Introducing Uma Wali

Chemical-free rice is important for the health of the person consuming it, the farmer growing it, the land it grows from, the communities that live around that land, and the many other living creatures that live and dwell among the fields.

We became drawn to the idea of supporting natural rice farming through our connection with the rice-growing community of Belulang in central Bali. The verdant, terraced landscape of this agricultural heartland is bountiful and exceptionally beautiful. We have forged a deep relationship, here, with custodians of the land and the land itself. The farmers we work with to cultivate and care for the herbs in our medicinal gardens have long expressed their desire to go back to heirloom rice varieties and traditional farming methods. With this enthusiasm, however, comes a level of concern which is very understandable. Naturally farmed rice takes more time to grow, may be more vulnerable to pests and attracts a smaller market. It results, however, in grains that are far more rich in vitamins and minerals and grown without the likes of glyphosate, superphosphates, urea and pesticides. Rice as nature intended, worthy of its connotation as divine food.

So, Uma Wali emerged from our hope of reigniting chemical-free rice cultivation for the benefit of farmers, the land and those who choose to consume it. This philosophy is nothing new – it’s simply to regenerate the earth on which our crops are grown, as well as the water channels of the region that are greatly impacted by rice farming.

Our formula is simple: we sponsor farmers willing to convert to heirloom rice and traditional farming methods and help market and share their harvests with those who wish to support the cause. All the profits of Uma Wali are for the individuals and the wider community we’re supporting.

Many months of discussion, trial and experimentation have resulted in a very successful first harvest. The fields we sponsored turned out a blockbuster yield of healthy, chemical-free, heirloom red rice, which we are very excited to share.

For this initiative to keep growing and succeeding, however, there needs to be a consistent market for natural rice. Should you wish to support Uma Wali rice and the farmers that produce it, please get in touch. We are ready and willing to help share these beautiful gifts from the Earth, in turn fuelling a movement towards healthier farming, eating and living as a whole.