PORTERVILLE, CA - Homegrown Organic Farms is adding another certification to its belt with the introduction of its Regenerative Organic Certified™ (ROC™) stonefruit program. As a part of the company’s ongoing commitment to caring for the land and the people, this program provides third-party recognition to support its efforts.
“We are very excited to be offering this unique program. It’s the only program of its kind in the marketplace and really speaks to Homegrowns’ commitment to sustainability and positions our name as a pioneer with these unique people- and land-focused third-party certifications,” Stephen Paul, Stonefruit Category Director, commented.
The newly developed ROC is overseen by the Regenerative Organic Alliance, a group that promotes regenerative organic farming as the highest standard for agriculture. According to the release, the certification builds on a foundation of organic principles with strict standards to earn one of three levels: ROC Bronze, ROC Silver, and ROC Gold.
Each level achieves greater criteria and regenerative practices that improve soil health, ensure animal welfare, and promote fairness for farmers and farmworkers.
Multi-generational farmer Vernon Peterson and his family, who have been farming for over 100 years in Kingsburg, California, were featured in the program. The family’s care extends beyond the fruit to those who work alongside them every day.
Recognizing the crucial role of farmworkers, the Petersons became the company’s first Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) stonefruit farm, and grow a robust variety of ROC Gold peaches, nectarines, apricots, and plums that provide the program with minimal gaps.
Excited to get your hands on these stonefruits for upcoming displays? Well, the new Regenerative Organic Certified stonefruit program will kick off the first week of June, and steady harvests are expected through mid-September.
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