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Lundberg Family Farms Takes Organic Rice to New Heights

In a significant leap towards sustainability, Lundberg Family Farms, a prominent leader in the organic rice sector, has announced its commitment to enhancing research and development of rice varieties that align with climate-friendly and regenerative organic farming practices. This initiative is part of the brand's ongoing efforts to innovate within the agricultural industry, particularly focusing on rice cultivation in California's Sacramento Valley.

This week, Lundberg introduced its Black Pearl Rice, a product of 12 years of dedicated breeding. What sets this variety apart is its capacity to yield 25% more rice per acre compared to predecessors, reinforcing Lundberg's mission of producing high-quality, sustainable rice that caters to both consumer preferences and environmental needs.

Lundberg Family Farms boasts a unique position in the market as it operates the only specialty organic rice breeding program in the United States. The brand has a rich history of over 50 years, diligently working to create diverse and resilient rice varieties. At any point, the company engages in testing thousands of rice variants within their greenhouses and experimental fields, having trialed more than 80,000 unique breeding lines over the past decade. This dedication exemplifies their commitment to not only increase quantity but to significantly improve the quality of rice available to consumers.

A Vision for the Future

The announcement coincides with a major milestone: the 50th anniversary of Lundberg's proprietary nursery program. The company recognizes the challenges posed by large agribusinesses that dominate the seed market, where 60% of crops are designed for chemical compatibility rather than sustainability. Lundberg, however, takes a different approach by selecting and developing rice varieties that thrive under regenerative organic practices such as natural weed control methods, thereby reducing their environmental footprint.

Research from UC Davis supports Lundberg's methods, indicating that their organic weed management technique can potentially reduce global warming potential by 49% compared to traditional flood irrigation. This innovative approach reflects a broader trend where regenerative practices are gaining traction in fighting climate change and promoting soil health.

Bryce Lundberg, vice president of agriculture, recalls how the nursery program was initiated by his father with the vision of offering a variety of rice types to American consumers. Rising to this challenge, Lundberg believes that the company must continue innovating to ensure not only the deliciousness of rice but also its adaptability to organic farming conditions.

Being driven by results, Lundberg's breeding program focuses on specific characteristics when evaluating new rice varieties:

• - Consumer Delight: The rice should cook well and offer a delightful aroma and taste.
• - Seedling Vigor: Efficient growth that competes well against weeds is crucial.
• - Early Maturity: Shorter growth seasons can help conserve resources.
• - Lodging Resistance: Varieties must remain upright for easier harvesting.
• - Ideal Plant Structure: Strong stalks and proper height are essential.
• - High Yield Potential: Varieties must produce substantial amounts of rice.
• - Yield Stability: They should perform well under varying climate conditions.

Expanding Their Product Line

In line with their commitment to sustainability, Lundberg has pledged that any new rice variety developed moving forward will produce at least 10% more rice per acre. This represents a crucial escalation in their efforts to create rice that not only meets market demands but also adheres to environmental standards.

In addition to Black Pearl Rice, Lundberg is also introducing two other varieties: Red Jasmine and Arborio Rice, as part of their growing portfolio. Their unwavering dedication to transitioning all their organic rice to Regenerative Organic Certified status is indicative of an urgent need to develop resilient crops amidst climate change.

At the upcoming Natural Products Expo in Anaheim, California, Lundberg Family Farms will showcase its innovative products made from these new rice varieties. Available at various retailers nationwide, including Whole Foods Market and Amazon, Lundberg continues to make heads turn in the organic food market.

Conclusion

Lundberg Family Farms stands at the forefront of sustainable agriculture today, blending innovation with tradition. Their focus on breeding climate-resistant varieties ensures the availability of high-quality rice while positively impacting the environment. With a legacy rooted in responsible farming practices, Lundberg not only nurtures the land but also helps pave the way for future generations to enjoy the natural flavors of rice. Learn more about their initiative at Lundberg.com and join the conversation on social media platforms.

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