Certified B Corporations® (B Corps™) continue to make the world a better place, and two Oregon-based brands are teaming up to make a bigger impact. Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) and New Seasons Market (NSM) have teamed up to establish a native riparian forest habitat on farmland in Tillamook County.
“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, TCCA Director of Environment and Community Impact. “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 two brands have come together to create a regenerative agriculture project to sequester carbon and improve ecosystems on farms. To kick off the venture, TCCA and NSM will each provide $15,000 to plant approximately five acres of native, woody vegetation on regional dairy farms within the TCCA Cooperative. The plantings—including diverse species of native trees and shrubs—will sequester carbon, protect and improve water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat.
TCCA and NSM also included this project for a USDA Conservation Innovation Grant, noted the release, led by Zero Foodprint and MAD Agriculture. If awarded, it would fund additional acres for restoration.
“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’s Senior Manager of Sustainability.
With this plan in place, the companies aim to improve both businesses’ environmental footprints and help TCCA and NSM meet their collective climate goals. As noted in the release, it’s the first time TCCA has partnered with a retail customer on an environmental project.
The riparian forest planting will begin over the winter of 2023–24 and will provide volunteer opportunities for staff of both B Corp partners. TCCA and NSM are committed to multi-faceted stewardship and helping to mitigate climate change. Learn more about TCCA’s Climate Action Plan here, and click here for details on NSM’s sustainability practices.
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