Gourmet News

Farmers Business Network, ADM Expand Regenerative Agriculture

Published October 17, 2023

Farmers Business Network, Inc., the global AgTech platform and farmer-to-farmer network, celebrates several milestones achieved and significant expansions including regenerative agriculture through a growing partnership with ADM, a global leader in sustainable agriculture supply chains.

In 2022, FBN and ADM launched a collaboration allowing ADM customers to leverage FBN’s innovative digital farm business management platform, Gradable. This collaboration successfully enrolled 1,500 growers and covered over 1 million cultivated acres of farmland, rewarding producers for conservation practices like cover cropping, conservation tillage, and emission reductions. In 2023, this program will continue to grow.

“ADM continues to lead the industry when it comes to their sustainability efforts,” said John Vaske, CEO, Farmers Business Network. “We’re proud that our technology and solutions can help power that transformation while simultaneously providing vital revenue streams for both FBN and ADM customers.”

FBN empowers growers to better manage their operations and make decisions to expand profitability potential. Through its Gradable platform, farms are encouraged to incorporate sustainable practices into their operation by attributing value to their conservation activities. Growers submit data securely, allowing Gradable to validate their sustainable practices and calculate the corresponding environmental outcomes. FBN and Gradable enable ADM and farmers to access voluntary and regulatory rewards within the supply chain through practice and outcome claims. Conveniently, farmers access this service and technology via the FBN app, the same place that allows them to securely link their ADM account information, providing them with a single app for viewing futures, cash grain bids, scale tickets, contracts and settlements while also staying updated with market relevant information, daily market news, and more.

In 2023, FBN’s critical role in this partnership will help power a significant expansion of ADM’s re:generations regenerative agriculture programs, which offer a broad array of financial and technical support to producers either adopting or continuing current regenerative ag practices. This will ultimately attach positive environmental impacts to food, feed and fuel ingredients for downstream ADM customers. In addition, the program highlights the good work producers are doing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve water quality and soil health, and enhance biodiversity through proactive practices like the use of cover crops, nutrient management and reduced tillage. ADM enrolled more than a million North American acres in regenerative agriculture programs in 2022, and FBN is helping to enable ambitious 2023 goals, including:

Growing acres of conservation activities in more geographies: More than 2 million acres spanning across 18 states in the US and three provinces in Canada will participate in the programs
Growing farm participation across more commodities: More than 3,000 growers will participate in re:generations programs designed for corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, peanuts, and more
Growing incentives: Participating farmers stand to earn rewards up to $25 per acre

“We’re proud to continue to expand our work with FBN, whose technology is helping ADM dramatically expand regenerative agriculture acres,” said Greg Morris, president of ADM’s Ag Services and Oilseeds business. “Farmers have always been stewards of the environment, and Gradable is a key enabler in our efforts to help producers improve their bottom lines, strengthen farm resiliency, meet growing global demand for more sustainably sourced products, and help pave the way to a more sustainable future.”

This FBN news comes on the heels of rapid momentum for the company. In recent months v rolled out its Instant Approval financing option, and launched AcreVision, a robust free farmland evaluation solution.

Farmers Business Network, Inc. is an independent AgTech platform and farmer-to-farmer network with a mission to power the prosperity of family farmers around the world while working towards a sustainable future. Its Farmers First promise has attracted over 65,000 members to the network with a common goal of helping farmers maximize their farm’s profit potential with data and technology enabled direct-to farmer commerce, community and sustainability offerings.

FBN has set out to redefine value and convenience for farmers by helping reduce the cost of production and maximize the value of their crops. Blending the best of Midwestern agricultural roots and Silicon Valley technology, the company has principal offices in San Carlos, Calif., and Chicago with significant warehouse and logistics, remote and field employees across the United States and Canada.

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Southeastern Grocers Forms Disability Resource Group

Published October 16, 2023

Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is deepening its unwavering commitment to belonging, inclusion and diversity with its newly formed associate disability resource group – Mobility, Support, Accessibility and Inclusion in the Community. The purpose of MOSAIC is to educate, advocate and celebrate SEG associates of all abilities by sharing experiences, providing educational training around disabilities, and advocating for disability diversity, equality, inclusion and accessibility.

In support of its ongoing commitment to BID, and to further foster and promote a culture that embraces people of all abilities, SEG proudly donated $5,000 to The Jericho School for Children with Autism, a private nonprofit school that provides vital student resources and education programs for North Florida children with autism and other developmental disabilities.

Raymond Rhee, Chief People Officer for Southeastern Grocers, said, “Celebrating our diverse associates, customers and communities includes people of all abilities. It cultivates an environment that champions inclusion and belonging inside our stores and in the unique neighborhoods we serve. That’s why our support of The Jericho School for Children with Autism, its students and staff is a natural launch of our MOSAIC associate resource group. We believe in fostering partnerships that not only empower our associates, but also enrich the lives of those around us. We are building a mosaic of diversity, unity and opportunity for all – and that’s what winning together looks like.”

