Regenerative agriculture has recently become one of the most talked-about concepts in food and farm policy. It’s praised in speeches, debated on panels, and increasingly referenced in federal programs. But amid all the hype, many are asking: What is regenerative agriculture?
Field to Market, a non-profit organization representing nearly 200 organizations from all sectors of the value chain, answered that question several years ago. The shared definition below recognizes something essential: Agriculture is not one-size-fits-all and needs to focus on principles rather than prescriptions.
Using a systems-based perspective, regenerative agriculture sequesters carbon in the soil and intentionally improves soil health, biodiversity, water quality, and air quality while ensuring the viability of farm production. The principles of a regenerative agriculture system are based in Indigenous ways of land management and are adaptive to local physical conditions and culture. These principles include:
- Minimizing soil disturbance
- Maintaining living roots in soil
- Continuously covering bare soil
- Maximizing diversity with emphasis on crops, soil microbes and pollinators
- Integrating livestock where it is feasible
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of C3.