If 2020 had gone to plan, Natural Products Expo East 2020 would have been just around the corner and the NEXT team would have been presenting on the top growing and emerging trends that were unfolding on the trade show floor. Instead, we're looking to Natural Products Expo's Spark Change, which kicked off Wednesday, Aug. 26. 

The Regenerative Organic Alliance (ROA), a group of experts in farming, ranching, soil health, animal welfare, and fair trade, announced that the Regenerative Organic Certified™ (ROC™) certification standard for food, fiber, and personal care products has completed its pilot phase and is now open for general certification. Additionally, the ROA is thrilled to announce the availability of the first ROC products in the marketplace.

Come hear Barb Stuckey, President & Chief Innovation Officer at Mattson, examine regenerative agriculture and upcycled ingredients—and how leading manufacturers now connect the dots between new product development and ingredient purchasing.

Golden West Food Group and Cooks Venture – a vertically integrated food company re-envisioning the future of agriculture – announced the closing of a $10 million Series A investment. Earlier this year, Golden West Food Group led a $4 million investment for the regenerative agriculture start-up expanding its distribution nationwide. 

General Mills has partnered with consultants Understanding Ag and dairy cooperative Foremost Farms to pilot regenerative practices and provide support to participating dairy farmers. Implementing regenerative practices on dairy farms requires a holistic approach to managing land, cows and manure.

Whether they were connected to corporate social responsibility or the anniversary of Earth Day, this winter and spring brought a host of manufacturer statements in support of "regenerative agriculture."

Each year, more than 50 Whole Foods Market team members including local foragers, regional and global buyers and culinary experts thoughtfully compile the report based on decades of experience and expertise in product sourcing, studying consumer preferences and participating in food and wellness industry exhibitions worldwide.

Over the past several months, interested companies have analyzed their value chains, from farm to fork, to identify the most impactful levers to protect and nurture biodiversity.