what is regenerative farming

Regenerative farming is an approach to food and farming systems that focuses on conservation and rehabilitation. It aims to restore soil and ecosystem health, increase biodiversity, improve the water cycle, enhance ecosystem services, support biosequestration, increase resilience to climate change, and strengthen the health and vitality of farm soil. Regenerative agriculture is not a specific practice itself, but rather a combination of sustainable agriculture techniques. Some of the practices used in regenerative farming include recycling as much farm waste as possible, adding composted material from sources outside the farm, and using "no-till" and/or "reduced till" practices. Regenerative agriculture on small farms and gardens is often based on philosophies like permaculture, agroecology, agroforestry, restoration ecology, keyline design, and holistic management. The holistic principles behind the dynamic system of regenerative agriculture are meant to restore soil and ecosystem health, address inequity, and leave our land, waters, and climate in better shape for future generations. Indigenous communities have farmed in nature’s image for millennia, and many of the key practices of regenerative agriculture have their roots with indigenous farmers who work with the land. Improving soil health and function is the key to improving productivity and biodiversity, and one of the key components of healthy soil is organic matter.