Natural Grocers has released the company's environmental, social, and governance report for fiscal year 2022, outlining its current practices and investments in the environment, sustainability, and more.
The company emphasized its dedication to regenerative agriculture. The grocer’s product standards that support regenerative agriculture include exclusively stocking organic produce, pasture-raised dairy, free-range eggs, and humanely raised and sustainably sourced meats.
"We chose to focus on our commitment to regenerative agriculture in this year's ESG report because we believe it is beneficial to the earth and an important practice with the potential to mitigate climate change. Regenerative agriculture is a reclamation of the best practices from the past, combined with current evidence-based research, to improve and renew the ecosystem and natural resources that are foundational to farming," said Kemper Isely, Natural Grocers' executive co-president, in a statement.
The company also outlined steps to mitigate the effects of climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste including investing in and improving operational efficiencies. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions it opts for energy-efficient lighting, refrigeration systems, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
"We approach ESG topics with the same mindset as our product standards and nutrition education: rigorous, evidence-based, and thoughtful. ESG disciplines have always been important to the company, and we are committed to refining and communicating our ESG strategy over time,” said Isely. “Our longstanding commitment to sustainable business practices has consistently enabled us to offer high-quality natural and organic products at affordable prices to our customers while also delivering value for our shareholders."
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