Reena, in collaboration with Growcer, an Ottawa-based container farm manufacturer, received a COR (Kashruth Council of Canada) certificate, marking a significant milestone for GReena, Reena's pioneering sustainability initiative. This certification signifies a ground-breaking achievement as it becomes 'the first of its kind' in Canada.
"Through our GReena initiatives, Reena is not only advancing our sustainability efforts but also staying true to our fundamental Jewish principles. Moreover, it serves as a powerful driver for Reena Employment services, offering valuable, paid employment opportunities to our supported individuals in the fields of produce and food packaging," says Bryan Keshen, CEO of Reena.
This certification not only marks a triumph for Reena, Growcer, and COR but also represents a leap forward in the sustainable and kosher agriculture industry. GReena's pioneering efforts in hydroponic farming and adherence to kosher standards have paved the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.
What does it mean?
The COR certification is a testament to Reena's commitment to sustainability and innovation while staying grounded in Jewish values. This certification has been awarded to Reena for leafy greens grown within a specially designed Hydroponic modular farm. Reena's clean room processes were modified from processes developed during the recent COVID pandemic, which protected supported individuals and staff from infection, thereby setting a new standard for a "bug-free" growing environment.
The COR certification logo carries a specific message, "no checking required," for the leafy greens produced in the Reena Hydroponic modular farm. These will be sold directly to caterers, restaurants, and food packagers under COR supervision so consumers will know their food is in full compliance with the highest kosher standards supervised by COR and is being sold to them "bug-free."
Prominent feature on packaging
In a bid to make COR more accessible to consumers, this certification will be prominently featured on restaurant menus and packaged food products whenever Reena Hydroponic Leafy Greens are used. These packaged greens and food products will be available in the kosher produce section and prepared food sections of selected GTA supermarkets with Kosher sections, providing greater selection options for those seeking quality kosher options.
To ensure the ongoing Kashrut status of COR, continuous spot checks of Reena's Hydroponic Leafy Greens modular farm and procedures will be conducted. This proactive approach not only guarantees the product's integrity but also streamlines the process for COR-supervised caterers, restaurants, and food packagers, reducing time-to-market and operational costs. Ultimately, this is expected to lead to cost savings for kosher consumers while simultaneously supporting Reena's mission to empower individuals in their care.
For more information:
The Growcer
[email protected]
www.thegrowcer.ca
Reena Community Farm
[email protected]
www.reena.org/rcf