NEW YORK — HIPPEAS is piloting a cutting-edge regenerative agriculture pilot program with the Canadian specialty pulse and oat miller Avena Foods Ltd.
“We have been working with Avena as a supplier of our pulses and are so excited to be taking our partnership to new heights with our collaborative regenerative agriculture pilot program,” said Julia Hecht, CMO of HIPPEAS. “Yellow pea is the number one ingredient in our HIPPEAS Veggie Straws and is also used in our Chickpea Tortilla Chips and Chickpea Puffs, so we’re proud to source regeneratively grown yellow peas from Avena. HIPPEAS has always aligned with suppliers who are trying to make a difference in sustainable agriculture and Avena’s commitment is incomparable — we are thrilled to be a part of this impactful pilot program and look forward to sharing our findings and other exciting news later this year.”
The collaboration includes the development of the field crop ‘living lab’ demonstration with Avena grower Rosengren Farms, which has more than a decade of experience in the innovative practices of intercropping. With the support of the Saskatchewan’s South East Research Farm, the sustainability project will evaluate intercropping practice for climate impacts through scientific modeling.
Intercropping considers that different crops have different nutrient requirements, growth patterns and ecological niches, which can go hand in hand when grown together. The farming practice can also enhance soil fertility, reduce pest and disease pressure, increase yield, and diversify farm income.
Despite the benefits of intercropping, it requires thorough planning, management and monitoring to avoid competition, shading and allelopathy between crops. This is where pilot programs and ‘living labs’ come into play to create a blueprint for farmers and suppliers.
In sponsoring the assessment, HIPPEAS looks to measure the impact of regenerative farming methods on soil health, biodiversity and nutrient density such as greater resilience in the field and minimal soil disturbance.
“Our partnership with HIPPEAS harnesses the expertise of farmers and food scientists,” said Gord Flaten, CEO of Avena. “We want to field-test ideas for improving the environal footprint of food production. Our focus is on innovations that are good for people and also for the planet.”
