Enrich Foods, a division of Columbia Grain International, is making significant strides in sustainable agriculture with the launch of the first USDA-funded, climate-friendly rice product under the Great River Milling brand. This initiative represents a crucial development in American agriculture, emphasizing sustainability from the farm to the consumer.
Key Takeaways
- National Availability of Climate-Friendly Rice: Enrich Foods is introducing certified climate-friendly rice from U.S. farms, available nationwide under the Great River Milling brand.
- USDA Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Initiative: This product marks the first consumer offering funded by the USDA’s initiative, highlighting a significant move towards sustainable agricultural practices.
- Significant Environmental Benefits: The climate-friendly rice growing process reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 60-95%, water use by up to 33%, improves soil health, and decreases heavy metals, including inorganic arsenic levels by 33% compared to conventional rice.
- Support for Farmers and Retailers: Participating farmers receive a 10% premium per bushel over conventional rice prices, encouraging sustainable farming practices. This product also supports retailers’ sustainability goals.
- Expo West Recognition: Great River Milling’s Long Grain White Rice was named a 2024 NEXTY award finalist at Expo West, the world’s largest natural products exhibition.
Bridging the Gap Between Sustainability and Agriculture
Jeff Van Pevenage, President and CEO of Columbia Grain International, emphasized the importance of bringing the first USDA-funded climate-smart commodity to the market. Through collaboration with AgriCapture, an agricultural technology firm, and the backing of USDA funding, 50 million pounds of domestically grown, certified climate-friendly rice will reach consumers in 2024.
Environmental and Economic Synergy
Jim Whitaker, a fifth-generation rice farmer and recipient of the USA Rice Sustainability Award, highlighted the interconnectedness of economic and environmental sustainability. The innovative rice growing method endorsed by AgriCapture not only lessens environmental impact but also provides economic incentives to farmers, marrying the goals of sustainability with viable agricultural practices.
Climate-Friendly Certified Growing Process
The cultivation process for this rice significantly curtails greenhouse gas emissions and water usage, while enhancing soil health and reducing the presence of heavy metals. This sustainable approach presents a model for other agricultural sectors to follow, showcasing the feasibility of high-quality, environmentally friendly crop production.
Availability and Contact Information
Great River Milling’s climate-friendly Long Grain White and Brown Rice is accessible for purchase on Amazon and will hit store shelves in early 2024. Interested consumers and retailers can reach out to Rachel Justice for more details on product availability and pricing.
About Enrich Foods
As the consumer products division of Columbia Grain International, Enrich Foods offers a range of premium agricultural products, including the Great River Milling brand’s organic and climate-friendly offerings. With a robust online presence and distribution through leading retailers, Enrich Foods stands at the forefront of the movement towards sustainable agriculture, backed by state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities and a commitment to supporting retailers in achieving their sustainability objectives.
Image provided by Great River Milling
