Regenerative Agriculture: The future of food production
A growing population, increasing temperatures and an agriculture that pays far too little attention to the soil as the basis of life: Regenerative agriculture confronts this extremely complex set of problems. It can do a lot – if we want it to.
On Terramay Farm in Portugal – where the idea for Soul to Soul originated – this holistic interpretation of classical agriculture is already being lived. Of course, this approach also has a years-long history in Switzerland, including at the well-known agricultural company Jucker and on countless other farms. We and all these farmers want to revitalise and improve ecosystems within the soil itself, thus preserving it for the future. But what exactly is regenerative agriculture?
The principles of regenerative agriculture
-
Soil health: Food can only thrive sustainably in and on healthy soils, which is why regenerative agriculture keeps any kind of intervention, such as ploughing and the use of artificial fertilisers, to an absolute minimum. They are, however, not "forbidden". Instead, natural fertilisers, such as Biochar or horticultural charcoal, are used to improve soil fertility, structure and its ability to retain water. It also promotes the soil microbiome. Given time, it is even possible to regenerate already damaged soils.
-
Biodiversity: Farmers create habitats for beneficial insects, birds and other wildlife through plant and animal biodiversity in production and through agroforestry. There is much less need to use pesticides where a diversz ecosystem exists.
-
Water management: With the future of the climate, particularly in relation to the southern countries of Europe, highly efficient water management is crucial. Rainwater harvesting and precision irrigation minimises its use and prevents the erosion of valuable soils – also, and most particularly, in view of the future increase in heavy rainfall. Regenerative agriculture seeks to use or restore natural hydrological cycles (groundwater).
-
Carbon sequestration: Diversity in food cultivation and agroforestry increases the sequestration (storage) of carbon in the soil through a higher density of life that requires and therefore sequesters CO2. Monocultures cannot achieve this – on the contrary, they trigger additional consumption of fossil fuels, fertilisers and pesticides. On the whole, regenerative agriculture reduces greenhouse gas emissions and increases soil fertility and resilience.
According to a text on the website of the renowned Jucker Farm in Zurich, regenerative agriculture is "better than organic" because it allows for more options. Accordingly, there are no fixed regulations, and the chances of a "regenerative agriculture" label ever existing are extremely slim – every farm is different and conditioned according to its own unique soil. It is also not a vegan approach; regenerative production actually relies the "cooperation" of animals. They continuously loosen and improve the soil with their hooves, snouts and beaks, and with their excreta. And yes, the animals and their products are eventually eaten by those who feel secure enough with their choice. Logically, however, there is no industrial-style animal production.
It would give us great pleasure to be able to inspire you as friends of Soil to Soul for this visionary concept of agriculture. We in any case are completely convinced that regenerative agriculture has the best means to master the challenges ahead in the best possible way – without having to forego the pleasure.
You can find more information here: Regenerativ Schweiz and Agricultura Regeneratio.