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Our Global Regeneration Revolution: Organic 3.0 to Regenerative and Organic Agriculture
The term regenerative agriculture is now being widely used, to the point that in some cases it can be seen as greenwashing and as a buzz word used by industrial agricultural systems to increase profits.
Those of us who formed Regeneration International were very aware of the way the large agribusiness corporations hijacked the term sustainable to the point is was meaningless. We were also aware of how they are trying to hijack the term of agroecology, especially through the United Nations systems and in some parts of Europe, Africa and Latin America where a little biodiversity is sprinkled as greenwash over agricultural systems that still use toxic synthetic pesticides and water soluble chemical fertilizers.
Similarly we have been concerned about the way organic agriculture standards and systems have been hijacked by industrial agribusiness as previously stated in the above section.
The critical issue is how do we engage with agribusiness in a way that can change their systems in a positive way as proposed in Organic 3.0? Many of the corporations that are adopting regenerative systems are improving their soil organic matter levels using systems such as cover crops. They are also implementing programs that reduce toxic chemical inputs and improving environmental outcomes. These actions should be seen as positive changes in the right direction. They are a start – not an end point. They need to be seen as part of an ongoing process to become fully regenerative.
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Maximizing Photosynthesis and Root Exudates through Regenerative Agriculture to Increase Soil Organic Carbon to Mitigate Climate Change
To shift from a significant emitter to a major mitigator of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, agriculture needs to change from the current dominant paradigm of chemically intensive, industrial/conventional systems to regenerative systems by focusing on plant biology and living soil sciences. Maximizing photosynthesis to capture and convert atmospheric CO2 into organic molecules to store as soil organic carbon (SOC) would be an effective carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technology to mitigate climate change.
The world reached 420 parts per million (ppm) of CO2 in the atmosphere in May 2022. The Global Carbon Budget report estimated that atmospheric CO2 reached an annual average of 417.2 ppm in 2022.
Regenerative agriculture is based on a range of food and farming systems that maximize the photosynthesis of plants to capture CO2 and use organic matter biomass and root exudates to store it as SOC. It can be applied to all agricultural sectors, including cropping, grazing, and perennial horticulture. Meta-reviews and other published studies have found that transitioning to regenerative agriculture systems can result in more sequestration than emissions from agriculture, turning agriculture from a significant emitter to a major mitigator of GHG emissions.
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The Science-based Evidence to Ban Glyphosate and GMOs
The U.S. Bullies Mexico over its Sovereign Right to Ban Glyphosate and GMO Corn.
Mexico announced that it was phasing out the use of glyphosate herbicides, the cultivation of GMO corn, and the import of GMO corn for human consumption and livestock feed by the end of 2024. The reasons for the decree given by Mexican president Andrés Manuel López Obrador are to protect the health of Mexico’s consumers and small-scale farmers, the environment, and the purity of Mexico’s native corn varieties.
The decree states, “With the objective of achieving self-sufficiency and food sovereignty, our country must be oriented towards establishing sustainable and culturally adequate agricultural production, through the use of agroecological practices and inputs that are safe for human health, the country’s biocultural diversity and the environment, as well as congruent with the agricultural traditions of Mexico.”
Bayer-Monsanto and Dow have since launched 43 lawsuits in Mexico attempting to overturn the presidential decree.
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The Cuban Paradox
Landing in Cuba is like approaching a vibrant emerald in the middle of the sea. Fields full of shades of green are scattered throughout the island’s territory in orderly plots; various grids of all sizes, some with small groups of cattle. Among these farms, several vacant lots stand out, demarcated despite not having much vegetation or signs of any intervention. The land available for farming seems to abound before my eyes.
What brings me to Cuba is the eighth International Encounter of Agroecology, Food Sovereignty, Nutritional Education and Cooperativism, organised by the National Association of Small Farmers (ANAP). It’s an opportunity to exchange knowledge, immerse in the island’s agricultural dynamics, and foster solidarity among the peoples of the Americas. These gatherings bring awareness to the multiple impacts of the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed on the Cuban people by the U.S. government for over 60 years.
