Have you heard the buzz phrase “Regenerative Agriculture?” If you are confused about what it is, you are not alone. In a world where new trends easily take over, it can be overwhelming to keep up. Especially when there is no universally accepted definition, the conversation around regenerative agriculture can be challenging to follow.
Despite not having an agreed upon definition, regenerative agriculture’s guiding values are distinguishable from other forms of agriculture, like conventional and organic. Conventional farming relies on synthetic inputs, monocultures, and tillage. Organic farming bans synthetic inputs and GMOs, making it more sustainable than conventional. Regenerative agriculture goes beyond sustainability, aiming to leave the environment in a better condition than before, while also promoting higher standards for farm worker and livestock well-being.
Regenerative agriculture is guided by six core principles, serving as a farm’s “north star”: 1) understand the context of your farm operation, 2) minimize soil disturbance, 3) maximize crop diversity, 4) keep the soil covered, 5) maintain living roots year-round, and 6) integrate livestock. By implementing these principles, a farm builds more soil organic matter, improves water infiltration and retention, and enhances beneficial microbial activity. Ultimately, they help create a more resilient and biologically diverse soil ecosystem. Some common regenerative agriculture practices are cover cropping, composting, crop rotation, no-till/low-till, planting hedgerows, managed grazing, and more.
While regenerative agriculture may feel like a fresh term in the mainstream vernacular, the underlying philosophy is rooted in Indigenous knowledge, emphasizing a reciprocal relationship with nature to ensure sustained abundance for future generations. Let us always be reminded that Indigenous people are the original stewards of this land. Furthermore, there are other movements of agriculture not discussed here such as agroecology that can be conflated with regenerative agriculture despite some notable differences. Read more about that here.
Regenerative agriculture is not the only solution for sustainable farming, but it can be a highly beneficial tool in a farmer's toolkit, no matter the scale. There is no universal approach to practicing regenerative agriculture. Practices must be carefully tailored to the specific farming and climatic environment in which they are implemented.
For more information on specific practices, check out our webpage on healthy soils practices or contact agriculture@ccrcd.org.
