Open House and Save Subak Unite to Preserve Bali’s Farming Heritage: Nearly 1 Ton of Organic Rice and 26 Ares of Farmland Adopted

(Baliekbis.com), The movement to preserve organic farming in Bali continues to gain meaningful support from the culinary industry. Open House Restaurant, located in the heart of Canggu, has officially joined the Save Subak program—an initiative dedicated to protecting Bali’s traditional Subak irrigation system and supporting the livelihood of local farmers.

As of March 2025, Open House has ordered nearly 1 ton (1,000 kilograms) of organic Balinese rice. This significant contribution has helped protect 26 ares of Subak farmland, empowered 2 local farmers, saved approximately 1,150,000 liters of water, and reduced carbon emissions by 74,470 CO₂e.

This support was warmly acknowledged by Ichan Putra, initiator of Save Subak and Head Lead at PT. Bali SRI Organik, who emphasized the power of business in driving environmental change.

“We truly appreciate the commitment of Open House. It shows that restaurants can serve delicious food while also being champions for the environment and farming culture in Bali. Every dish made with organic rice is a small but powerful act towards a more sustainable future,” said Ichan Putra.

Ben Nelson and Pak Agung, Co-Founders of Open House, both shared their thoughts on the restaurant’s involvement, “For us, it’s not just about using local ingredients—it’s about telling a story and joining a mission,” said Ben Nelson. “We want our guests to know that their meal has meaning, that behind every grain of rice is a farmer, a land, and a culture worth preserving,” added Pak Agung.

One of the local farmers supported by this program, Wayan Sentana, expressed his gratitude, “Thank you to Open House for adopting my Subak land. Because of your support, 26 ares of our farm are now managed organically and sustainably. It gives me pride and hope as a farmer to know that people care about what we grow and how we grow it.”

The actions of Open House align with a growing global awareness around ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility. Choosing local organic rice not only improves taste and quality, but also tells a story that customers can connect with.

Save Subak continues to invite restaurants, hotels, and communities to adopt organic farmland and support Bali’s farming traditions. By helping preserve the Subak system, Bali is not just protecting a UNESCO-recognized heritage—it’s investing in a greener, more resilient future.

About Save Subak

Save Subak is a preservation movement for Bali’s traditional Subak irrigation system, focusing on the adoption of organic farmland, empowering local farmers, and reducing environmental impacts through sustainable rice consumption. Initiated by Ichan Putra as the founder of save subak movement, the movement runs under the campaign “1 KG Organic Rice Saves the Earth.”