Discover the definitions and implications of the three primary paths to sustainable agriculture and learn how to endorse and promote each approach.
The terms “regenerative,” “organic,” and “agroecological” are often used when seeking sustainably produced food. While these diverse approaches indicate the agricultural community’s quest for improved practices, it can be perplexing for consumers to decipher their distinctions.
Let’s help you navigate through these terms and distinguish authentic sustainable practices from misleading marketing tactics. Here’s a brief guide to each term.
What is organic farming?
Organic farming emerged in the 1940s as a response to the industrialization of agriculture. Today, it has a well-defined legal definition, and for produce to be labeled as “organic,” it must be certified. In the UK, most organic products carry certifications from organizations like the Soil Association or OF&G – you can easily identify them by their stamps on the label.
At its core, organic farming prioritizes nature: safeguarding it, enriching it, and fostering a symbiotic relationship with it instead of opposing it. The entire farming system collaborates with natural processes and cycles, benefiting the soil, plants, animals, humans, and the broader environment.
Organic farmers…
- Avoid artificial pesticides, fertilizers, and weedkillers
- Preserve soil health through crop rotations to naturally enhance fertility
- Ensure the highest animal welfare standards among farming systems
- Foster biodiversity and safeguard sensitive habitats
- Minimize waste by recycling as much as possible within the farm
- Refrain from cultivating genetically modified (GM) crops
In addition to numerous other specific regulations, regular inspections are conducted to ensure that farmers adhere to these standards.
What is regenerative farming?
Regenerative agriculture has been gaining momentum as a grassroots movement among farmers in the past decade. Unlike organic farming, it is not yet a standardized system; instead, it represents a mindset. The term can encompass a wide array of farming practices that seek to restore healthy soils, clean water, and biodiversity.
Here are some key principles of regenerative agriculture:
- Avoid disturbing the soil through tilling, as it damages its complex structure and biology.
- Maintain a cover of plant-life on the soil surface to protect it from erosion.
- Keep living roots in the soil to nourish the bacteria and fungi that enhance fertility and prevent erosion.
- Foster crop diversity, avoiding intensive and repetitive monoculture.
- Integrate grazing animals into the land to support a fertility-boosting rotation of crops and animals.
There is considerable overlap between these practices and long-standing organic methods, but there are also some distinct differences. When considering sustainable farming options, don’t hesitate to inquire about the practices that are important to you, such as the frequency of artificial pesticide use or the standards of animal welfare. Asking these questions can help you make informed decisions about the food you choose to support.
One of the primary concerns is how to preserve healthy soils. Organic farmers are allowed to use tilling as a method to control weeds and fertilize without artificial chemicals. In contrast, regenerative farmers may believe that occasionally spraying their fields is less harmful than disturbing the soil with ploughing.
Indeed, there isn’t a definitive right or wrong approach as both tilling and occasional spraying can have their negative impacts. Many organic farmers also adopt low- or no-till methods, while numerous regenerative farmers aim to reduce their use of agrichemicals. The key is to find a balance that promotes healthy soils and sustainable farming practices.
“The best organic farmers are regenerative, and the best regenerative farmers are organic,” says Harriet Bell, regenerative farming lead at Riverford, an organic veg box company.
However, a crucial distinction is that regenerative farming lacks standardized legal requirements, making it more susceptible to greenwashing. For instance, two farmers both claiming to be ‘regenerative’ could have vastly different practices; one might adhere to just one principle, while the other could have developed a comprehensive and holistic system. As consumers, it’s essential to inquire about the specific practices and principles followed by the farmers to make informed choices.
Only three percent of the UK’s farmland is dedicated to organic practices. To achieve a broader and more accessible sustainable farming movement, regenerative farming may hold the key, as it welcomes any farmer willing to adopt more sustainable practices to the extent they can. However, as a customer, it becomes more challenging to ascertain the precise nature of what you’re purchasing since regenerative farming lacks standardized guidelines. It’s important to remain informed and ask questions to support the farming practices aligning with your values.
What is agroecology?
Agroecology encompasses more than just farming practices; it represents a comprehensive social, political, and scientific movement. Similar to organic farming, agroecology originated in the 1940s. While ecologists study the interactions between plants, animals, humans, and their surroundings, agroecologists take these ecological insights and apply them to agriculture, devising farming systems that imitate natural ecosystems.
If that sounds familiar, it’s because agroecology is an umbrella term that encompasses both regenerative and organic approaches. The ideal agroecological landscape would:
- Provide nutritious food
- Empower and benefit the local community
- Promote biodiversity
- Exhibit resilience in the face of climate change
- Utilize natural resources, such as soil and water, as part of a regenerative system.
Achieving this vision would create the most sustainable farm in the world. Organic and regenerative farming systems, along with other approaches, play vital roles in our journey towards this goal. Agroecology takes into account not only farming methods but also the entire human system surrounding the farm. It focuses on creating a holistic and interconnected approach to farming and sustainability.
Agroecology goes beyond farming methods and encompasses the entire human system surrounding the farm. Agroecologists engage in discussions about various social justice issues within the global food system, such as addressing power imbalances, enhancing food security, reforming land ownership, and respecting indigenous cultures and diets. This holistic approach aims to create a more sustainable and equitable food system for all.
While individual regenerative and organic farmers may still address these issues, they are not inherently embedded in the core principles of each movement. For instance, the organic veg box company Riverford, besides its organic certification, is also employee-owned, ensures the Real Living Wage for its workers, and maintains a Supplier Charter that fosters fair relationships with suppliers. These broader social and ethical commitments may go beyond the specific requirements of organic or regenerative farming practices.
Where can you buy organic, regenerative, or agroecologically farmed food?
When it comes to making a sustainable choice, the simplest option is to choose organic. Look for products with an organic certification stamp while shopping at stores or explore dedicated organic suppliers online.
To embrace regenerative and agroecological farming, the best approach is to connect with your local farmers through veg box schemes, butchers, farm shops, or social media. Engaging in conversations with them allows you to ask questions about their practices, such as the use of artificial pesticides and their animal welfare standards. By doing so, you can discover and support exceptional local producers who align with your sustainability values.
Regardless of your choice, all these farming approaches aim to go beyond the conventional practices and strive for a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly approach.
