Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage Inc. has released its second annual Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report for fiscal year 2022, emphasizing the company's dedication to regenerative agriculture.
Natural Grocers cited its history of providing products and services that help deliver positive social and environmental changes in deciding to make regenerative agriculture a focus on the 2022 ESG report, which outlines current practices as well as investments made in the previous year. The synergistic systems approach to farming is in parallel with the company's product standards and Five Founding Principles, according to a news release.
"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,” Natural Grocers Executive Co-President Kemper Isely said in the release. “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.”
The company’s 2021 ESG report was largely focused on product standards — the cornerstone of Natural Grocers' sustainability principles, which demonstrate the company's commitment to offering high-quality natural and organic products at affordable prices, the release said.
Natural Grocers' product standards support regenerative agriculture include 100% organic produce, 100% pasture-raised dairy, 100% free-range eggs and 100% humanely raised and sustainably sourced meats, according to the release.
Highlights from the 2022 ESG report include:
Product standards and marketing
- Product standards.
- Regenerative agriculture.
- Communication and Education.
Environmental sustainability
- Climate change.
- Greenhouse gas emissions.
- Waste and recycling.
Social
- Caring for crew.
- Nutrition education.
- Food access and affordability.
- Community events and sponsorships.
Natural Grocers said it took steps to enhance transparency in this year's ESG report and endeavors to provide additional data in future ESG reports.
"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,” Isely said in the release. “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. We hope to inspire other companies to follow our lead."
The company's 2022 ESG report can be viewed here.