"What’s In a Name? Challenges and Benefits of the Term 'Regenerative' "

Here at ATTRA, we promote the use of sustainable agricultural practices for long-term success. Over the years, though, the terminology around what I just called “sustainable agriculture” has evolved, split, converged, become more nuanced, and maybe has become more complicated and confusing. People describe their farms, practices, and products as sustainable, natural, organic, beyond organic, real organic, permaculture, regenerative, agroecological, climate friendly, carbon neutral… It’s enough to make a farmer’s head spin, let alone the customers trying to make food choices that align with their values.

Regenerative has been touted as the next big thing. It personally resonates with me as a farmer, because to me (and emphasis is needed because there is no widely agreed-upon definition of regenerative) it embodies the idea that with careful farming practices, we can heal degraded land. We can build up soil health, sequester carbon, nurture biodiversity, heal broken water cycles, and raise nourishing food. READ MORE