Innovating for Positive Impact: SIMPLi and Regenerative Organic Alliance
SIMPLi
Sarela Herrada’s deep connection to traditional indigenous agriculture began in her childhood. She grew up on her family’s organic chicken farm in Lima, Peru, where her father collaborated with farming communities in the Amazon, instilling in her an appreciation for regenerative methods that have stood the test of time.
Thus, when she and her husband, Matt Cohen, founded SIMPLi Foods, they prioritized environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and ethical sourcing. Their goal includes raising awareness about the principles of regenerative organic farming and the advantages of consuming sustainably cultivated products. Herrada states, “our aim is for consumers to understand why ingredients grown with care are beneficial for both their health and the planet.”
SIMPLi envisions a comprehensive transformation of the global food supply chain, advocating for a system that is “more transparent, sustainable, and efficient.” The couple remarks, “we collaborate directly with small, local farming communities worldwide, connecting them with international markets while bolstering their social and environmental initiatives.”
Research from the Yale Center for Business and the Environment indicates that traditional farming techniques play a major role in exacerbating global warming. However, there is optimism: this research also highlights that “regenerative agriculture could significantly contribute to addressing the climate emergency.”
Herrada and Cohen aspire for their business and products to contribute meaningfully to this cause. “It is impossible to engage with a farmer for even ten minutes without discussing climate change. It affects everyone across the globe,” Herrada notes. “We want our customers to feel confident that buying our products allows them to make a positive difference by reducing their carbon footprint and channeling profits back to the farmers.”
Regenerative Organic Alliance
For many buyers, the “Certified Organic” label represents the pinnacle of quality for food and personal care items. However, the Regenerative Organic Alliance (ROA) seeks to elevate this standard with their “Regenerative Organic Certified” (ROC) label. This certification builds on the USDA standards by incorporating stringent criteria for soil health, animal welfare, and social equity.
The ROA comprises experts in agriculture, ranching, soil preservation, animal rights, and labor fairness. Under the leadership of Elizabeth Whitlow, Executive Director, the alliance is committed to finding enduring solutions to “the climate crisis, industrial farming practices, and struggling rural economies.” Whitlow adds, “We aim to help consumers grasp the significance of supporting farmers, ranchers, brands, and businesses that showcase ethical practices. Products bearing the ROC label assure consumers that their purchases benefit the environment, society, and ethical treatment of workers.”
“My dedication lies in rejuvenating the Earth’s surface,” asserts Whitlow. “Our modern ecological challenges have solutions right beneath us. The time has come for agriculture to reflect the urgency of our situation!”
This article was originally published in the November-December 2023 issue of Daitrl magazine (US edition).
