We’re cultivating better conditions for our people, communities, and planet.
At Square Roots, we strive to grow the world’s freshest produce, in ways that are measurably better for the world. Our efforts are focused on four crucial impact areas: environmental sustainability; diversity, equity, and inclusion; community engagement; and employee empowerment.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
We’re on a path towards net zero emissions.
In line with the Paris Agreement, we’re halving our carbon emissions by 2030. By 2050, we’ll reach net zero. To keep us on track, we partnered with enterprise climate platform Watershed, and measured our Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. Now, we’re using that data to farm in cleaner, smarter ways.
Reducing our biggest carbon cost.
47% of our emissions come from construction. To halve those by 2030, we’re rethinking our farm design and sourcing new, climate-smart building materials.
Running cleaner by the day.
Right now, 21% of our emissions come from electricity. We’re changing that, starting with our Springfield, OH farm, which will be powered by onsite renewables.
Delivering without emitting.
Delivery vehicles account for 6% of our emissions. We’re working on electrifying our fleet, starting with our zero-emissions delivery initiative in NYC.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
We’re building an anti-racist company where every team member can thrive.
This won’t happen overnight, especially given the history of racism and inequity in American agriculture. But we believe in the importance of this work, and have invested accordingly. We’ve embarked on a multi-year partnership with research and change management firm MMG EARTH, to build organizational policies rooted in authentically anti-racist values and practices. Together, we’re fostering a culture of awareness, accountability, and meaningful inclusion.
Pictured: Square Roots team members attending MMG EARTH's Race, Power, and Privilege training session.
Pictured Below: Square Roots team members attending MMG’s Race, Power, and Privilege training session.
Community engagement
We’re enriching the communities in which we farm.
Farming is about tending to local environments. That’s why giving back is foundational to our business. We create career pathways for local farmers, and develop lasting relationships with schools, nonprofits, food banks, and other community groups, everywhere we farm. Square Roots employees also get paid time off for volunteer work like community gardening, youth education, and watershed clean-ups. We’re always looking for new ways to give back. If you’d like to partner with us, please reach out.
Pictured: Our software team hosting Code Nation students at the Brooklyn Farm.
Pictured Below: Our software team hosting Code Nation students at the Brooklyn Farm.
EMPLOYEE EMPOWERMENT
We're developing the next generation of leaders in agriculture.
At Square Roots, we’re committed to creating a new generation of leaders who will transform agriculture. Over the last 5 years, more than 100 farmers have completed our proprietary Next-Gen Farmer Training Program, opening doors to exciting careers at Square Roots and across sustainable agriculture. Many of our farmers have moved on to management positions, and into other roles including food safety, R&D, sales, and operations.
Want to be part of what we’re building? Learn more about our culture of empowerment and career opportunities at Square Roots.
We've hired and trained over 100 farmers since our founding.