When asked about the type of farming practices they deploy, only 9% of growers cited regenerative agriculture in The Packer’s Sustainability Insights 2026 survey. However, Rose Vejvoda, sustainability and communications manager for CMI Orchards, says regenerative agriculture is in a unique position “because there is no universally accepted definition or set number of practices required for a farm to be labeled ‘regenerative.’”
While this lack of a rigid definition can lead to hesitation, Vejvoda considers it a major strength for specialty crop growers.
“Every farm is different, and growers can adopt regenerative practices that make the most sense and have the greatest impact on their operation,” she says.
Vejvoda says growers have always been environmental stewards because “they believe it’s the right thing to do.” Echoing findings from Sustainability Insights 2026, she says, “Many growers are already implementing regenerative practices but may hesitate to identify their operations as regenerative because they do not feel they meet a specific standard or because the term itself remains loosely defined.”
Economic Necessity Over Buzzwords: Driving Practical Farming Practices
Survey respondents identified rising production costs and economic sustainability as primary concerns. According to Vejvoda, these financial pressures drive growers to adopt methods such as reducing inputs, improving efficiency, and capturing value from agricultural waste — practices that she says naturally align with regenerative principles.
“It allows us to improve environmental outcomes while identifying opportunities to reduce costs and increase resource efficiency,” she says. “We also recognize that retailers and consumers increasingly expect measurable sustainability performance, so we continue to work toward quantifying our impact and demonstrating the value of these practices.”
Joel Carter, orchard operations manager for Okanagan Specialty Fruits, acknowledges that adopting these practical techniques requires real upfront investment.
“It costs us to make compost, run spreaders and grow microalgae,” he says. “We are investing in our soil biology based on promising research showing better water retention, climate resilience and tree root respiration when you have more biological activity and organic matter.”
Unlocking Value From Soil Health and Resource Efficiency
Vejvoda notes that focusing on soil health also unlocks financial opportunities through carbon markets.
“By implementing practices that improve soil health and sequester carbon, we generate carbon credits that are sold to supply chain partners as carbon insets,” she says. “Being compensated for these environmental benefits helps make regenerative agriculture financially sustainable, allowing us to continue to invest in sustainable advancements like technology, research and commercialization of soil products.”
Sarah Evanega, vice president of business development at Okanagan Specialty Fruits, agrees that cutting costs — rather than chasing a specific label — is what drives sustainable choices in the field.
“The big win is that the many of the regenerative ag practices that we have implemented are advancing our sustainability commitment while at the same time saving us significant money in the orchard,” she says.
Vejvoda agrees.
“For regenerative agriculture to succeed long term, growers need a clear economic pathway, whether through lower input costs, operational efficiencies, new revenue streams or a combination of all three,” she says.
Vejvoda adds that this framework relies on consumer premiums, carbon markets and retailer incentives to help offset initial investments.
“Apple growers already operate on some of the narrowest margins in produce production,” she says. “Long-term adoption of regenerative practices will depend on creating business models that recognize and reward the environmental benefits growers deliver. When sustainability and profitability align, regenerative agriculture has the potential to become a standard practice across the industry.”
Neal Carter, co-founder and CEO of Okanagan Specialty Fruits, says the overarching goal for the future is simple: to reduce water usage, chemical applications and resource overhead to build long-term resilience.
“The future of farming will be defined by the choices we make today,” he says. “By integrating science, technology and sustainable practices, we can build an agricultural system that is both resilient and regenerative.”
More From Sustainability Insights 2026
- Download the full Sustainability Insights 2026 report for free here.
- Sustainability Insights in retail: Retailers Driven to Pursue Sustainability for Purpose and Performance
- Inside the Paradigm Shift: How Sustainability Is Reshaping Fresh Produce Economics
- Soaring Operating Costs Threaten Survival of Specialty Crop Growers
