Regenerative Farming: What is it, why is it important, and what can I do to support?

 

REGENERATIVE FARMING

I watched an excellent documentary last night called Groundswell. It focused on regenerative agriculture and why it is important for reducing carbon emissions, improving soil health, and building more resilient food systems.

What Is It?

Regenerative farming (or regenerative agriculture) is a farming approach focused on improving the health of the soil, ecosystem, and biodiversity over time, rather than simply sustaining current conditions.

The idea is that farms can restore degraded land, capture carbon from the atmosphere, improve water retention, and increase biodiversity while continuing to produce food.

Why Is This Important?

Healthy soil contains:

• -More organic matter
• -Diverse microbes, fungi, and insects
• -Better water-holding capacity
• -Greater resistance to drought and erosion

For example, a regenerative farm can retain more rainfall during droughts and experience less runoff during heavy storms.

Potential Benefits

-Improved soil fertility

-Increased biodiversity (birds, insects, and microbes)

-Better water infiltration and retention

-Reduced erosion

-Potential carbon sequestration in soils

-Greater resilience to drought and extreme weather

What Can I Do to Help?

-Buy from regenerative farms when possible. Many local farms, ranches, and food producers describe their practices on their websites or at farmers markets.

-Look for products with the Regenerative Organic Certified® label, while recognizing that many small farms use regenerative practices without formal certification.

In Your Own Yard or Garden

-Leave grass clippings and fallen leaves to decompose naturally.

-Use compost instead of relying solely on synthetic fertilizers.

-Minimize soil disturbance (less digging and tilling).

-Plant native species that support pollinators and wildlife.

-Reduce pesticide use whenever possible.

Reduce Food Waste

An estimated one-third of all food produced globally is never eaten. 

Final Thought

One of the most powerful aspects of regenerative agriculture is that it offers a practical way to improve soil health, support biodiversity, strengthen local food systems, and potentially help address climate change—all at the same time.