for meaningful change.
Beyond their farming practices, Lundberg incorporates social and environmental values into their business operations by focusing on environmental stewardship, waste reduction, energy efficiency, and wildlife conservation. They prioritize soil health through cover cropping, avoid chemical herbicides, utilize solar power, and promote wildlife conservation through initiatives like rescuing duck eggs found in their fields. They recognize that their impact extends beyond farming and aim to leave the land better than they found it.
Looking ahead, Lundberg Family Farms aims to transition all their organic rice to Regenerative Organic Certified by 2027, while continuing to educate retailers and consumers about the importance of regenerative organic practices. They stress the value of understanding where food comes from, how it is grown, and the impact it has on the planet. By promoting conscious consumption and advocating for regenerative organic practices, they hope to inspire others to eat in a way that supports land restoration, habitat preservation, and community building. Their ultimate goal is to encourage people to eat like the world depends on it, because they believe it does.
