Grocery brands invited to join cohort on transitioning supply chains

The Climate Collaborative, a 501c3 with a mission to activate rigorous climate action in the natural products industry, has opened pre-registration for its year-long cohort, the Regenerative and Organic Transition Community of Practice (CoP).

This initiative, launching in late November, is tailored to meet the unique challenges and aspirations of consumer packaged goods grocery companies that want to transition their supply chains to organic and regenerative agricultural practices.

“The power of pre-competitive collaboration can't be overstated—it propels companies to design innovative solutions in support of the food systems we need for the future, share vital insights, forge impactful partnerships, and amplify the positive impact of their efforts. The Community of Practice will support companies who are working to reimagine their supply networks, with a focus on pivotal crops like oats, garbanzos, lentils, wheat, sunflower and buckwheat,” said Courtney Pineau, executive director of the Climate Collaborative.

As a part of the CoP, members will have the chance to engage in eight monthly two-hour virtual sessions and two six-hour, in-person work sessions at Natural Products Expo West in March and in October. These sessions— facilitated by Jeff Bos, principal at FOMENT and lead facilitator for the CoP, alongside the Climate Collaborative team—will be centered around relationship building, shared learning, and actionable insights.

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Bos adds, "Through a purposefully curated process, people can more clearly envision the future they want to create and more effectively design solutions to bring that vision to life. By working collaboratively, they can activate these solutions with deeper insights and stronger connections."

The cost of the program is $5,000. If the cost might keep a brand from participating, the Climate Collaborative can help the brand explore other options.

The initiative has garnered support from significant industry stakeholders. "Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the UNFI Foundation and Good Earth Natural Foods. Their backing has been instrumental in bringing the Community of Practice to fruition," Pineau said.

For more details and a list of frequently asked questions about the CoP, visit the website or email [email protected].

Source: Climate Collaborative