New Seasons Market, an Oregon-based grocery chain, has partnered with Tillamook Creamery, a farmer-owned cheese co-op, on a regenerative agriculture project that could cut carbon and protect ecosystems in Tillamook County, in Oregon. The businesses are Certified B Corporations.
Both companies will provide $15,000 to plant approximately five acres of native, woody vegetation on regional dairy farms as part of Tillamook's cooperative. The flora will sequester carbon, improve water quality, and provide wildlife habitat, according to Tillamook. The project was submitted for a USDA Conservation Innovation Grant, led by Zero Foodprint and MAD Agriculture. If awarded, it would fund additional acres of land for restoration.
“Customers tell us that the brands they shop for, and grocery markets they shop at, should be doing good for the planet,” said Jocelyn Bridson, Tillamook County Creamery Association director of environment and community impact, in a statement. “At the same time, it is critical that we support farmers as we ask them to implement environmental solutions. We saw an opportunity to engage everyone in the supply chain–from the farmers, to the brand, to the retailer–to improve environmental impacts and outcomes.”
The work will improve the environmental footprints of both companies and help meet their climate goals, including Tillamook’s Climate Action Plan goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2030, and New Seasons Market’s commitment to supporting regenerative agriculture.
“Working in partnerships to accelerate regenerative agriculture within our supply chain is part of the solution to creating a low-carbon and resilient regional food economy,” said Athena Petty, New Seasons Market senior manager of sustainability, in a statement.
Planting will begin over the winter of 2023-2024.
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