Posts

Launching Avena Regen Ag Protocol Oat and Pulse Ingredients

In response to consumer and customer demand, Avena Foods Limited is launching Avena RegenAg Protocol (ARAP) verified oat, bean, chickpea, lentil and pea ingredients. ARAP is grounded in the Avena Purity Protocol system, with full traceability from the seed to the manufacturer’s dock.

The ARAP program is transparent. Avena verifies that regenerative farming practices are implemented, maintained and reviewed on-going. The program is being launched with conventional farms but will eventually incorporate organic farms.

ARAP evolved out of Avena’s Purity Protocol System. Working with farmers, customers and agronomists, Avena developed ARAP to guarantee a dependable supply of ingredients that were grown with progressive regen ag farming practices. These practices enhance the soil and enrich the environment for the benefit of everyone.

The program includes Avena’s RegenAg Protocol logo (as above) which may be licensed by customers for use in websites, social media and other marketing materials.

ARAP is an expression of Avena’s vision: Partnering for safe, healthy diets and a sustainable world.

Avena Rolled Oats.

Avena Green Pea Ingredients.

What is Regenerative Agriculture?

Regenerative agriculture, commonly referred to as regen ag, has developed rapidly as a response to consumer demand for foods and beverages that are good for the world, more sustainable with the intent of no harm.

Conventional agricultural practices dating back to the nineteenth century have had a negative impact on soil health, natural ecosystems and biodiversity. By identifying and utilizing practices that not only mitigate or eliminate elements of agriculture which are unsustainable but also contribute to restoring and improving the land, farmers can maintain productive and profitable operations for generations to come.

Three key areas affected by regenerative agriculture are: ecosystem health, soil health, and water systems preservation.

Ecosystems are complex systems of interdependence, exchange, and change. Any change within an ecosystem can have profound downstream effects.
Scientific study continues to unveil new information about the complexity of soil and the importance of maintaining a healthy balance. Soil is home to countless species of microfauna, which work to enrich fertility and structure. Unhealthy soil can impact yields, fertilizer dependence, and even food safety.
Water is at the core of healthy agricultural systems. Preventing the pollution of freshwater systems with agricultural runoff through regenerative practices ensures water systems endure for both natural ecosystems and human use.

Why initiate ARAP?

Canadian prairie farmers run some of the most sustainable operations in the world – it’s just good business sense. Companies across the globe are increasingly interested in the environment at every level of their value chain. Recognizing the disconnect between growers and consumers, Avena initiated ARAP to acknowledge and market our farmers’ sustainability. It is built on a foundation of relationships and traceability.

Many certifications, seals, and company-specific standards seek to define regenerative agriculture; however, an all-encompassing definition is not yet in place. Certifications run a gamut, from offering little substantiated data to being complicated, expensive and difficult to implement in practice.

Furthermore, many regen ag certifications require growers to be certified organic before they can receive regenerative recognition. This presents no added incentive for conventional growers.

ARAP seeks to carve out a middle ground, providing transparent guarantees of regenerative farming standards which incentivizes sustainability for all growers.

Whether measuring regen ag by outcomes or by practices, exceptions will arise based on geography, weather, and type of crop. By defining regen ag within a single geography, and across only a handful of crop types, Avena can use a definition that encompasses a narrow scope and delineates a clear, achievable set of standards.

The push towards a regenerative future has in large part been propelled by food and beverage manufacturers responding to consumer demand. As an ingredient supplier, Avena is in an ideal position to partner with commercial customers to support our farmers in developing and managing on-farm regenerative standards.

We know our farmers. Avena has a strong foundation of relationships with our growers, some stretching back across several generations. Building on the Avena Purity Protocol system for supplying gluten-free oats, we can trace our ingredients right back to the farm and field. This traceability is exceptional for a miller.

How does Avena define Regen Ag?

Avena’s ARAP registered growers are required to meet criteria under Avena’s seven pillars. These pillars are central to sustainable oat and pulse farming on the Canadian Prairies. Specific technical information concerning our assessment criteria is available upon request.

Crop Diversity
1. Just as people need a varied diet to stay healthy, soil thrives on a spectrum of diverse plants. A varied rotation including nitrogen-fixing crops like pulses is reduces fertilizer need and protects long-term soil health.
Tillage
1. Tilling is an integral part of seeding, residue integration, and weed management, and can reduce the need for pesticides. Too much tilling leaves the soil exposed to erosion and harms the health of the soil.
Soil Cover
1. Soil erosion is a major risk to long-term farm fertility. By leaving soil covered with things like catch crops, mulches, or crop residues, erosion can be minimized.
Pesticide Use
1. Pesticides, including herbicides and fungicides, are effective at controlling pests and protecting crops, but can harm ecosystem, and even human health, especially if used near bodies of water. Responsible usage of pesticides is a requirement for ARAP.
Fertilizer Use
1. Fertilizers, if overused, can lead to eutrophication in bodies of water, decimating surrounding ecosystems. They are expensive and energy-intensive to make and are in many cases overused.
Water Conservation
1. Water conservation can refer to both water usage and the protection of aquatic ecosystems. Limiting irrigation and ensuring precautions are taken to limit field runoff are essential to water conservation.
Habitat Preservation
1. Wild areas serve as habitat and breeding grounds for many native Prairie species, including the beloved Monarch butterflies. By retaining a patchwork of natural areas such as forest stands and pollinator strips across the prairies, ecosystems can restore themselves to a more natural and sustainable state.

Clover cover crop under oat canopy, TNT Acres

Black bear in certified-organic oat field, Alliance Acres

How does the system work?

It all starts on the farm. Before registration in the program, Avena growers are surveyed on current farm practices to identify if they meet ARAP standards.

ARAP registered growers are required to meet criteria under Avena’s seven pillars: crop diversity, tillage, soil cover, pesticide use, fertilizer use, water conservation, and habitat preservation. Checks and balances for inclusion in the ARAP program include a combination of legal documents, interviews, records, and farm inspections.

Orders for ARAP ingredients will be fulfilled with growers on the ARAP registry, ensuring traceability back to farm and field.

How will this continue to benefit growers, consumers, and the environment?

Much like the crops we buy, ARAP will evolve and improve as needed. Changes will be informed through a quarterly review by Avena’s Sustainability Advisory Panel (ASAP). ASAP is composed of customers, civil societies, agronomists, and growers, and provides oversight to Avena’s multifaceted sustainability program.

Additionally, ARAP will undergo extensive annual review at all levels. This will help ensure that our standards, processes, and direction are all maximally aligned with Avena’s vision: Partnering for safe, healthy diets and a sustainable world.

How can you get involved?

Avena will begin registering growers in crop year 2025 for fulfillment of ARAP orders. For more information, or to provide feedback, contact us here.