CMI Orchards has made significant strides in advancing its regenerative agriculture initiatives through a joint venture with Royal Family Farming (RFF), known as The Soil Center (TSC). This partnership aims to repurpose organic waste into valuable agricultural products, such as garden soil blends, compost, worm castings, and biochar.
The focus of TSC is on upcycling organic waste, primarily from agricultural activities, into products that contribute to sustainability and soil health. CMI Orchards, a leading player in the fruit-growing industry, has committed to a zero-burn policy for removed tree wood. Instead of burning this wood, it is processed and upcycled at the world’s largest worm farm at RFF, located in Washington state. The process involves filtering liquid cow waste through chipped orchard wood, which is then converted by worms into nutrient-rich compost, effectively closing the loop in their operations.
As part of this innovative project, TSC will process over 100,000 tonnes of agricultural waste annually, including dairy manure, chicken manure, culled fruit, and woody waste. Additionally, three biochar reactors will transform more than 20,000 tonnes of woody biomass into biochar each year. This process is significant because biochar plays a crucial role in enhancing soil structure, improving water retention, and boosting nutrient availability. Furthermore, biochar has the added benefit of sequestering an estimated 25,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent into the soil, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.
The initiative aims to promote a full-circle carbon economy, wherein organic waste is repurposed into beneficial products that support both agricultural productivity and environmental health. The goal is to reduce organic waste across all operations and contribute to the overall sustainability of the agricultural sector. TSC is also working toward earning Direct Environmental Benefits (DEB) status through Washington’s Cap and Invest program. This status would allow TSC to qualify its carbon credits for verified environmental impact, further enhancing its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and fostering sustainability.
To support the growth of regenerative agriculture practices, CMI Orchards has appointed Rose Vejvoda as the sustainability manager. Vejvoda’s role is vital in integrating regenerative agriculture into the company’s broader sustainability strategy. She will focus on customer sustainability reporting, greenhouse gas inventory management, and identifying innovative ways to reduce emissions throughout the value chain. Her efforts will also include supporting grower success and assisting retail partners in meeting their environmental objectives.
Vejvoda’s appointment reflects the company’s increasing commitment to regenerative practices, with a vision to bring long-term value to growers and retailers while helping to regenerate the health of the planet. She expressed her excitement about contributing to a company that is already a leader in sustainability and regenerative agriculture.
Bob Mast, president of CMI Orchards, emphasized the company’s vision of being the best stewards of the planet in the agricultural industry. Mast stressed that this commitment to regenerative agriculture is not just a financial or marketing decision but a moral responsibility to care for the land and animals that sustain us. By focusing on regenerative practices, CMI Orchards aims to ensure a healthier planet for future generations while providing meaningful value to its growers and retail partners.
Through its innovative efforts in regenerative agriculture, CMI Orchards and The Soil Center are setting new standards for sustainability in the agricultural sector. The successful implementation of these practices will not only reduce waste and improve soil health but also contribute to mitigating climate change and promoting environmental stewardship. The impact of these initiatives will be far-reaching, benefitting not only the company’s operations but also the broader agricultural community.
