Our vision is to source 100% of our ingredients from regenerative agriculture, an approach to farming that seeks to increase biodiversity and, importantly, capture carbon in soil and plants to take it out of the atmosphere. This decision is to support our carbon positive path, and to restore, not just sustain.
The Rodale Institute, which helped pioneer this approach to farming, released a white paper in 2014 that estimated that the world could sequester more than 100% of current annual carbon emissions through these practices.
Emma Lewisham is currently working with two farms Globally who implement regenerative, organic practices that will in turn sequester carbon from the atmosphere, which will in turn drive down the carbon scores of their products produced.
In summary, a farm becomes regenerative when its soil can “draw down” and absorb carbon, which regenerates the land and reduces the excess of carbon in the atmosphere. At present, the earth’s carbon balance is in need of urgent attention.
Conventional agriculture methods such as mono-cropping, and pesticides can lead to stripped, depleted soil, which can’t draw down carbon or support biodiversity.
Regenerative farms, omit pesticides and strategically arrange plants so they can grow, flourish, and support each other: Cover crops are used to provide shade for smaller ones; animals may be brought in to graze and fertilize the soil; and “pollinator strips” are planted to attract bees and butterflies. It’s often said that regenerative farming mimics nature, with a vast array of species living as they normally would.
We have featured below two of the incredible regenerative farms in Switzerland we work with and source ingredients from.
Organic Farm – Vouvry, Switzerland
Sustainability and fair trade are the cornerstone of our Vouvry farm’s philosophy. They are leaders in sustainability and we are very proud to be able to source 10 of our bioactives from this farm. Not only are they some of the most innovative and highest performing ingredients in the world, they are also organic and fair trade certified. The farm’s main aim is to promote regenerative agriculture in mountainous areas. It has been in operation since 1990 and offers jobs to locals in a remote area in Switzerland.
Meet our farmer – Catherine Tornay
Catherine Tornay lives in the heart of the Swiss Alps in the tiny mountain village of Reppaz, 10 km from Mont Blanc. She moved to the village 35 years ago and has raised her four children here. As well as helping her husband with their dairy herd and working as the local postwoman, Catherine cultivates Edelweiss which is in our Supernatural, Skin Reset and Skin Shield products.
“I began growing medicinal and herbal plants back in 1990 and the more I learned about them the more fascinated I became. The work is very intensive, but it’s wonderful to be outdoors in July when the mountains are at their greenest.”
Sustainable cultivation methods help protect and preserve the area’s unique biodiversity, and it also helps secure an income for local mountain farmers.
“Often today, younger generations have no idea where their ingredients come from. My hope is that if they can begin to understand this, and the work that’s involved, then they will share these insights with others, who in turn will tell their friends and families. My young granddaughter, for instance, is fascinated by life on the farm and my work on the plants. If everybody had the opportunity to see this aspect of supply chains, like she does, it would certainly make a difference”.
Meet our farmer – Frederic Morard
Frederic Morard grows Edelweiss, Alpine Flax (linum), Lemon Balm (Melissa) Alpine Willowherb (Epilobium) and Skullcap (Scutellaria)
"My parents have been working the land here for over 30 years.
I get so much satisfaction from being immersed in nature, surrounded by mountains; tending my plants and watching them bloom.
Well we all need to earn our living so this collaboration means I can stand my ground in sometimes challenging conditions. But when you know you are collaborating on Fair Trade terms with a supportive partner you are also motivated to do the best work you can and to produce the best possible quality plants you can at all times.
We are lucky in many ways because being so high in the mountains and surrounded by forests the land is well protected and the air unpolluted. It’s an ideal environment for nature. However, I want to help keep it this way and it’s important not to be complacent. Our organic approach to farming is part of this but I’m also keen to encourage biodiversity, so I’ve already planted more trees, installed nesting boxes for birds and introduced beehives."
