Lotus Foods Co-Founders featured in Vitamin Retailer

July 19, 2024

Lotus Foods: Pioneering Sustainable Rice Cultivation and Empowering Farmers

Lotus Foods, Inc., co-founded by Kenneth Lee and Caryl Levine, has been at the forefront of sustainable and equitable rice cultivation for over 25 years. In a recent feature in Vitamin Retailer, the founders shared insights into their company's mission, products, and initiatives.

Forbidden® Rice: A Nutritional Powerhouse

Lotus Foods' signature product, Forbidden® Rice, is a black rice variety from northeast China. Known for its unique flavor and health benefits, it's rich in antioxidants and protein. This heirloom rice exemplifies Lotus Foods' commitment to preserving rice biodiversity while offering superior nutritional value.

Preserving Biodiversity and Promoting Sustainability

In the Vitamin Retailer article, Ken explained how Lotus Foods supports rice biodiversity and farmer prosperity:

Providing market incentives for heirloom varieties
Promoting organic and fair-trade practices
Implementing the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), or "More Crop Per Drop®"

SRI practices result in higher yields while using 50% less water, 80-90% fewer seeds, and no agrochemicals. This approach not only increases farm incomes but also mitigates the environmental impact of rice cultivation, particularly reducing methane emissions from flooded paddies.

Empowering Women in Agriculture

Caryl highlighted the company's focus on empowering women in agriculture. By promoting SRI methods, Lotus Foods helps reduce the physical burden on women farmers, who often bear the brunt of labor-intensive rice cultivation. The improved techniques allow for faster, less physically demanding work.

Supporting Black Farmers: The Jubilee Justice Project

Lotus Foods has partnered with Jubilee Justice to support Black farmers in the southern United States. The Black Farmers Rice Project introduces regenerative rice-growing methods to farmers in four states and includes an experimental plot and the first Black cooperative rice mill in the country. This initiative aims to provide sustainable practices, cooperative ownership, and financial security to Black farming communities.

Lotus Foods continues to make significant strides in promoting sustainable agriculture, preserving biodiversity, and supporting marginalized farming communities through their innovative approach to rice cultivation and distribution. Their work demonstrates how business can be a force for positive change in the global food system.