From Woman's World · Ryan Brennan · · 1m 30s
Regenerative Organic vs USDA Organic: What's Better?
Regenerative Organic Certified adds soil health, animal welfare and fair labor to USDA Organic standards.
In brief
Regenerative Organic Certified adds soil health, animal welfare and fair labor to USDA Organic standards. Regenerative Organic Certified is stricter than USDA Organic with three added requirements: soil health, animal welfare, and fair treatment of workers. Originally reported by Woman's World.
Quick answers
- What is Regenerative Organic Certified?
- Regenerative Organic Certified builds on USDA Organic standards with added requirements for soil health, animal welfare and fair labor.
- Does ROC Replace USDA Organic?
- No. ROC is meant to raise the bar, not swap out organic. It builds on USDA Organic standards without replacing them.
- What is the key takeaway from Regenerative Organic vs USDA Organic: What's Better??
- Regenerative Organic Certified is stricter than USDA Organic with three added requirements: soil health, animal welfare, and fair treatment of workers.
What is Regenerative Organic Certified?
Regenerative Organic Certified builds on USDA Organic standards with added requirements for soil health, animal welfare and fair labor.
“Regenerative Organic Certified, or ROC, is a food and farming label that builds on organic standards.”
USDA Organic Requirements
USDA Organic prohibits GMOs, sewage sludge, irradiation, and most synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Organic livestock must eat organic feed and cannot receive antibiotics or growth hormones.
“USDA Organic prohibits GMOs, sewage sludge, irradiation, and most synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.”
Three Pillars of Regenerative Agriculture
Regenerative Organic focuses on soil health through cover crops and reduced tillage, animal welfare with pasture access, and fair labor practices for farmers and workers.
“The ROC framework is built around soil health, animal welfare and social fairness.”
ROC vs USDA Organic
ROC adds three layers that organic doesn’t fully address: soil health, animal welfare and fair treatment of farmers and workers.
“ROC adds three layers that organic doesn’t fully address: soil health, animal welfare and fair treatment of farmers and workers.”
Does ROC Replace USDA Organic?
No. ROC is meant to raise the bar, not swap out organic. It builds on USDA Organic standards without replacing them.
“ROC is not intended to replace USDA Organic but to set a new standard for what’s possible in our food and farming systems.”
ROC Program Scale
As of 2026, ROC spans 20 million acres, 530 certified farms, 61,000 smallholder farmers, 350 licensed brands and 45 countries.
“As of 2026, the program spans more than 20 million acres, 530 certified farms and ranches, 61,000 smallholder farmers, 350 licensed brands and 45 countries.”
ROC Product Popularity
ROC product sales grew 21% and shoppers buying them increased 30% from the previous year.
“ROC product sales climbed 21% from the previous year, and the number of shoppers buying them grew 30%.”
Where to Buy ROC Products
Whole Foods, Sprouts, Target, Walmart and other chains stock ROC items, with 464 approved products by end of 2025.
“Whole Foods reports approving 464 certified regenerative products by the end of 2025.”
The takeaway
Regenerative Organic Certified is stricter than USDA Organic with three added requirements: soil health, animal welfare, and fair treatment of workers.
