Regenerative agriculture is an approach to farming that aims to improve soil health, increase biodiversity and strengthen carbon sequestration in the soil.
It is about restoring soil fertility and ecosystem health, which both benefits the climate and ensures a better future for the coming generations.
Although the term is often associated with organic farming, regenerative agriculture can also use conventional methods, depending on how it is defined. There is no one, fixed definition of regenerative agriculture, and practices can vary by farm and region. Instead, the focus is on the overarching principles that are adapted to local conditions.
Principles of regenerative agriculture
Some of the key principles of regenerative agriculture include:
- Minimising soil disturbance
- Maintaining year-round soil cover
- Maximining crop diversity
- Maintaining living roots all year round
- Integrating livestock
Other principles can include increased recycling of resources and reduced used of fertiliser and pesticides.
Regenerative agriculture and the climate
It remains difficult to document the precise climate and environmental effects of regenerative agriculture under Danish conditions. However, research from Aarhus University in Denmark shows that methods such as these can have positive climate effects by gradually building up carbon in the soil. It should, however, be noted that carbon sequestration is reduced over time and the effect may be reversible.
The future of regenerative farming in Denmark
Although regenerative farming is a relatively new concept, it is based on ancient methods that have been part of both organic and conventional farming to varying degrees. If demand for regenerative products increases, it will be necessary to develop clear standards to ensure transparency and avoid consumer confusion.
The Danish Agriculture & Food Council’s view on regenerative agriculture
The Danish Agriculture & Food Council has established a number of principles for how regenerative agriculture should be developed in Denmark:
- Knowledge-based: Development of methods for measuring soil health and the effects of regenerative processes.
- Dynamic: Transitioning to regenerative agriculture requires time and adaptation to local conditions.
- Value chain-based: The entire food value chain should work together to promote regenerative agriculture.
- Documentation and transparency: Products grown using regenerative methods must be documented.
- Market-driven: Farmers must be compensated for the risks of transitioning to new farming systems.
- European perspective: Regenerative agriculture should be developed in accordance with European standards and policies.
In future, regenerative agriculture can play an important role in ensuring sustainable agricultural production and protecting the environment and climate.
Read more about the path to regenerative agriculture here