Sprouts Farmers Market Launches Certified Regenerative by a Greener World Squash from Kreher Family Farms

Regeneratively grown squash from Kreher Family Farms is now available at Sprouts locations throughout the Southeast

TERREBONNE, OR — Sprouts Farmers Market is now offering certified regenerative squash from Kreher Family Farms, a fourth-generation family farm rooted in Western New York. The farm’s high-quality winter squash varieties are Certified Regenerative by A Greener World (AGW) and available this fall at Sprouts locations throughout the Southeast.

As public interest in sustainability continues to increase and broaden in scope, the demand for rigorous, meaningful assurances of responsible farming practices has grown. According to recent research from the Hartman Group, 91% of consumers say it is important for companies to consider environmental impact in their business decisions. A Greener World’s Certified Regenerative label provides an assurance of regeneration and sustainability, measuring benefits for soil, water, air, biodiversity, animal welfare and social responsibility.

Mike Kreher, one of the family owners of Kreher Family Farms, grows Certified Regenerative by AGW winter squash, corn, soybeans, table beets, triticale, peas and cover crops (oats, buckwheat and clover) on their farm in Clarence, New York. Kreher Family Farms took part in AGW’s regenerative certification pilot program and was the first farm in New York to become Certified Regenerative by AGW for crop production. Also certified organic, the farm uses environmentally centered practices including crop rotation and cover crops to build soil fertility, along with measuring and tracking their soil health improvements.

This fall, Sprouts is offering Certified Regenerative by AGW winter squash from Kreher Family Farms in 85 stores across the Southeast, demonstrating a commitment to both positive on-farm impacts and transparency in food labeling. For Kreher Family Farms, it’s a tangible way to bring the farming principles they practice in the field onto the plates of families beyond their local community. Kreher Family Farms values their certification as a guarantee to customers that their regenerative practices meet the highest standards for sustainability.

Mike Kreher, co-owner of Kreher Family Farms says:

“Squash is a simple, wholesome food people know and enjoy—and it’s a crop that fits beautifully in a regenerative system. Its deep root structure helps improve soil health by accessing nutrients deeper in the soil profile. For shoppers looking for nutritious food that has a positive impact, we’re proud to offer Certified Regenerative by AGW squash through our partnership with Sprouts Farmers Market.

Regenerative farming isn’t something you switch on overnight. It’s about trying practices that make sense for your farm and sticking with them until you see the results. That’s why it means a lot to partner with Sprouts Farmers Market and A Greener World, since their care for the environment lines up with our family farm’s values we use to guide us every day.”

Emily Moose, Executive Director of A Greener World says:

“People understand the connection between sustainable, regenerative farming and good food. They’re hungry for more information about sustainability, and appreciate being able to choose foods that have a positive impact. As an independent certifier, we’re proud to be a trusted source for information that makes those choices easier and more informed—and grateful to our farm and retail partners like Kreher Family Farms and Sprouts for making them possible.”

Certified Regenerative by AGW winter squash from Kreher Family Farms is available seasonally at Sprouts stores throughout the Southeast.

ABOUT A GREENER WORLD

A Greener World (AGW) identifies, audits, certifies and promotes practical, sustainable farming systems by supporting farmers and ranchers and informing consumers. AGW’s growing family of trusted certifications includes Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW, Certified Grassfed by AGW, Certified Regenerative by AGW and Certified Non-GMO by AGW. Each program is designed to have positive and measurable impacts on the environment, society and animals, and to encourage truly sustainable farming practices. AGW’s standards and procedures are robust, transparent and achievable.

A nonprofit funded by donations, AGW offers a range of resources to help people make informed food choices, including an Online Directory of certified farms and products and Food Labels Exposed—a definitive guide to food label claims (available in print and online). For more information visit agreenerworld.org.

ABOUT CERTIFIED REGENERATIVE BY AGW

Certified Regenerative by A Greener World (AGW) is a comprehensive, plan-based sustainability certification helping producers demonstrate their commitment to the environment and local communities. More than a certification, it serves as a tool for measuring the impacts of management practices. Certified Regenerative farms maximize soil health while mitigating the negative impacts of humans and livestock. This includes the positive management and regeneration of soil, water, air, cropping systems, livestock, biodiversity, wild harvested resources, and people.

The term ‘regenerative agriculture’ is often used to refer to a range of sustainable stewardship practices, many of which have been used by indigenous and traditional agricultural communities for thousands of years. But rising interest has led to a wide and growing variation in how ‘regenerative’ is defined and practiced. As commitments to adopt regenerative practices increase, so does the risk of misusing the claim to imply sustainability without delivering it—also referred to as ‘greenwashing.’ Currently, most regenerative claims are not verified, resulting in wide gaps in consumer expectation and on-farm practices. Unlike most food labels, AGW’s certifications ensure rigorous standards are validated on-farm by independent, trained auditors. For more information visit: agreenerworld.org/certifications/certified-regenerative.