Backed by federal funding, the International Fresh Produce Association and powerhouse regional partners like Okanagan Specialty Fruits, CMI Orchards and Stemilt recently gathered in the Pacific Northwest to showcase the future of climate-smart farming. The collaborative field day put leading regenerative agriculture practices — from autonomous tractors to algae soil amendments — on full display, proving that sustainable growing can actively safeguard a grower’s bottom line.
“The grant program and field day aim to reduce the financial risk for growers trying sustainable practices by offering compensation and measuring outcomes like yield and soil health and also engage with the entire supply chain, actively involving retailers to enhance market access for regenerative agriculture products,” says IFPA Vice President of Sustainability Tamara Muruetagoiena.
Funded by USDA’s Advancing Markets for Producers grant program, the field day showcased the region’s focus on regenerative ag. It was also part of Okanagan Specialty Fruit’s 30-year anniversary celebration. The OSF team was complemented by other grant participants, including CMI Orchards and Stemilt.
The event also featured solution provider companies, such as autonomous tractor technology and algae soil amendment companies. Several other IFPA members participated, including grant partners Measure to Improve and Croptrak, as well as Chelan Fresh and SCS Global Services, Muruetagoiena says.
IFPA says USDA’s grant program aims to establish viable conservation practices that work across different farms and environments, providing growers with confidence in their sustainability investments. It focuses on adopting conservation practices through targeted incentives and tailored technical assistance for at least one of six sustainable and regenerative production practices:
- Alley cropping
- Nutrient management
- Residue and tillage management
- Short-season cover crops
- Soil amendments and mulches
- Water management
“It was remarkable to see the focus of the region on regenerative agriculture,” says Muruetagoiena. “This practice aligns closely with increasing market demand, giving growers a competitive edge in sustainability storytelling, plus the wealth of data and real-world application from this initiative will provide robust insights into future agricultural practices.”
IFPA has long championed regenerative agriculture, emphasizing grower-led solutions that enhance environmental performance while safeguarding long-term economic viability. The association says it remains committed to advancing policies that strengthen agricultural resilience, expand technical and transitional support for growers, and promote clear, outcomes-based regenerative frameworks that work across diverse crops and regions.
For more information on how to engage with the regenerative agriculture pilots, visit the IFPA website.
