The Restorative eggs line, produced using regenerative agriculture principles by egg producer Vital Farms, is now exclusively available at Whole Foods Markets in the U.S.
“We’re constantly evaluating how we can operate more sustainably since we believe we have a responsibility to lead the industry forward by implementing emerging and scalable practices that support farmers, animals and the environment,” said Andrea Chu, director of environmental, social & governance (ESG), Vital Farms.
“This is only the beginning of our journey with regenerative agriculture and one of the many ways Vital Farms is trying to leave the land better than we found it.”
Regenerative agriculture is a set of farming and grazing practices that help to reverse climate change through the rebuilding of soil organic matter and the restoration of soil biodiversity.
In comparison to other production practices – like organic – where the movement is consumer led, regenerative agriculture is driven by farmers and corporations.
Outcome based testing
The new egg line was developed in collaboration with Understanding Ag, a regenerative agricultural consulting company.
“We applaud Vital Farms for taking steps to help restore the natural system,” said Shane New, partner and consultant, Understanding Ag.
“Their dedicated farmer support team brings a unique approach to helping farmers learn and apply regenerative practices, while their outcome-based testing brings authenticity to the consumer. As a consultant, it is rewarding to see resiliency being built back into these farms.”
Vital Farms transitioned five of its poultry farms to integrate regenerative agriculture principals like perennial rotations and cover crops. The pasture-raised egg producer plans to track key measurements such as biodiversity and water retention quarterly to determine year-over-year soil health improvements. This metric will be shared on the Vital Farms website.
Started on a single farm in Austin, Texas, in 2007, Vital Farms is now a national consumer brand that works with over 200 small family farms and is the leading U.S. brand of pasture-raised eggs and butter by retail dollar sales, according to the company website.
In August, the company reported a net revenue increase of 37.4% to $82.9 billion for the second quarter of 2022, which was attributed to growing capacity, expansions in retail distribution and an increase in egg and butter sales. Vital Farms is also considering an expansion into the broiler or dairy industries in the future.
