Kemin receives sustainability certification for vertically integrated rosemary production
Iowa-based Kemin said it has invested millions of dollars to develop a sustainable, agronomic approach to growing rosemary. The company uses conventional plant breeding to develop proprietary lines of rosemary that generate raw material for a range of natural rosemary extract-based ingredients for the food, pet food, health and personal care industries. Today, Kemin has over 1,000 acres of conventionally bred, genetically identical rosemary plants in production.
“Kemin’s certification sets an important precedent for ingredient producers,” said Linda Brown, SCS senior vice president. “It gives manufacturers of food, health and personal care products who are concerned about the long-term sustainability of their ingredients a clear choice. It also opens the door to potential labeling of their customers’ products down the road.”
“This certification verifies the investment we have made in developing a sustainable approach to growing our proprietary rosemary plants,” said Dr. John Greaves, Kemin vice president of specialty crops. “Our vertically integrated system produces a consistent and reliable supply of rosemary extract-based ingredients.”
‘Sustainably Grown’ is said to be one of the world’s most stringent certification standards, supporting long-term sustainable agricultural production by identifying crops grown in accordance with exceptional environmental and social responsibility as well as quality and safety requirements.
