When browsing the aisles, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by labels and certifications. If you find yourself asking, “should I choose organic or regenerative?” there is no right or wrong answer.
At Applegate, we believe there are benefits to both and it ultimately comes down to an individual’s personal preference.
When it comes to our organic line of products, you will see the USDA organic seal, which means all the ingredients that went into making those products, including animal feeds, are produced without pesticides, synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, antibiotics, synthetic hormones, genetic engineering or other excluded practices.
The USDA organic seal ensures a strict set of pre-determined farming practices, designed to protect the environment, were followed. And while the USDA organic label is strictly defined and enforced by the federal government, there is no guarantee the practices used will have a positive impact on the soil.
Cue regenerative agriculture!
This past Fall, Applegate launched the DO GOOD DOG™ hot dog, the first nationally available hot dog made with beef raised on verified regenerative U.S. grasslands.
What does that mean?
It means that the cattle were raised on land where a series of practices including holistic managed grazing, are being used to improve soil health.
Unlike organic, regenerative agriculture is not federally enforced which gives farmers the flexibility to adjust practices in response to natural conditions that are specific to their area.
While there are no strict rules prohibiting certain practices, regenerative agriculture must demonstrate positive measurable outcomes on the land such as enriched soil, increased water retention, boosted biodiversity and, over time, sequestered carbon.
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