Regenerative Agriculture

Our Playbook

What is Regenerative Agriculture?

Regenerative farming practices are a set of techniques designed not only to maintain but to restore the health of the soil, ecosystems, and communities.

They go beyond sustainability—aiming to regenerate resources that have been depleted, enhance biodiversity, and create resilience in our soil, plants, animals, and communities.

When applied effectively, regenerative farming can also be an exciting way to help feed the poor by making food systems more inclusive, local, and sustainable.

Here is how it works:

In regenerative farming systems, the focus is often on local food systems, where farmers sell their goods directly to consumers or participate in community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs. This reduces the reliance on industrial food chains and this means our local farmers feeding our own communities and those in need within an arms reach

How it helps: By cutting out middlemen consumers have access to fresher, more affordable food. This approach strengthens local economies and builds a sense of community around food production. Additionally, lower transportation costs can make healthy food more affordable for low-income consumers.

Water Conservation & Irrigation Efficiency

Regenerative farmers use techniques that increase water retention and improve irrigation efficiency. For example, they might use rainwater harvesting, mulching, and contour farming to capture and store water in the soil. Reduced water usage also means that farmers can grow crops with fewer inputs, which is especially important in areas suffering from water scarcity.

How it helps: Efficient water use allows food to be grown in water-stressed areas. For low-income communities where water access is limited or expensive, these methods can help ensure food security and increase crop yields.

Educational and Skill-Building Programs

Regenerative farming also comes with educational programs that teach young people and marginalized communities about the value of regenerative techniques and how to implement them.

How it helps: This provides new skills and opportunities for employment, particularly in rural areas where access to formal education or well-paying jobs may be limited. It creates pathways for long-term economic and social stability.

Soil Health

Regenerative farming focuses heavily on building soil health. Through practices like cover cropping, reduced tillage, crop rotation, and composting, farmers enhance the soil’s ability to store carbon and retain water. Healthy soil leads to more resilient crops and greater yields without relying on synthetic chemicals or fertilizers.

How it helps: Healthier soil means more reliable and diverse food production, especially in regions where farming conditions are poor or degraded. Local food production can be more resilient to droughts or floods, ensuring that communities can grow food year-round. Healthier soils means more nutrient dense food. Healthier soil means healthier people

Agroforestry & Polyculture

Agroforestry, or integrating trees into farming systems, and polyculture, the practice of growing multiple crops together, are key components of regenerative farming. These practices mimic nature’s systems, allowing for biodiversity and creating an ecosystem that is resilient to pests and diseases. For example, certain plants may provide natural pest control, while others may help fix nitrogen in the soil, improving crop health. Come check out our silvo-pasture!

How it helps: Farmers are less reliant on single crops, which can be vulnerable to market volatility or weather changes. The local community gets access to a more stable and diverse food supply.

Holistic Grazing Management

Holistic grazing, particularly with livestock, involves managing grazing patterns to mimic the natural movement of wild herds. Instead of overgrazing one area, livestock are rotated through different sections of land, allowing pastures to regenerate naturally. This process also improves soil structure and increases water retention. And allows strong healthy pastures that can be grazed for years to come.

How it helps: By integrating livestock and proper land management, practices that allow for sustainable meat and dairy production that doesn’t degrade the land, and can be scaled to work in poor, rural communities. More sustainable farming means less reliance on imported food or synthetic inputs, which can be costly.

Community-Based Distribution

Empowering Small Farmers & Communities

Regenerative agriculture often emphasizes local knowledge and community-led solutions. Smallholder farmers are often trained in these practices, and resources like seed-saving and farmer-to-farmer learning are promoted.

How it helps: Empowering small farmers by teaching regenerative techniques helps them become more self-sufficient and less dependent on external resources (like chemicals or fertilizers). This reduces their costs and increases the value of the food they produce, making it easier to feed their families and communities.