Shifting Sustainability from Niche to
Mainstream
Shifting Sustainability from Niche to Mainstream
We build the know-how, tools, and partnerships for sustainable farming and supply chains of the future.
About the Sustainable Food Lab
The Sustainable Food Lab was launched in 2004 as a non-profit organization to shift sustainability from niche to mainstream in the food system. We work with our partners to deliver impact faster, continuously innovating and sharing our learning.
Areas of Focus
Small-Scale Farmer Livelihoods
The Sustainable Food Lab promotes living incomes for small-scale farmers, consulting on sustainable strategies, co-hosting the Living Income Community of Practice, and providing research tools.
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Regenerative & Climate-Smart Agriculture
At the Food Lab, we believe that looking at farms and supply chains as systems is critical to success. Our regenerative agriculture program integrates small grains, soil health, pest management, and carbon accounting to set and achieve sustainability goals.
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Featured Projects
Scale Lab
We examine how companies can contribute to the growth of regenerative agriculture to sustain the fertility and productivity of the land.
Sustainable Vanilla Initiative
We support the socially, environmentally and economically sustainable production of vanilla through a collaborative project in Madagascar.
Cool Soil Initiative
The Cool Soil Initiative (CSI), formed in 2018 with funding from Mars Petcare, Kellogg, and Food Agility CRC, Charles Sturt University ...
Living Income Community of Practice
Our Living Income project includes a network and toolkit for companies to help smallholder farms afford a decent standard of living and improve their outcomes.
The Trusted Advisor Partnership
Conceived in 2022 through a collaboration between the Food Lab, Dr. Abbey Wick, and North Dakota State University, the ...
Our Services
Pre-Competitive Collaboration
We build and facilitate collaborations across food sectors, value-chains and regions to address systemic challenges.
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System Leadership
We design professional learning opportunities that facilitate open dialogue, build peer networks and develop innovative thinking.
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Values-Based Consulting
We partner with food companies to develop sustainable sourcing strategies, putting sustainability into practice.
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Impact Strategy & Measurement
We help build data-driven measurement tools and frameworks that guide impact-oriented decisions.
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Testimonials
Nira Johri
Chief Sustainability Officer
KFC
Having worked closely with SFL for nearly a decade, they are a beacon of light when navigating the complexities of food sustainability. Whether through their sound guidance as strategic consultants, their convening power and ability to create safe spaces through leadership development, or their thoughtful and immersive learning journeys, there isn’t a better group to be your guide.
Whitney Kakos
Director, Supply Chain Sustainability
Keurig Dr Pepper
The Food Lab tackles complex problems with you. They are great partners, and are practical and down to earth.
Kristin Komives
Director of Programmes
ISEAL Alliance
Sustainable Food Lab is at the center and at the heart of the sustainability movement. They shape conversations with systemic issues in mind and bring together multiple actors and companies.
Sustainable Food Lab
Partner With Us
As a partner with Food Lab, you will be part of a network of global thought leaders from diverse organizations committed to making impactful changes in the food system.
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