There has been a lot of talk about how regenerative agriculture will save the planet. But, with all the excitement about regenerative agriculture there have been a number of dubious companies wanting to hop on the regenerative agriculture band wagon and show how green they are.
While some people say that regenerative agriculture is a subset of organic agriculture, the broader definition is that it defines agricultural practices that improve soil health. At HMI we believe that regenerative agriculture is agricultural practices that not only regenerate the land health (soils and plants), but also regenerate the businesses and communities that engage with that land (both economically and socially). That may seem like a tall order, but it is the result that many Holistic Management producers have been able to accomplish.
Go to our Videos Profile page and see the many Holistic Management producers who are being recognized for the work they are doing on the land and in their communities. Whether you click on the video of Gabe Brown of North Dakota or Joel Salatin of Virginia, you will be inspired to learn what is being done to regenerate the land.
In a recent white paper by Terra Genesis International, the authors note that no single best practice will result in regenerative agriculture. Indeed, because nature is a system, a system approach is necessary. Holistic Management, like Permaculture, is a tool that helps people design their regenerative approach to land use effectively.
The 7 Principles of Regenerative Agriculture that Terra Genesis International lays out are:
1. Work with wholes, not parts
2. Design for non-linear, multi-capital reciprocity
3. Make holistic decisions aimed at specific systems change
4. Express the unique irreplaceable essence of each person, farm and place
5. Continually evolve agro-ecological processes and cultures
6. Connect the farm to its larger agroecosystem and bioregion
7. Agriculture shifts the world
If you want to learn how to incorporate these principles into your practices/actions, I recommend you download HMI's Introduction to Holistic Management Manual for free today.
will offer thought-provoking presentations and breakout sessions on various
interests. Local food security, land health, strengthening our communities and nourishing our bodies all included! We have something for everyone, so come learn from the experts! Many of our acclaimed speakers are celebrated throughout the world. Our special keynote speaker, “America’s Most Famous Farmer” himself,
, will be sure to inspire us all. We’ll also enjoy beautiful landscapes, farm-fresh food and be on the land with the animals.
