OperationsSustainability

Tillamook teams with New Season Market to cut carbon and protect Oregon ecosystems

This marks the first time TCCA has partnered with a retail customer on an environmental project.

Tillamook (4).jpg — *Images courtesy of Tillamook County Creamery Association*

As part of a commitment to enduring ecosystems, Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) is partnering with fellow Oregon-based brand and Certified B Corporation, New Season Market (NSM), on a regenerative agriculture project to cut carbon and protect on-farm ecosystems in Tillamook County.

To kick things off, both NSM and TCCA will each provide $15,000 to plant approximately five acres of native, woody vegetation on regional dairy farms within the TCCA cooperative. These plantings, including diverse species of native trees and shrubs, will ultimately sequester carbon, protect and improve water quality, and provide wildlife habitat. Additionally, this project has been submitted for a USDA Conservation Innovation Grant. If awarded, it would fund additional acres of land for restoration.

“Customers tell us that the brands they shop for, and grocery markets they shop at, should be doing good for the planet,” said Jocelyn Bridson, TCCA Director of Environment & Community Impact. “At the same time, it is critical that we support farmers as we ask them to implement environmental solutions. We saw an opportunity to engage everyone in the supply chain – from the farmers, to the brand, to the retailer – to improve environmental impacts and outcomes.”

The work will improve both TCCA's and NSM’s environmental footprints and help them meet collective climate goals. This includes helping move the needle for TCCA's Climate Action Plan goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) by 30% by 2030 and to reach net zero GHGs by 2050, and support NSM commitment to support regenerative agriculture.

This is the first time TCCA has partnered with a retail customer on an environmental project.

“Working in partnerships to accelerate regenerative agriculture within our supply chain is part of the solution to creating a low-carbon and resilient regional food economy,” said Athena Petty, New Seasons Market senior manager of sustainability.

Planting will begin over the winter of 2023-24 and will provide volunteer opportunities for staff from both TCCA and NSM.

Image courtesy of Tillamook County Creamery Association.