Homegrown Organic Farms is introducing its Regenerative Organic Certified™ (ROC™) stonefruit program as part of its ongoing commitment to caring for the land and the people it encounters. This program provides third-party recognition to support its efforts.
The certification is third-party validation of the regenerative way farmers are rebuilding the farm and soil, but also the community it involves.
The newly developed certification is overseen by the Regenerative Organic Alliance, a group promoting regenerative organic farming as the highest standard for agriculture. 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, ensures animal welfare and promotes fairness for farmers and farm workers.
The program features multi-generational farmer Vernon Peterson and his family, who have been farming for more than 100 years in Kingsburg, California. The Petersons grow a robust variety of ROC Gold peaches, nectarines, apricots and plums that provide the program with minimal gaps.
Farmer Vernon Peterson and son Erik. The Petersons grow a robust variety of ROC Gold peaches, nectarines, apricots and plums.
“The certification is third-party validation of the regenerative way we are rebuilding not only our farm and soil, but the community it involves,” says Peterson. In addition, the family’s care extends beyond the fruit to those who work alongside them every day. Recognizing the crucial role of farm workers, the Petersons are also an Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) stonefruit farm.
The program, involving nectarines seen here, kicks off the first week of June.
“We are very excited to offer this program,” says Stephen Paul, stonefruit category director. “It’s really speaks to Homegrown’s commitment to sustainability and positions our name as a pioneer with these unique people and land-focused third-party certifications."
Homegrown Organic Farms’ program kicks off the first week of June. Steady harvests are expected through mid-September.
For more information:
Homegrown Organic Farms
Tel: +1 (559) 306-1750
[email protected]
https://www.hgofarms.com/