The impact of agriculture on the environment is more of a hot topic than ever before. Public awareness has grown, due to production practices becoming more industrial and destructive.
The regeneration movement in agriculture came about as a response to these changes. The movement is based on changing the way we farm, to regenerate the soil and the environment without jeopardizing the profits and lifestyle we currently enjoy.
The Goal
The goal of the movement is not easily pinned down. One-third of our environmental impact stems from farming, so the goal in part must be to change that negative impact. However, this is quite broad, and cannot be accomplished easily or with changes to farming alone.
This is why it’s important to set up smaller midterm goals. These will mostly concern metrics that can be checked and changed as needed. It is also helpful to set goals in terms of how much involvement the government should have in matters of agriculture.
Reforestation
The impact of cattle grazing is most noticeable in its effects on forest ecosystems. Simply put: land once covered by forest is now mostly used for grazing. The effects here are twofold: resulting in fewer forests and therefore less clean air, and a depletion in the number of nutrients in the soil.
Therefore, a key part of the regeneration movement must be about reforestation: returning the land to its initial use.
Homesteading
It’s also important to try and integrate the use of animals within the agricultural production. This is beneficial on both sides: allowing animals to improve the soil while feeding the animals using your own produce. This approach results in a more sustainable lifestyle, with more reliable sources of food.
A Movement
The approach towards regeneration isn’t just about agriculture–hence its label as a movement rather than a mere farming technique. Success involves the participation of farmers, local businesses, consumers and local government authorities. You should try to stay engaged in local and national politics as it relates to agriculture and regeneration.
You should also try to work with local community leaders and businesses to create a healthy movement where everyone takes part. It’s a long-term process, one that requires patience.
Crop Rotation
Crop rotation is essential to regenerative agriculture and is beneficial to farmers in multiple ways. It will increase the quality of your soil while yielding more produce to use and sell. There are additional costs to consider when it comes to crop rotation, however. There is more management involved, so you’ll need to invest more.
New Generation of Farmers
In the end, there must also be a change in who our farmers are, and this is already coming to fruition. Younger, more educated farmers are already applying their new sets of values to the job. This also means their values are more in line with those of younger customers.
Conclusion
The regeneration movement is a response to farming’s effect on the environment, attempting to produce change without jeopardizing our current ways of life. This is partially about changing the hearts and minds of the public, as well as getting politically involved.