ICEA becomes European Ambassador for the Regenerative Organic Alliance (ROA) Strategic agreement signed in Bologna to consolidate the ROC™ Standard in Europe

Bologna, July 24, 2025 – ICEA (Institute for Ethical and Environmental Certification) officially joins the global network of the Regenerative Organic Alliance (ROA) as a member and ambassador for Europe. The agreement, signed, contributes to strengthening the Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC™) standard across the continent. Managed by ROA, ROC™ is the first international certification scheme that integrates organic agriculture, soil regeneration, animal welfare, and social equity.

The Memorandum of Understanding marks the beginning of a new chapter for European agri-food and sustainability, providing companies in the sector with an advanced framework that complements existing quality certifications with a broader vision oriented toward regenerative and socially responsible production models.

The ROC™ standard, launched in the United States by the pioneering organizations Rodale Institute, Dr. Bronner’s, and Patagonia, responds to the growing needs of an organic sector called upon to demonstrate increasingly concrete environmental and social impact. The program adopts a holistic approach that evaluates the entire supply chain through rigorous criteria for environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and social justice.

“This alliance represents the natural evolution of our commitment to sustainability,” declared Paolo Lumaca, ICEA President. “We contribute to the development in Europe with a tool that goes beyond regulatory compliance, promoting an agricultural model capable of regenerating soils, protecting ecosystems, and ensuring equity throughout the entire value chain.”

“We are thrilled to welcome ICEA as a European ambassador. This partnership marks a pivotal step in expanding the reach of the Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC™) standard across Europe,” says Christopher Gergen, CEO of the Regenerative Organic Alliance. “With more than 66,000 farms certified globally and over 300 brands producing 2,500+ ROC™-labeled products, our movement is gaining powerful momentum. ICEA’s deep-rooted expertise and commitment to ethical certification will help accelerate the adoption of regenerative practices that restore ecosystems, uplift communities, and redefine the future of agriculture.”

With over 22,000 certified operators and an established presence in sectors ranging from agri-food to cosmetics, from textiles to construction, ICEA brings to the alliance with ROA thirty years of experience in sustainable certification. The Institute is already part of important international networks such as COSMOS for natural and organic cosmetics and GOTS and Textile Exchange for sustainable textiles.

The agreement fits within ICEA’s vision of #OpenSustainability, an open model of sustainability that integrates environmental, economic, and social criteria in a systemic approach to productive innovation.

The initiative takes place at a time of growing attention toward regenerative agriculture by European institutions, which see this model as a concrete response to the challenges of the Green Deal and the sustainability objectives of the Farm to Fork strategy.

About Regenerative Organic Alliance

 The Regenerative Organic Alliance (ROA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is transforming agriculture by advancing practices that eliminate chemical inputs, regenerate soil, uphold animal welfare, and ensure worker well-being. In response to pressing issues like the climate crisis, factory farming, and rural economic challenges, the ROA developed and oversees the Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC™) label. This third-party verified certification builds on organic standards, establishing the highest global benchmarks for soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness. ROC™-certified food, fiber, and wellness products drive lasting positive change for our planet and communities.

Discover more about our mission and initiatives at https://regenorganic.org.