
Finding the Best Possible Ingredients
In the 1930s and ‘40s, when my father was looking for the best possible ingredients for his food supplements, he realized the only way he could ensure purity and safety was to grow them himself.
My father first grew alfalfa in the 1930s because he was looking for the purest, most nutritious botanicals. That same commitment to sustainable farming still guides how we grow today—and how we’ll keep growing for generations to come.

In the 1930s and ‘40s, when my father was looking for the best possible ingredients for his food supplements, he realized the only way he could ensure purity and safety was to grow them himself.

As we near the beginning of a new year, I, for one, believe that the optimism we create is going to become the future we live in. In a world too often dominated by headlines of challenge and disruption, optimism — and a positive mental attitude — has the potential to transform us, and surprisingly enough even help increase our healthspan.

Ever since my father began growing his own crops for his food supplements in the 1930s, Nutrilite has been farming organically. He didn’t call it organic farming then because the term didn’t yet exist.

A key reason why consumers trust the Nutrilite™ brand is because of the continual innovation occurring on our certified organic farms. Our farms represent an advanced ecosystem that combines thousands of acres of fertile farmland with sustainable organic farming practices.

If you want to know more about Nutrilite history, understanding the story of the Acania is a good place to start because it embodies my father’s forward thinking-nature, the type of thinking that translates into the foundation of the Nutrilite brand.

Talk to Susannah Cooper, Ph.D., about innovation in farming and you’ll soon find yourself discussing the ins-and-outs of regenerative agriculture. It’s a newer approach to farming that could make a big difference in how we cultivate the soil and grow crops.

Over the last year and a half, I’ve noticed a renewed interest in gardening. It’s helping people cope with the

I continue to marvel at the innovation that takes place at our farms. To me, it’s a key reason why consumers trust the Nutrilite™ brand. Our farms are an impressive ecosystem that combines thousands of acres of fertile farmland with sustainable organic farming practices.

I remember my father telling me about the first time he became aware of the concept of sustainability, although he called it “taking care of your environment.” He became conscious of it almost 100 years ago when he first traveled to China and ventured into the interior. Sadly, it was an idea born out of tragedy.

When people visit Trout Lake Farm, they are often surprised at all the behind-the-scene action that takes place to ensure a steady supply of plant material for Nutrilite® products. They’re also intrigued by all the attention the team gives to research and innovation to stay on the leading edge.

Nutrilite™ Immunity Echinacea has long been one of our most popular products. The team works hard to ensure there’s no need to worry about running out of echinacea plants. From the field workers to the equipment operators to the manufacturing and processing teams, all hands are on deck to make sure the echinacea crop grown for the product thrives. And, it all starts with something that may surprise you: Precision weeding.

When the corporate office called, Darwin Hintz and his bride of three days were preparing for their honeymoon. Darwin is the Technology Manager for Trout Lake Farm and Nutrilite Global Agribusiness Operations.

In the 1930s and ‘40s, when my father was looking for the best possible ingredients for his food supplements, he realized the only way he could ensure purity and safety was to grow them himself.

I continue to marvel at the innovation that takes place at our farms. To me, it’s a key reason why consumers trust the Nutrilite™ brand. Our farms are an impressive ecosystem that combines thousands of acres of fertile farmland with sustainable organic farming practices.

I remember my father telling me about the first time he became aware of the concept of sustainability, although he called it “taking care of your environment.” He became conscious of it almost 100 years ago when he first traveled to China and ventured into the interior. Sadly, it was an idea born out of tragedy.

When people visit Trout Lake Farm, they are often surprised at all the behind-the-scene action that takes place to ensure a steady supply of plant material for Nutrilite® products. They’re also intrigued by all the attention the team gives to research and innovation to stay on the leading edge.

When the corporate office called, Darwin Hintz and his bride of three days were preparing for their honeymoon. Darwin is the Technology Manager for Trout Lake Farm and Nutrilite Global Agribusiness Operations.

Food safety has been making headline news these days in a big way. Stories about food recalls and other safety issues compete with those uncovering food adulteration and food fraud.

The Nutrilite philosophy is part of my DNA, and spending a lifetime sharing it has been one of my greatest joys. In the coming months, I’ll be focusing on stories that shine a spotlight on the action behind the Nutrilite label as well as lessons learned from my life adventures.

I had a chance to return to the Amway Botanical Research Center (ABRC) in Wuxi to learn about the latest research updates, including one that had me thinking about my early days as a young scientist.

Our next stop was Raiatea, a sister island to Tahaa. Both islands are enclosed by a single coral reef and, at one time, may have been one island.

On August 22nd, we bid farewell to the Marquesas, setting a course from Fatu Hiva to Fakarava and then on to Rangiroa, the two largest atolls in the Tuamotus. It’s a three-day sail, about 600 miles, between the two island groups.
Reflections from Dr. Sam
Personal wellbeing isn’t just about you or me. It’s about the people around us, our family, friends and the greater community. Taking care of yourself, nurturing your connection with nature, and making an effort to transform challenges into opportunities, will help lead us to a future where we can all happily coexist.
Wellness has always been central to my story. When my father, Carl F. Rehnborg, founded Nutrilite in 1934, his goal was to help people everywhere take responsibility for their health, their wealth, and the planet. Even then, he knew that all these things were interconnected. His vision shaped my own path—a journey grounded in curiosity, science, and a passion for helping others live well.
Nutrilite is so much more than a plant-based supplement brand – it is a way of life that has stood the test of time. With a passion centered on health + wellbeing, Amway is the world’s largest direct selling company*. It spans six continents with a presence in 100+ countries and territories.
* Source: Euromonitor International Ltd; Vitamins and Dietary Supplements, World GBN, Retail Value RSP, % breakdown, 2023 data based on custom research conducted April – August 2023.
There’s a long history of farming innovation at Nutrilite. It started when my father, Carl F. Rehnborg, began growing alfalfa in the 1930s before we even knew to call it organic. He was looking for the purest, most nutritious botanicals, and he already knew that they needed to be grown sustainably and naturally, without any synthetic fertilizers or chemicals. That same belief continues to guide us today.
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