Lakewood, CO—Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage has released its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report for the 2022 fiscal year. This second annual ESG report offer's a look at the company's current practices and investments made in the previous year.
The 2022 ESG report emphasizes Natural Grocers' dedication to regenerative agriculture. The company explained in a press release that this approach to farming parallels the company's product standards (which were outlined in its 2021 ESG report) and Five Founding Principles.
"We chose to focus on our commitment to regenerative agriculture in this year's ESG report because we believe it is beneficial to the earth and an important practice with the potential to mitigate climate change," said Kemper Isely, Natural Grocers' Executive Co-President. "Regenerative agriculture is a reclamation of the best practices from the past, combined with current evidence-based research, to improve and renew the ecosystem and natural resources that are foundational to farming."
Natural Grocers' product standards supporting regenerative agriculture include:
- 100% organic produce
- 100% pasture-raised dairy
- 100% free range eggs
- 100% humanely raised and sustainably sourced meats.
Highlights from Natural Grocers 2022 ESG report:
Product Standards & Marketing
- Product Standards
- Regenerative Agriculture
- Communication and Education
Environmental Sustainability
- Climate Change
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- Waste and Recycling
Social
- Caring for our Crew
- Nutrition Education
- Food Access and Affordability
- Community Events and Sponsorships
"We approach ESG topics with the same mindset as our product standards and nutrition education: rigorous, evidence-based, and thoughtful," Isely said. "ESG disciplines have always been important to the company, and we are committed to refining and communicating our ESG strategy over time. Our longstanding commitment to sustainable business practices has consistently enabled us to offer high-quality natural and organic products at affordable prices to our customers while also delivering value for our shareholders. We hope to inspire other companies to follow our lead."
