February 12, 2022
![Brands take responsibility for environment with Agricultural Commitments Brands take responsibility for environment with Agricultural Commitments](https://eu-images.contentstack.com/v3/assets/blt09e5e63517a16184/blt7272e8d7329135f4/64ff18f764edc2985043459d/04-Agricultural_20Commitments.png?width=700&auto=webp&quality=80&disable=upscale)
12 Tides—winner of the Best New Organic Food NEXTY Award for Expo West Virtual in 2021—makes nutrient-dense, organic, sustainable kelp chips in three flavors. Using regenerative farming practices, 12 Tides removes carbon from the ocean and provides a marine habitat. Organic ingredients in the sea salt flavor include North American kelp, cassava flour, tapioca flour, sunflower oil, kale and garlic. The products are USDA Certified Organic, gluten free and do not contain added sugar.
Arrowhead Mills, started by organic farmer Frank Ford in 1960, started with stone-ground corn and wheat flours that Ford sold to stores in the Texas Panhandle. The company's organic offerings include spelt flour, oat flour, rye flour, unbleached all-purpose flour, Non-GMO Project Verified unbleached bread flour and gluten-free brown rice flour. Arrowhead Mills also produces gluten-free, Non-GMO Project Verified cookie, cake and pancake mixes.
Moonshot Snacks, a snack company founded by a Black woman, is dedicated to creating climate-friendly eaters. Its crackers are made with organic artisan wheat and sunflower oil—and Moonshot works directly with farmers so the company knows where and how its ingredients are grown. Moonshot is committed to using regenerative agriculture practices and reducing distances between farms, mills and bakeries. Its crackers, available in three flavors, are USDA Certified Organic with no added sugar or preservatives. Moonshot won a NEXTY Award in 2021, as well!
Inspired by free-range dairy practices that are common in New Zealand, Zeal Grass Milk Creamery sources all of its milk from one farm in Missouri. Cows graze on perennial ryegrass, which is full of nutrients and protein; thus, these cows produce milk with benefits such as higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids. A Greener World has certified Zeal as an Animal Welfare Approved company, and its products are Non-GMO Project Verified certified. Zeal Grass Milk Creamery produces whole milk, chocolate milk (sweetened with a Manuka honey blend), lactose-free milk, and salted and unsalted butters.
Inspired by free-range dairy practices that are common in New Zealand, Zeal Grass Milk Creamery sources all of its milk from one farm in Missouri. Cows graze on perennial ryegrass, which is full of nutrients and protein; thus, these cows produce milk with benefits such as higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids. A Greener World has certified Zeal as an Animal Welfare Approved company, and its products are Non-GMO Project Verified certified. Zeal Grass Milk Creamery produces whole milk, chocolate milk (sweetened with a Manuka honey blend), lactose-free milk, and salted and unsalted butters.
New Hope Network's editorial staff, in concert with the NEXT Data & Insights team, have identified the key macro forces driving food trends in the United States. In the 2022 Guidebook we have connected these macro forces and hot trends, as well as the newest exhibitors and fresh brands to help you meet consumers' needs. Learn more about the Guidebook and purchase your copy here.
No longer can food brands turn a blind eye to the environmental consequences of their supply chains or production processes. Consumers demand more.
While traditional brands look to add organic or regenerative farming practices to their supply chains, innovative food entrepreneurs eliminate the "chain" and deal directly with farmers and ranchers.
Three trends illustrate the macro force of Agricultural Commitments:
Organic—Beyond complying with organic certification, brands are working with policymakers to strengthen the standards behind the certification. Others reach out to consumers and even competitors to educate the marketplace about the benefits of organic farming and foods.
Regenerative Agriculture—This farming practice helps rebuild, repair and replenish natural resources with a goal of solving climate problems.
Ag Improvements—Brands new to the agricultural discussion are making small commitments that build a foundation for adopting a whole-systems approach.
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