Regenerative agriculture is a game-changer in the realm of sustainable farming, bringing numerous ecological and economic benefits to our global food system. But how can you support regenerative agriculture? There are various ways, including supporting organizations at the forefront of this movement, volunteering on regenerative farms, or implementing regenerative methods on your own land.
What is Regenerative Agriculture?
Regenerative agriculture refers to farming and grazing practices that restore degraded soil, improve biodiversity, and increase carbon capture. Its importance is twofold: it helps tackle climate change by sequestering carbon in the soil – a report by the Rodale Institute found that organic agriculture practices could sequester up to 1,000 pounds of carbon per acre per year – and it creates more resilient food systems, reducing the risk of crop failure due to extreme weather events.
How You Can Support Regenerative Agriculture
1. Support Regenerative Agriculture Organizations
Many organizations tirelessly work to promote regenerative agriculture, contributing to research, advocacy, education, and direct support to farmers. By donating, volunteering, or spreading awareness, you can help these groups further their mission.
The Traditional Native American Farmers Association is one such group, working to preserve traditional farming methods, enhance food security, and promote sustainable livelihoods among Native American farmers.
The Timbaktu Collective is another. Based in India, they strive to support sustainable farming and fair-trade practices, providing a lifeline for rural communities in the region.
Farmers Footprint is a coalition of farmers, educators, doctors, scientists, and business leaders aiming to expose the human and environmental impacts of chemical farming and offer a path forward through regenerative agricultural practices. Through large-scale transition of farmland to regenerative practices, they aim to rebuild our nation’s topsoil, enhance biodiversity, and restore healthy farming communities, while simultaneously mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon from the atmosphere.
Grounded is a South African initiative committed to restoring degraded ecosystems while simultaneously creating sustainable livelihoods for local communities in Sub-Saharan Africa. They achieve this through promoting regenerative agriculture practices, fostering direct trade, and facilitating community-owned enterprises, essentially grounding economic development in ecological restoration.
Another global platform, Regeneration International, connects organizations and individuals advocating for healthy food and climate systems through regenerative agriculture and land use.
Lastly, Food Tank is an organization doing vital work to highlight, provide education and promote sustainable agriculture methods, including regenerative farming.
2. Volunteer at Regenerative Farms
By volunteering on regenerative farms, you gain hands-on experience and learn more about how you can support regenerative agriculture.
Apricot Lane Farms is one such place. This unique 213-acre biodynamic and organic farm in Moorpark, California is owned by John and Molly Chester who are dedicated to creating a well-balanced and thriving ecosystem. Since 2011, the farm has evolved from a conventional orchard to a diverse, regenerative farm, growing over 200 varieties of fruits and vegetables. Their approach emphasizes the regeneration of the land, promoting biodiversity, soil health, and ecological resilience. The farm also offers a volunteer program where individuals can gain hands-on experience in regenerative farming practices. Apricot Lane Farms’ work extends beyond just growing food; they’re educating a new generation on the importance and benefits of sustainable and regenerative agriculture. The farm’s transformation and successes have been documented in the award-winning film, “The Biggest Little Farm.”
Wild Willow Farm is a pioneering educational farm located in the Tijuana River Valley of San Diego. It is dedicated to providing hands-on, practical education about regenerative farming practices and sustainable food systems. The farm is run by the San Diego Roots Sustainable Food Project, and its primary mission is to educate individuals about where their food comes from, how it’s grown, and the impact it has on the world around them. Wild Willow Farm offers a range of classes and workshops, from soil health and composting to organic gardening and beekeeping. Their Volunteer Days offer a chance for people to connect with the land, learn about sustainable agriculture, and help grow food for their local community. Their emphasis on education, sustainable practices, and community involvement make Wild Willow Farm an invaluable asset to the San Diego region.
Similarly, The Ecology Center, located in San Juan Capistrano, California, is an educational non-profit focused on environmental solutions that can be replicated within communities. They envision a culture where individuals adopt eco-friendly lifestyles, incorporating the principles of sustainability into every facet of their lives. The center operates on a historical 28-acre farm where they practice and demonstrate regenerative agriculture techniques, serving as a living laboratory for sustainable food systems. They offer various programs and workshops designed to inspire and educate people about environmental stewardship, food preservation, water conservation, and organic farming. Their volunteer program is a wonderful opportunity for individuals to get hands-on experience and contribute to their mission of creating a healthier and more sustainable world. Their farm-to-table experiences, community programs, and educational initiatives make the Ecology Center a transformative force in cultivating a sustainable future.
The Agrarian Trust is a pioneering organization committed to addressing the escalating crisis of land access for the next generation of farmers in the United States. With an innovative, holistic approach, the trust works to facilitate the transfer of land from retiring farmers to new farmers who are committed to sustainable and regenerative practices. They do this through land stewardship strategies like community land trusts and conservation easements. By providing resources, tools, and models for land transition, the Agrarian Trust empowers farmers, communities, and other stakeholders to create a more equitable and sustainable farm future. Their work is critical to ensuring that farmland remains productive and in the hands of responsible stewards for generations to come. They offer numerous ways to get involved, including volunteer opportunities.
Regenerative Farms, Inc. is an innovative agricultural company headquartered in North Carolina, dedicated to promoting sustainable farming through education and hands-on practice. They leverage the principles of regenerative agriculture to restore soil health, increase biodiversity, and create resilient food systems. Regenerative Farms, Inc. operates with a firm belief in the power of sustainable farming not only for improving local ecosystems but also for combating climate change on a broader scale. Beyond farming, the organization has established programs to invite the public and aspiring farmers to learn about regenerative agricultural practices. They offer volunteering opportunities that provide invaluable, on-the-ground learning experiences. Through their work, Regenerative Farms, Inc. demonstrates that a combination of modern science and traditional farming methods can offer a way forward for sustainable food production.
3. Incorporate Regenerative Methods on Your Own Land
Whether you own a large farm or a small backyard garden, you can apply regenerative practices. This includes minimizing tillage, rotating crops, planting cover crops, and composting. The aforementioned organizations often provide resources and guidance on how to implement these methods.
Why You Should Support Regenerative Agriculture
Supporting regenerative agriculture helps combat climate change, increases biodiversity, and strengthens local economies. Every contribution, whether big or small, makes a difference. We all can play a part in promoting sustainable farming and creating a more resilient, healthier world. Understanding how you can support regenerative agriculture and taking action is crucial for our future. Consider joining the movement today by donating to or volunteering with one of the organizations listed above, or by practicing regenerative methods at home. Let’s work together to regenerate our lands and our communities!
