The ROC objectives
organic
Increase soil organic matter and sequester atmospheric carbon in soil, which can help mitigate global climate change. Model high-bar, pasture-based animal welfare. Provide economic stability and fairness for farmers and workers. Create resilient regional ecosystems and communities. The USDA organic standard is the bedrock of regenerative organic certification: only products that are certified under the USDA organic program are eligible to meet ROC criteria. With the requirement that farms achieve organic certification as a baseline, the ROC standard addresses next-level soil health and requirements for animal welfare and farm labour. With ROC, consumers will know that they are buying a product which addresses the environmental impacts of agriculture, animal treatment and fair and safe working conditions for farmers and farm workers; they will also be supporting the fight to mitigate climate change.
Dr Bronner’s helped set up its sister company Serendipol in Sri Lanka in 2007, andithas sincebecome theworld’s foremost supplier of fair trade and organic coconut oil. From Serendipol’s inception, implementing regenerative organic agriculture methods has been a guiding principle. All new farmers go through a training program on organic practices, fair trade standards, and selection of nuts for seedlings. Plus, a portion of the fair trade premium paid by Serendipol’s customers is used to supply farmers with subsidised
compost and better coconut seedlings. Two innovative techniques that Serendipol farmers have implemented are: using coconut husks and fronds as water-retaining, potassium-rich mulch; and intercropping, where banana, pineapple, ginger, cinnamon and black pepper are planted between coconut trees in a way that supports each plant’s ecological needs, increases biodiversity and reduces pest pressure. To learn more about the Regenerative Organic Certification standard, visit www.regenorganic.org
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ISSUE 53 • 2019
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