How farming practices that restore soil health can sequester carbon and benefit farmers and consumers
What is regenerative agriculture?
Regenerative agriculture is a system of farming practices that aims to improve the health and fertility of the soil, increase biodiversity, enhance ecosystem services, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Regenerative agriculture goes beyond organic or sustainable farming, which focus on minimizing environmental harm, and seeks to actively regenerate the land and the communities that depend on it.
Why is regenerative agriculture important?
Regenerative agriculture is important for several reasons. First, it can help mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon in the soil. According to a 2018 study by the Rodale Institute, regenerative agriculture can sequester more than 100% of current annual CO2 emissions if implemented globally. This is because healthy soil can store more organic matter, which is composed of carbon, and prevent it from being released into the atmosphere. Regenerative agriculture can also reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which are major sources of greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution.
Second, regenerative agriculture can improve the quality and quantity of food production. By enhancing soil health, regenerative agriculture can increase crop yields, reduce water and nutrient inputs, and improve resilience to pests, diseases, and extreme weather events. Regenerative agriculture can also produce more nutritious food, as healthy soil can provide more minerals and micronutrients to the plants. Additionally, regenerative agriculture can support the diversity and security of food systems, by promoting the cultivation of a variety of crops and livestock, and by preserving the traditional knowledge and practices of indigenous and local farmers.
Third, regenerative agriculture can benefit the social and economic well-being of farmers and consumers. By reducing the dependence on external inputs and increasing the profitability of farming, regenerative agriculture can empower farmers and improve their livelihoods. Regenerative agriculture can also create more jobs and income opportunities in rural areas, by supporting the development of local markets and value chains. Furthermore, regenerative agriculture can enhance the health and wellness of consumers, by providing them with access to fresh, organic, and nutritious food, and by reducing their exposure to harmful chemicals and pathogens.
How can we support regenerative agriculture?
There are many ways that we can support regenerative agriculture, as consumers, producers, policymakers, and educators. Here are some examples:
- As consumers, we can choose to buy food that is certified as regenerative, organic, or biodynamic, or that comes from local and small-scale farmers who practice regenerative agriculture. We can also educate ourselves and others about the benefits of regenerative agriculture, and advocate for policies and incentives that support it.
- As producers, we can adopt regenerative farming practices, such as no-till, cover cropping, crop rotation, composting, mulching, agroforestry, holistic grazing, and integrated pest management. We can also join networks and organizations that provide training, resources, and support for regenerative agriculture, such as the Regenerative Organic Alliance, the Savory Institute, and the Soil Health Academy.
- As policymakers, we can create and implement policies and programs that promote and reward regenerative agriculture, such as carbon credits, subsidies, grants, loans, tax breaks, and insurance. We can also regulate and limit the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and the expansion of industrial agriculture and monocultures. We can also invest in research and innovation that advance regenerative agriculture, and collaborate with other stakeholders and sectors to scale up its adoption and impact.
- As educators, we can teach and learn about regenerative agriculture, and its environmental, social, and economic benefits. We can also integrate regenerative agriculture into the curriculum and pedagogy of schools, colleges, and universities, and provide opportunities for students and teachers to engage in experiential learning and community service related to regenerative agriculture.
Regenerative agriculture is a solution for climate change, and a way to create a more sustainable, healthy, and equitable food system. By supporting regenerative agriculture, we can contribute to the regeneration of our planet and our society.
