Episode 2224 - Beyond Sustainability: The Regenerative Impact of Big Tree Farms

In this episode of The Ash Said It Show, I had an exclusive interview with Ben Ripple, the visionary CEO and co-founder of Big Tree Farms, to uncover the truth behind ethical agriculture and global food sustainability. With over 20 years of expertise on the ground in Indonesia, Ben shares the untold story of how his brand is revolutionizing the industry by bridging the gap between smallholder farmers and conscious consumers worldwide. We dive deep into the critical distinction between "sustainability"—which often aims only to maintain the status quo—and "regenerative" agriculture, which actively heals the planet. Ben explains that when you choose products like Big Tree Farms’ organic Coconut Aminos, you are supporting a supply chain that leaves the land and the farming community more resilient than before the harvest. Our conversation reveals the surprising, powerful intersection of soil health and human happiness. Working directly with over 19,000 smallholder farmers, Ben explains how moving away from industrial chemical models has restored economic agency, pride, and dignity to these communities. It is a profound lesson in how agricultural reform is, at its core, a human rights and wellness initiative. For shoppers feeling overwhelmed by greenwashing in the supermarket aisle, Ben provides an essential, actionable rule of thumb: demand radical transparency. He emphasizes that if a brand cannot name their farmers or articulate their sourcing story, they likely lack a genuine, ethical relationship with their supply chain. True, high-quality food brands should always be able to tell you the "Who" and the "Why" behind the product. Reflecting on his journey since moving to Bali in 2003, Ben discusses how his definition of success has evolved from local preservation to global, market-driven conservation. He argues that the old industrial model is broken and that the only viable way forward for global food brands is to treat their supply chains as living, interdependent ecosystems rather than linear, extractive pipelines. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in conscious consumerism, regenerative farming, and the future of healthy, ethical living. Tune in to The Ash Said It Show to learn how you can make more informed, impactful choices for your pantry and the planet. Connect with us and listen to the full episode of The Ash Said It Show to hear more from Ben Ripple about the future of food. Web: https://bigtreefarms.com Founded in 2003, Big Tree Farms is a pioneer in sustainable global agriculture and the world's leading producer of organic, coconut-based sweeteners and condiments. Headquartered with a deeply rooted supply chain at origin in Indonesia, the brand specializes in crafting high-quality, better-for-you pantry staples powered by pure coconut blossom nectar (locally known as Nira). Big Tree Farms bridges the gap between ancestral harvesting traditions and global wellness demands. By operating one of the world's most transparent, vertically integrated supply chains, they deliver clean-label, nutrient-rich food options while championing climate health and social equity. The company is globally celebrated for transforming coconut blossom nectar into versatile, allergen-friendly alternatives to traditional sugars, soy sauces, and marinades. Their signature offerings include Organic Coconut Sugars (available in Granulated, Golden, and Powdered formats) which offer a lower-glycemic, unrefined alternative to cane sugar with natural caramel notes. They are also widely recognized for their Organic Coconut Aminos, a beloved staple that serves as a certified soy-free, gluten-free, and low-sodium alternative to soy sauce, alongside an innovative line of rich, island-inspired sauces and marinades. At the heart of Big Tree Farms is a network of over 20,000 Indonesian farmer partners. The company operates a direct-trade model that empowers local communities, ensuring fair, transparent pricing and long-term economic stability. Because coconut blossom nectar is hand-harvested daily from living trees in thriving food forests, the process requires zero deforestation or environmental degradation. Through its commitment to Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) practices and Fair for Life certifications, Big Tree Farms actively restores soil health, preserves traditional biodiversity, and fosters a sustainable food ecosystem for future generations. As a trusted ingredient supplier to major global food brands and a fixture on retail shelves across the Americas and beyond, Big Tree Farms continues to scale its impact. Fueled by institutional investments aimed at accelerating sustainable land use in Asia, the company continues to double its production capabilities while remaining fiercely dedicated to it