Partners in a Sustainability Journey
Everyone in the value chain is responsible for a sustainable food system. Avena Foods collaborates with farmers and manufacturers to mill ingredients.
We are constantly striving to identify actions that will reduce the negative social, environmental and economic impacts of our business, both in the communities where we operate and for our stakeholders. By doing so, we are helping to protect healthy ecosystems for today, as well as working to ensure that future generations will be able to meet their needs.
We are committed to Partnering for safe, healthy diets and a sustainable world.
The Triple Bottom Line
Planet – Environmental
In-house efforts to reduce carbon footprint. We are dry-millers and use little or no water. The pulse flour and fiber mill, based in Manitoba, uses virtually all renewable energy. Our facilities are in areas where the majority of Canadian pulses and oats are grown.
Minimal waste. 100% of the raw material is directed to food, beverage, pet food or feed markets.
Environmentally respectful farming and crop production practices. Multi-year crop rotation, conservation tillage, no irrigation and use of precision agriculture to minimize inputs are just some of the farm practices used by our growers.
Ongoing initiatives. Avena partners with Field to Market Canada, growers, customers and civil societies to explore options for improving sustainability in field crop practices.
People – Social
Customers and consumers. With Avena, customers and consumers can build and expand their sustainability journey and goals.
Farmers. Avena has longterm, and in some cases multi-generational, relationships with farmers – sharing knowledge and working together from the ground up.
Employees. Avena is SEDEX registered and strives to create a positive work culture with a safe working environment.
Community. Avena supports food banks and other charities local to our facilities.
Profit – Economic
Mutually beneficial partnerships. Farmers are paid a premium every year, leading to better price stability for customers.
Employee retention. Avena is committed to a positive work culture, safe working environment and competitive wages, as well as health benefits and retirement savings plan.
Health and dietary benefits. Avena mills nutrient-dense pulse and oat ingredients. When incorporated into food and beverages, these ingredients have the potential to improve general health outcomes.
For more information on Avena’s triple bottom line, read our white paper Committed to Sustainable Oat and Pulse Ingredients from the Ground Up.