The grocer announced the newly formed associate disability resource group at its annual WeSEG Conference, an engaging and interactive forum held virtually for all SEG associates to empower them with fresh perspectives and calls to action as inclusive leaders and allies. MOSAIC is 1 of 9 associate resource groups created to support and celebrate SEG’s diverse associates, customers and communities, while cultivating an environment that champions inclusion and belonging within SEG and the unique neighborhoods it serves. The grocer’s other associate resource groups include: Women’s Development Network, Emerging Leaders, SEG Pride, Pa’lante, African Americans FOCUS, ASPIRE, Military Families and Working Parents Network.

Through its continued commitment to belonging, inclusion and diversity, SEG also recently accepted applications from nonprofits throughout the Southeast for its 2023 Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant. The grant, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, supports organizations that work to address racial disparities in education, health care and food insecurity, while building a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

Recipient nonprofit organizations will be announced following the grant namesake’s 104^th birthday celebration on Oct. 29. Since its inception in 2020, SEG’s Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant has provided more than $685,000 in funding to qualified nonprofits to elevate underserved communities throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi.

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Gruppo Chiarello’s Founder, Chef Michael Chiarello, Dies

Published October 9, 2023

Gruppo Chiarello‘s founder and chef, Michael Chiarello, passed away Oct. 7 at Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa, where he was being treated for the past week for an acute allergic reaction that led to anaphylactic shock. He spent his final moments surrounded by family and friends, who respectfully asked for privacy during this immensely sad and difficult period.

The Chiarello family shared, “We deeply mourn the loss of our beloved patriarch Michael. His culinary brilliance, boundless creativity, and unwavering commitment to family were at the core of his being. He brought people together through the joy of shared meals, fostering lasting memories around the table. As we navigate this profound loss, we hold dear the moments we cherished with him, both in his kitchens and in our hearts. His legacy will forever live on in the love he poured into every dish and the passion he instilled in all of us to savor life’s flavors.”

Born in Red Bluff, Calif., in 1962, Michael Chiarello was not just a chef; he was a culinary visionary and a true pioneer. His culinary passion ignited in his mother’s California kitchen, where he was enveloped in the traditions of his Southern Italian heritage. Michael’s lifelong dream of becoming a chef led to remarkable achievements.

A graduate of the esteemed Culinary Institute of America in New York, Michael was a multitalented luminary. He earned accolades as a chef, vintner, specialty food trailblazer, philanthropist, accomplished author, and engaging television host. His culinary philosophy revolved around seasonal, sustainable ingredients, and he fervently supported the artisans and farmers who crafted them, fostering a culture of shared meals and unforgettable memories.

His love affair with the Napa Valley began in 1987 with his critically acclaimed restaurant Tra Vigne which created the spirit of what would become the Napa Valley culinary scene that we know today.

Michael’s impact on the culinary world was not only through his kitchens. In 1985, Food & Wine Magazine named him Chef of the Year, a mere three years after graduating from the CIA. In 1995, he received the CIA’s Chef of the Year Award, followed by being named Alumni of the Year in 2011. His many cookbooks garnered recognition from both IACP and the James Beard Foundation. He revolutionized the olive oil industry with his innovative work with California olive oil in the mid-’90s with his venture, Consorzio Flavored Oils.

“Chef Michael Chiarello’s passion for food and life will forever be etched in our kitchens and our hearts. While we mourn Michael’s passing, we also celebrate his legacy that continues with his restaurants, Bottega, Coqueta (San Francisco and Napa Valley), and Ottimo,” said his longtime partners in Gruppo Chiarello. “In remembrance, we ask that you join us in celebrating his remarkable journey and the incredible impact he had on the world of food, wine, and family by inviting you to share a meal with your family and friends to remind all of us that the bonds forged over a meal are among life’s most precious treasures.”

Dedicated to sustainability, Michael ventured into winemaking in 1999, creating Chiarello Family Vineyards. His small-batch wines consistently earned high praise and acclaim. In 2000, he graced us with NapaStyle, a retail line of artisanal foods, kitchenware and home products that bore his stamp of authenticity.

Michael Chiarello’s captivating presence on television endeared him to millions. For a decade, he hosted shows on PBS, Food Network, Fine Living, and Cooking Channel. In 2003, he embarked on the Emmy Award-winning journey with “Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello.” His culinary prowess also shone on Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters,” as well as frequently gracing our screens as a judge on Bravo’s “Top Chef” and “Top Chef Masters.” In 2011, he participated in Food Network’s “Next Iron Chef” competition and made appearances and many television shows.

Funeral arrangements will remain private, and in lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Meals on Wheels, ensuring his commitment to culinary excellence and sustainability lives on.

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