1.3. Who is regenerative farming suitable for?

Maybe this isn’t the first time someone has marketed a new and environmentally-friendly way of farming to you.  And no wonder – it’s important and people have been looking for solutions. You may have heard different terms, such as sustainable agriculture, organic production, conventional production, or carbon farming. All of these can be implemented under the umbrella of regenerative farming, and a regenerative farm cannot be placed in a box.

Regenerative farming is not a completely new trend. It is not going to replace or even exclude other methods. In fact, it is possible to take a regenerative approach to any production method you can think of.  Regenerative farming is an approach that aims to improve soil health, water protection and the condition of agricultural ecosystems continuously and holistically during food production.

Although regenerative farming is not governed by strict criteria like organic farming, its approach is similar to many of the objectives inherent in organic farming. Yet regenerative farming is intensive production at its best. It generates good results and makes effective use of arable land. So there’s nothing to stop a farm transitioning from whatever method it is currently using to regenerative farming.

A common feature in all definitions of regenerative farming is the pursuit of a more diverse and holistic agricultural production system than at present. Our existing agricultural system is characterised by homogeneous production, external production inputs, heavy tillage, and the splitting of livestock production and crop cultivation.

The goal of regenerative farming is to improve the soil. Degenerative farming methods deplete the soil. Sustainable farming refers to cultivation methods that keep the soil healthy and maintain its yield capacity.   But regenerative farming does not stop there – it is constantly seeking to improve soil health. Regenerative farming, as a whole, revitalises the entire ecosystem.

Carbon farming is part of regenerative farming. Depending on the type of soil, carbon farming aims to either increase or maintain the soil’s carbon stock, and thereby reduce the amount of carbon escaping into the atmosphere. This will help mitigate climate change and have a positive impact on the environment. This is also one of the goals of regenerative farming.

If you want, you can download the definitions of regenerative farming:

You have now finished the material in lesson 1. Mark this topic as complete and take the final test of the lesson.

This course is based in the E-college for Regenerative Farming, which you can find at bsag.fi/en/the-e-college-for-regenerative-farming/. See lesson 1 of the E-college’s course for more information about the topics of this lesson.