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Essential Reading and Viewing
Latin America’s Food Paradox
The most biodiverse region on the planet, Latin America is an agroindustrial superpower that exports fully one fourth of its total production. By contrast, another agricultural superpower, Asia, exports only 6 percent of its production. Still Latin America has never succeeded in tapping into its agricultural wealth to adequately feed its population.
Women Smallholders Will Drive Africa’s Transition to Regenerative Agriculture
A few months ago we mentioned a children’s book that tells the story of one little girl's journey from falling in love with farm animals to starting her own backyard farm using Regenerative Agriculture techniques. Now, the sequel just came out where this incredible story continues. A must have for those who love the planet and support the regenerative agriculture movement!
With Regenerative Farming, Small Growers Can Reap Big Profits for Air and Soil
Engelhart’s method of farming is some of the best carbon-capture technology around. It’s called regenerative agriculture, and it’s still far from the norm, but some farmers are using it to grow more sustainably. Read more about it here.
Africa: Agroecology Giving Farmer an Edge in the Face of Climate Change
With an emphasis on sharing training and experiences, Environmental Monitoring Group (EMG) hosted a workshop that provided resources on agroecology as well as sharing strategies to set up viable and sustainable agroecological practices. Read this article to find out everthinf about this amazing event.
The Organic Sector Must Respond to Regenerative Momentum
“Regenerative” has momentum. New partnerships, organizations, finance tools and certifications pop up daily. Those of us who have been working to promote regenerative organic practices for decades — including the organic pioneers at Rodale Institute who coined the term “regenerative agriculture” in the 80s — can rejoice. All newcomers focusing on soil regeneration, biodiversity and climate: Welcome!
23 Reasons You Should Start a Garden in 2023
Mother Earth has her hand outstretched to us lovingly to help us find resilience and be capable of weathering the storm ahead. She offers us ways to align with the inherent abundance that is offered to us when we contribute to her ancient living economy. We are each capable of embodying the solution to the challenges we face in each of our communities.
The Billion Agave Project
In this episode, Riker Vermilye joins the iCow Monthly Soil Advocates Forum to share everything you need to know about the Billion Agave Project.
Mongabay’s What-To-Watch list for February 2023
Climate change is another challenge that communities dependant on agriculture are facing increasingly. Get a peek into the various segments of the environment across the globe. Add these videos to your watchlist for the month and watch them for free on YouTube.
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Upcoming Events |
In Person:
03/10 - Ciclo de talleres de permacultura y agricultura regenerativa en la Solana de Cristal
03/13 - Construyendo con bambú
03/15 - Colibríes y flores
03/17 - Agroecología Expo Agro Orgánico Chile
03/23 - Taller de Cromatografía y elaboración de insumos orgánicos en Costa Rica
03/27 - International Conference on Regenerative Agriculture and Agroecological Restoration
03/28 - Regenerative Agriculture and Food Systems Summit USA 2023
03/28 - Simposio de cultivos especiales
03/28 - Producción agroecológica de huevo
Online:
03/07 - Webinar – Introducción al diseño hidrológico con Keyline
03/08 - Webinar - Manejo de malezas en sistemas orgánicos rotativos de labranza cero
03/15 - Webinar – Exploración de Rodale Institue, modelos de acceso a alimentos
03/22 - Webinar - Pruebas de suelo, creemos un plan de ataque
02/16 - Webinar – MOOC Agroecología 2023
*Click here to view full events calendar and submit your own
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Regeneration International is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, dedicated to building a global network of farmers, scientists, businesses, activists, educators, journalists, policymakers and consumers who will promote and put into practice regenerative agriculture and land-use practices that: provide abundant, nutritious food; revitalize local economies; regenerate soil fertility and water-retention capacity; nurture biodiversity; and restore climate stability by reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions while at the same time drawing down excess atmospheric carbon and sequestering it in the soil.
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