Organic farm east of Denair has a new almond label. It takes this niche to a new level
Burroughs Family Farms has a new label for the organic almonds it grows east of Denair.
They are now certified as “regenerative,” which goes beyond the usual definition of organic. The almond butters and snack nuts can be purchased on Amazon and at Whole Foods Market (the closest is in Dublin).
Organic mainly means no pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Regenerative involves extra steps to build the soil, such as sowing other plants amid the trees and letting livestock graze there at times.
“Our family has been farming for over 100 years, and it is our goal to leave the land better than we found it,” managing partner Benina Montes said in a July 26 news release.
She is part of the fourth generation at the spread along Monte Vista Avenue about 12 miles east of Denair. The farm also produces pasture-raised eggs and lamb, along with olive oil.
The release said Burroughs is the first almond grower in the world to be so certified. California accounts for about 80% of the global supply, the vast majority done with chemicals.
“It has been wonderful to work with Burroughs Family Farms ... and their national expansion with Amazon and Whole Foods Market is a testimony to their commitment,” said Elizabeth Whitlow, executive director of the Regenerative Organic Alliance.
The Modesto Bee visited in 2019 with Rosie and Ward Burroughs, who are the parents of Montes and leaders in this kind of agriculture.
They showed how diverse plants amid the nut trees attract beneficial insects, which prey on pests. The eggs come from hens that graze in a pasture and leave their droppings.
“Healthy soil equals healthy plants,” Rosie said. “Healthy plants equal health for animals and people. And if we’re having healthy soils and we’re farming in a regenerative way, then we have a healthy planet.”
