Soil & Climate Initiative Approved as Regenerative Certification By Whole Foods Market
Natural and organic foods leader expands its regenerative options for farmers and suppliers, approving the Soil & Climate Initiative certification—a distinctive approach that pairs rigorous third-party verification with side-by-side farmer support and supply chain development
WASHINGTON, DC — January 14, 2026 — Whole Foods Market has approved the Soil & Climate Initiative (SCI) as a regenerative agriculture certification program, expanding market opportunities for farmers and suppliers committed to soil health and climate resilience. The leading natural and organic foods retailer is adding SCI, a leading nonprofit regenerative agriculture program, to its roster of approved certifications, welcoming more growers and brands into the regenerative marketplace while strengthening accountability and transparency.
SCI joins Regenerative Organic Certified, Regenified, Ecological Outcome Verification, and Certified Regenerative by AGW in Whole Foods Market’s roster of trusted certifications. Under Whole Foods Market's Regenerative Agriculture Claims Policy, SCI-verified products may make regenerative product claims and display the distinctive Soil & Climate Health Initiative Verified™ label, helping shoppers easily identify products sourced from regeneratively grown ingredients.
What sets SCI apart is how it combines deep farmer relationships with innovative technology to deliver lasting outcomes and powerful data for brands and retailers investing in regenerative supply chains. SCI works side-by-side with growers, providing hands-on agronomic support while streamlining administrative complexity through leading program equivalencies and real-time data tools. And because all products undergo third-party certification from SCS Global Services, supply chain partners and CPGs can invest with confidence, knowing the claims they’re backing are credible.
Launched in 2019 through collaboration among 150+ farmers, soil scientists, food companies, and NGOs, SCI has refined its approach across over 165 farms managing 350,000+ acres in 27 states. The program's Soil & Climate Health Commitment & Verification Standard translates on-the-ground regenerative practices into measurable, credible outcomes. Through comprehensive soil health testing, independent third-party audits, and rigorous verification, SCI ensures the integrity of the process, so consumers can trust that “regenerative” delivers real results on the land and in the products they purchase.
Adam Kotin, SCI's Managing Director, said the Whole Foods approval validates the program's approach. "We've designed a transition program that meets farmers where they are while providing clear and rigorous implementation of milestones and audits that meet the true third-party certification standards that retailers and consumers expect," he explained. "Our commitment to program equivalency and use of technology streamlines the processes for farmers and supply chains, making it more cost effective and efficient for program participants. That flexibility is absolutely critical for farmer adoption, and farmer adoption is how we create real impact and scalability across the supply chain."
John Strohfus, Founder & CEO of Field Theory Foods and an SCI-verified farmer managing 1,000 acres in Minnesota, has helped build regenerative supply chains for brands such as PACHA, Seven Sundays, and Simple Mills. He describes SCI as “the most approachable regenerative certification available today.” Having worked with multiple programs, Strohfus noted that SCI “meets you where you are, measuring on-farm progress rather than imposing prescriptive requirements with steep initial barriers to entry. The Whole Foods Market approval opens premium market access for our farm, as well as the growers and brand customers Field Theory works with. It’s uplifting that they recognize the work SCI does every day, working in partnership with farmers doing real work to improve soil health and create these regenerative supply chains.”
Ann Marie Hourigan, Quality Standards Principal Advisor for Agricultural Programs at Whole Foods Market, welcomed the addition, “We are delighted to recognize the Soil & Climate Initiative as a rigorous third-party verification that supports Whole Foods Market's commitment to regenerative agriculture. SCI's holistic program provides consumers with the confidence that regenerative claims are backed by tangible improvements on the land.”
Products using SCI-verified ingredients can carry the Soil & Climate Health Initiative Verified™ label on packaging at Whole Foods Market stores, joining brands like PACHA and Root Chips already on shelves.
Brands, suppliers, and farmers interested in enrollment can contact SCI here: www.soilclimateinitiative.org
ABOUT SOIL & CLIMATE INITIATIVE
Soil & Climate Initiative (SCI) is a nonprofit originally launched in 2018 (formerly the Soil Carbon Initiative) in collaboration with farms, companies, NGOs, and soil scientists. Its mission is to accelerate the transition of agricultural acres under regenerative management by supporting and engaging every link in the supply chain. SCI offers a holistic suite of regenerative transition services, such as farm planning and agronomic support, soil testing, supply chain engagement, reporting, and third-party verification. These efforts help drive measurable improvements in soil health outcomes, carbon sequestration, biodiversity, water quality, climate resilience, food security, farm profitability, and the overall well-being of rural communities. Alongside its sister programs—the Soil & Climate Alliance and the Nutrient Density Initiative—SCI is helping build an ecosystem that scales soil health, climate resilience, and nutrition from the ground up. www.soilclimateinitiative.org
ABOUT SCS GLOBAL SERVICES
SCS Global Services is an international leader in third-party environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, and standards development. Its programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in climate mitigation, green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, consumer products, and more. Headquartered in Emeryville, California, SCS has representatives and affiliate offices throughout the Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe, and Africa. Its broad network of auditors are experts in their fields, and the company is a trusted partner to companies, agencies, and advocacy organizations due to its dedication to quality and professionalism. SCS is a California-chartered Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. SCS is also a Participant of the United Nations Global Compact and adheres to its principles-based approach to responsible business. www.scsglobalservices.com
ABOUT FIELD THEORY
Field Theory is helping redefine how brands and consumers think about ingredients—and the food system as a whole. They specialize in connecting brands with supply chain transparency and are charting a new path forward within food and agriculture. Starting with soil health, crop diversity, and regenerative growing practices, they are pioneering both bulk ingredients and consumer packaged goods. Field Theory has built a trusted network of regenerative agriculture–focused growers for many crops, including sunflowers, buckwheat, oats, Kernza®, and more. As an industry leader in regenerative farming, Field Theory is proud to bring some of the first-ever verified regenerative products to market through the Soil & Climate Initiative program. www.fieldtheoryfoods.com
ABOUT WHOLE FOODS MARKET
Founded in 1980, Austin-based Whole Foods Market is the world’s leading natural and organic foods retailer and the first certified organic national grocer in the United States. Part of Amazon’s Worldwide Grocery Stores, Whole Foods Market serves customers in more than 545 stores across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. www.wholefoodsmarket.com
---
MEDIA CONTACTS
Soil & Climate Initiative
Max Karlin
703-276-3255
mkarlin@hastingsgroupmedia.com