Sprouts Farmers Market is now offering certified regenerative squash from Kreher Family Farms, a fourth-generation family farm rooted in western New York.
The farm’s high-quality winter squash varieties are Certified Regenerative by A Greener World and available this fall at Sprouts locations throughout the Southeast, according to a news release.
As public interest in sustainability continues to increase and broaden in scope, the demand for rigorous, meaningful assurances of responsible farming practices has grown. According to recent research from the Hartman Group, 91% of consumers say it is important for companies to consider environmental impact in their business decisions. A Greener World says its Certified Regenerative label provides an assurance of regeneration and sustainability, measuring benefits for soil, water, air, biodiversity, animal welfare and social responsibility.
Mike Kreher, one of the family owners of Kreher Family Farms, grows Certified Regenerative by AGW winter squash, corn, soybeans, table beets, triticale, peas and cover crops (oats, buckwheat and clover) on their farm in Clarence, N.Y. Kreher Family Farms took part in AGW’s regenerative certification pilot program and was the first farm in New York to become Certified Regenerative by AGW for crop production, the company says. Also certified organic, the farm uses environmentally centered practices including crop rotation and cover crops to build soil fertility, along with measuring and tracking their soil health improvements.
This fall, Sprouts is offering Certified Regenerative by AGW winter squash from Kreher Family Farms in 85 stores across the Southeast, demonstrating a commitment to both positive on-farm impacts and transparency in food labeling, the company says. For Kreher Family Farms, it’s a tangible way to bring the farming principles it practices in the field onto the plates of families beyond their local community. Kreher Family Farms says it values its certification as a guarantee to customers that its regenerative practices meet the highest standards for sustainability.
“Squash is a simple, wholesome food people know and enjoy — and it’s a crop that fits beautifully in a regenerative system,” Kreher says. “Its deep root structure helps improve soil health by accessing nutrients deeper in the soil profile. For shoppers looking for nutritious food that has a positive impact, we’re proud to offer Certified Regenerative by AGW squash through our partnership with Sprouts Farmers Market.
“Regenerative farming isn’t something you switch on overnight,” Kreher adds. “It’s about trying practices that make sense for your farm and sticking with them until you see the results. That’s why it means a lot to partner with Sprouts Farmers Market and A Greener World, since their care for the environment lines up with our family farm’s values we use to guide us every day.”
“People understand the connection between sustainable, regenerative farming and good food,” says Emily Moose, executive director of A Greener World. “They’re hungry for more information about sustainability and appreciate being able to choose foods that have a positive impact. As an independent certifier, we’re proud to be a trusted source for information that makes those choices easier and more informed — and grateful to our farm and retail partners like Kreher Family Farms and Sprouts for making them possible.”
Certified Regenerative by AGW winter squash from Kreher Family Farms is available seasonally at Sprouts stores throughout the Southeast.
