What is Regenerative Organic Certified™?
by Regenerative Organic Alliance
Regenerative Organic Certified (or ROC™ for short) is a revolutionary new certification for food, fiber, and personal care ingredients that represents the highest standard for organic agriculture in the world, with stringent requirements for soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness.
ROC 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 into one certification.
ROC is overseen by us, the nonprofit Regenerative Organic Alliance (ROA). The ROA is a group of experts in farming, ranching, soil health, animal welfare, and farmer and worker fairness. Founded by the Rodale Institute, Dr. Bronner’s, and Patagonia, other members of the alliance include Compassion in World Farming, Fair World Project, and the Textile Exchange. The ROA was established to continuously review and update the ROC Framework.
By purchasing foods labeled ROC, individuals can connect with a full suite of important values implemented on the farm level. Not only does their ROC purchase help preserve the environment and natural resources, but it also enhances carbon sequestration, signifies the fair treatment of animals, and represents the ethical treatment of farmworkers. This is what sets ROC apart from other certifications. By choosing ROC products, consumers can know at-a-glance that their purchase makes a positive impact on the farm at every level: environmentally, ethically, and socially.
Pocono Organics is Regenerative Organic Certified
Pocono Organics is the one of the largest certified farm partners in the United States, having gained ROC status in 2021. Recently opening a Regional Resource Center on-site, in partnership with the Rodale Institute, regionally-focused research will be combined with educational support to farmers to significantly increase adoption of ROC practices and organic certification in the region.
For those familiar with the Pocono Organics landscape and the inspiring story of the farm’s founder, Ashley Walsh, you know just how critical this haven’s role is to the community. As Pocono Organics founder, Ashley Walsh, says: "To eat healthy is really hard around here — most people think food deserts are only in the cities, but we are definitely in a rural food desert." Sprawling over 380 acres, the Pocono crew strives to bring healthy, delightful, and ultra-nutritious food, products, and experiences to their local community and beyond.
Regenerative Organic Alliance views Pocono Organics as a beacon of light to their community. To us, Pocono Organics is exactly what we mean when we saw “Farm like the world depends on it” — for people, for animals, and for our planet.