Sustainably Farmed

At its core, sustainable agriculture is a way of farming that aims to meet our current food needs while also looking out for future generations. For sustainable agriculture to work, it requires an effort by everyone in the food system, like growers, distributors, and consumers. For example, growers can choose to use practices that promote soil health, while consumers can seek out producers that implement certain strategies like rotational grazing. When you’re just becoming aware of these issues, it can feel a bit overwhelming. How do you know which products are best? Which type of seal should you look for? Which vegetables and fruits are commonly sprayed with pesticides, and which aren’t? There’s a lot to learn, so we recommend going slowly. The more you learn, the easier it’ll be to shift your shopping habits and get more involved in your local farming ecosystem.

What Is Sustainably Farmed?

According to the Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education organization, sustainably farmed food has three areas of focus:

Economic: Profits matter because if farms and producers can’t turn a profit, their methods won’t be sustainable in the long-term.
Social: Quality of life is essential for farmers, their families, and agricultural communities around the country.
Ecological: With an emphasis on tending to land health, it’s important to preserve the resources that sustain us, and will continue to provide for generations to come.

Benefits of Sustainably Farmed

When you choose sustainably farmed food products, you’re providing crucial support for a system that promotes animal welfare, high-quality ingredients, lower rates of pesticide and herbicide use, better soil quality, water health, biodiversity, and more.

Top Sustainably Farmed Brands

If you’re looking to shop sustainably farmed products, try these top three brands.

Artisana Organics

This brand is serious about its nut butters. In 2017, Artisana was awarded both R.A.W. and C.L.E.A.N certifications by the Clean Food Certified Project, and its butters are minimally processed. The benefit? A higher bioavailability of nutrients in every bite.

Artisana Organics Raw Almond Butter

The only ingredient inside this creamy butter is organic almonds. Crafted in small batches, it’s extra fresh and wildly delicious.

Primal Kitchen

Founded by a former elite athlete, Primal Kitchen takes you back to your primal roots, offering nutritious, pure, and real-food ingredients that skip artificial colors, additives, and preservatives.

Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Mayo

This is one of PK’s most popular products—and for good reason! The creamy spread is made from an avocado oil base, plus cage-free eggs. It’s free from gluten, dairy, soy, and is Non-GMO Project Verified.

Lundberg Farms

Lundberg has been providing safe and fair working conditions for its employees, and following strict sustainability practices for decades. A leader in the organic farming movement, Lundberg rice makes the perfect pantry staple for all your favorite dishes.

Lundberg Farms Organic California White Jasmine Rice

This fragrant jasmine rice cooks up with a soft texture that’s perfect for pilafs, curries, or salads.

More About Sustainable Farming

Whether it’s soap or pet food, there are ways to be sustainable in every category.