Regenerative agriculture is becoming a buzzword these days, as a type of farming which can help to solve the problems of pollution, diminishing groundwater and depleted soil. Although there is no formal definition of this term, it includes the following ideas: improving the health of the soil; integrating livestock into the growing process; and encouraging biodiversity of plants. It incorporates a holistic view of the world by focusing on the ecological system as a whole, rather than just the yield of crops. A regenerative farm improves the health of the soil by planting cover crops, and also by rotating the types of crops. They use no-till techniques that prevent erosion, while the soil is enriched naturally by having animals graze on the land and using compost.

 

This approach is not a new scientific development - it is the way of our ancestors. For thousands of years indigenous people around the world practiced this type of farming - working respectfully with nature as opposed to forcing the land to serve them. The Regenerative Organic Alliance says, “The indigenous connection is the idea of being part of the natural cycles around you. You need to become embraced in that system in order to create a healthy food system with healthy people, a healthy environment, and a happy mental state.”