Exploring Our Commitment to Regenerative Organic Agriculture with Elizabeth Whitlow
In the realm of sustainable and organic agriculture, the buzzword “regenerative” has been gaining traction, and for good reason. Regenerative organic agriculture focuses on organic practices and goes a step further, aiming to rejuvenate and restore the health of the soil, ecosystems, and communities involved. Of course, “regenerative” itself is meaningless without a certification to back it up. Bonterra Organic Estates is proud to be Regenerative Organic Certified, and you can learn more about what that means for us here.
In spring 2023, Bonterra Organic Estates launched a new podcast. In Season 1 of Soil to Soul, Senior Director of Regenerative Impact Jess Baum interviews inspiring change-makers who are passionate about making a positive impact on our planet.
One of the most-listened to episodes in the inaugural season is with guest Elizabeth Whitlow. Elizabeth is the Executive Director of the Regenerative Organic Alliance (ROA).
Who is Elizabeth Whitlow?
Elizabeth has an extensive background in organic agriculture advocacy, and it all started when she was supporting organic coffee growers in Central America. She has walked the same path ever since, and has worked across the spectrum of elevated certifications, earning high-level placements with organizations such as CCOF and EarthClaims. Her current role as Executive Director at ROA reflects her lifelong commitment to sustainable and regenerative practices.
Understanding Regenerative Organic Agriculture
How is “regenerative” defined? That depends on who you ask! At its core, regenerative organic agriculture is an approach that seeks to enhance the health and vitality of the entire ecosystem. It combines organic farming principles with regenerative practices, aiming not only to sustain but to improve the land over time.
For Bonterra Organic Estates, our commitment to regenerative organic agriculture is more than a trend—it’s a core value that permeates every aspect of our operations. Jess is a key driving force behind Bonterra’s sustainability strategy, and in this episode she highlights the winery’s dedication to reducing energy, waste, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. Achieving certifications such as Regenerative Organic Certification®, B Corp recertification, and Climate Neutral certification underscores Bonterra’s unwavering commitment to sustainable practices.
“Wild West” of Regenerative
In the podcast episode, Elizabeth draws parallels between the early days of the organic movement and the current state of regenerative agriculture, explaining that it was disorganized and confusing. The same thing is happening now with regenerative. Jess was recently quoted as saying “It’s the Wild West for organic viticulture right now.”
Until there is a standard definition and regulations that can be enforced, it is too easy for businesses to use “regenerative” in a way that greenwashes their practices. The only real way to know that something is truly regenerative is if it has a certification.
What is ROA?
There are several regenerative certifications available. Jess and Elizabeth discuss the unique features of the Regenerative Organic certification. It builds on the foundation of organic farming and incorporates additional criteria in three pillars: soil health and land management, animal welfare, and social fairness.
Regenerative Organic Certified® uses the USDA Certified Organic standard as a baseline. From there, it adds important criteria and benchmarks that incorporate the three major pillars of regenerative organic agriculture – soil health, animal welfare and social fairness for farmers and farm workings – into one certification.”
Bonterra is the largest ROC winery in the United States and the first in Mendocino County. We got our certification in 2020, and celebrated with the launch of our 2021 Estate Collection Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
Why Should it Matter to Consumers?
As consumers, we are invited to consider the impact of our choices and the power we hold to support practices that go beyond sustainability—practices that actively regenerate the earth. The wine-drinking community has an opportunity to be a force for positive change by choosing regenerative wines. Bonterra’s dedication to regenerative organic agriculture aligns with the values of eco-conscious consumers and sets a precedent for the industry. Jess and Elizabeth talk about why consumers should care about how their favorite wines are produced, and how supporting regenerative practices can contribute to a healthier planet.
Are you ready for a glass of wine?
All this regenerative organic talk might have made you thirsty! Can we recommend our Regenerative Organic Certified Estate Collection wines? The 2022 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon was just awarded Best In Class – higher than double gold! – by the San Francisco Chronicle.
For a unique wine that is ONLY available on our website, we recommend the 2022 Estate Red Blend, which received 93 points from Wine Enthusiast.
If you prefer a white wine, you can’t beat the 2022 Estate Chardonnay, another 91-point wine from The Tasting Panel.
Get ready for season 2!
Season 2 of Soil to Soul interviews eight prestigious wine writers at various points in their careers. It premieres on Tuesday, April 2.
