• Today, consumers are increasingly concerned about the impact of the food industry on the planet. With increasing awareness of environmentally friendly cultivation and production methods, responsible sourcing is becoming a key consideration in their choices.
According to the latest global survey Press Tomorrow, conducted on a sample of 20.000 respondents from 50 countries, 68% of people are interested in food products from sustainable agriculture. But how and why is regenerative agriculture so important, not just for consumers, but for our planet?
Consumers are increasingly choosing products from regenerative agriculture, thus contributing to a sustainable future. About 65% of the people interviewed believe that these products are better for the environment, and 68% think they are healthier.
But what exactly are regenerative foods? They aim not only to preserve the environment, but to revitalize ecosystems by improving soil health and promoting biodiversity. Farmers who adopt regenerative agriculture focuses its efforts on improving soil fertility, increasing water retention and reducing the need for synthetic resources. Instead of focusing solely on maximizing production, they take a holistic approach, where the well-being of nature is a priority.
Improving soil health is one of the key measures of regenerative agriculture, replacing monocultures treated with pesticides and fertilizers with crop rotation and minimizing soil disturbance.
Regenerative agriculture methods
Strategies used by regenerative farmers include:
- Minimal soil disturbance: Too much plowing can release nutrients that plants cannot absorb, which are easily washed away by rains, leading to soil erosion and loss of fertility.
- Diversity of cultures: Crop rotation makes plants more resistant to pests and diseases and helps them adapt better to extreme weather conditions.
- Keeping the roots alive throughout the year: Roots feed the micro-organisms in the soil, which in turn feed the plants.
- Ground cover: Planting cover crops, such as clover, prevents soil erosion.
- Biodiversity: A mix of microorganisms, plants and animals contribute to the creation of resilient natural systems.
Crops that provide more than food
As consumers look for products that reflect their values, the food industry is responding with innovative solutions. Pacha, for example, is an American company that produces organic, gluten-free bread, and that bases its production on regenerative principles. A key ingredient is buckwheat, which as a cover crop helps prevent erosion and promotes biodiversity, thereby reducing the need for pesticides.
From monoculture to diversity
Passing to "ancient grains" is another important move. Today, four main crops – sugarcane, rice, maize and wheat – account for more than 50% of all crops grown globally. In conventional agriculture, monoculture leads to soil degradation, causing farmers to resort to intensive cultivation methods to sustain growth in poor soils. This increases reliance on pesticides and herbicides, destroying essential soil microorganisms. Conversely, healthy soil can make such chemicals unnecessary, promoting healthy plant growth and preventing disease.
In the past 60 years, between 75% and 90% of the natural genetic diversity of seeds has been lost, a fact that has inspired the creation of food products based on ancient and traditional grains. The cultivation of these cereals offers advantages by adapting them to certain regions and climates, reducing the need for intensive irrigation. At the same time, they support crop diversification, providing protection against widespread problems in global agriculture and contributing to the health of the soil ecosystem.
Waste of water in walnut cultivation
Nuts are another food where regenerative agriculture is growing in interest. For example, almonds are among the most water-consuming crops, requiring approximately 16.098 liters of water to produce a single kilogram of almonds. Projects like Almond Project and KIND Almond Acres Initiative aim to revolutionize almond farming by implementing soil health principles and using cover crops.
Mayan from regenerative agriculture
As regenerative agriculture becomes the norm, the benefits are not limited to sustainability, but also contribute to human health and the creation of resilient food systems. To this end, Puratos launched Savor Lavida, a fully traceable active yeast produced in Belgium, exclusively from wholemeal flour obtained from regenerative agriculture.
Regenerative agriculture is much more than just a trend – it is a commitment to a sustainable and healthy future. It is certainly a promising way to meet the planet's exponentially growing food needs without compromising its ability to provide food for generations to come.
Article source: Regenerative farming is more than the latest food hype
Article written by Gabriela Dan, Editor-in-Chief Arta Albă
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