Fake meats, eating bugs, cows passing gas … just a few of the news-making topics as we attempt to pull out all stops in the name of climate change. But were you aware that there appear to be solutions out there that don’t involve nutrient-void, unpalatable or unfathomable options as it concerns the raising and consuming of our foods? We seem to talk a lot about what we should be giving up to “save the planet” but what about the essential nutrients we need to save ourselves? Should we be talking more about regenerative farming and it’s natural and proven methods to save the environment, the animals and humankind? What is regenerative farming?
Regenerative farming is a growing trend in agriculture. This form of farming presents an agricultural process that emphasizes working with the natural environment to promote long-term sustainability. Regenerative farming’s main focus is on repairing damaged soil, restoring biodiversity, and increasing the amount of carbon store in soil to benefit efforts to reduce climate change. The benefits are numerous for livestock, food health, and the environment as a whole. Cool, eh? Here are ALL of the benefits …
Benefits for Livestock:
One of the primary benefits of regenerative farming is that it improves livestock welfare. By providing animals with natural habitats and access to varied diets, farmers can create healthier and happier animals. Happier animals means less stress, resulting in better quality meat and dairy products for consumers. Additionally, regenerative farmers avoid using hormones, antibiotics, and other pharmaceutical drugs that are used to keep animals disease-free on industrial run farms. These methods also serve to reduce the over-reliance on antibiotics which can negatively impact consumer health and lead to antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, regenerative farming helps to reduce the need for fertilizers and pesticides that can contaminate local water and soil.
Benefits for Food Health:
Regenerative farming offers a number of benefits for food health. Nutrient-dense soil leads to the growth of more nutrient-dense plants, which results in beneficial bacteria and increased for consumers. Additionally, by avoiding the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides, farmers decrease exposure to toxins in food. This means that consumers who eat food grown using regenerative techniques can be more confident about the safety of their food. Ultimately, farmers can cultivate a more diverse range of crops with new strategies for crop rotation methods.
Benefits for the environment:
The benefits of regenerative farming extend beyond livestock welfare and food health. This form of farming also makes positive contributions to the environment. Regenerative practices emphasize reducing carbon emissions while increasing soil health and improving biodiversity. By incorporating cover crops, regenerative farmers can increase organic matter and develop more robust root systems. They are then able to reduce soil erosion and runoff by reducing synthetic fertilizers and eliminating soil pollution. This helps to prevent the runoff from impacting local water supplies. Through cover cropping, farmers can also create habitats for beneficial pollinators which improve crop health and increase yield by boosting biodiversity.
In conclusion, regenerative farming techniques are becoming increasingly popular among farmers as more is known about the benefits to consumers, livestock/crop health and the environment.
Regenerative farming benefits livestock by promoting their welfare, while also providing healthier and more nutritious meat products for consumers. Regenerative farming also promotes food health by increasing the nutrient content of produce while reducing the presence of harmful pesticides, chemicals, and toxins.
Finally, regenerative farming contributes to the global landscape by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, bolstering soil health, and promoting biodiversity. It is critical for us to support farmers who implement regenerative farming practices to ensure a sustainable future for our food and environment.
Sound interesting? Be sure to follow my blog for more on this topic and my continuing series on “Why aren’t we talking more about regenerative farming?”
References:
- Regenerative Agriculture. (n.d.). Center for Food Safety. Retrieved October 22, 2021, from https://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/topics/regenerative-agriculture
- Regenerative Agriculture. (n.d.). Soil Health Institute. Retrieved October 22, 2021, from https://soilhealthinstitute.org/regenerative-agriculture/
- Regenerative Farming: A Solution to Climate Change? (2019, July 30). Earth Day. Retrieved October 22, 2021, from https://www.earthday.org/regenerative-farming-solution-to-climate-change/
- Haden, G. (2021, January 19). What is Regenerative Agriculture, and How Could it Save the Planet? Forbes. Retrieved October 22, 2021, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/geoffreyhaden/2021/01/19/what-is-regenerative-agriculture-and-how-could-it-save-the-planet/
- Regenerative Agriculture. (n.d.). National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. Retrieved October 22, 2021, from https://sustainableagriculture.net/regenerative-agriculture