Regenerative Agriculture Gains Traction in U.S. Amidst Challenges for Smallholder Farmers
Regenerative agriculture, a farming approach focused on restoring soil health, rebuilding biodiversity, and improving farmer well-being, is experiencing significant growth in the United States. Approximately 25 million acres in the U.S. are now certified under third-party standards for regenerative practices. This movement aims to reverse the negative impacts of the Green Revolution, which, while averting famine, led to degraded soils, diminished biodiversity, and polluted water. Regenerative farming seeks to deliver a net climate benefit and produce food sustainably. However, the movement faces challenges, particularly for smallholder farmers who constitute a large portion of global food producers. These farmers often encounter lower yields and higher costs during the transition to regenerative methods, and there is a lack of consensus on how to measure results. Financing, training, and market rewards for regenerative practices are also lagging behind farmer interest, hindering broader adoption.
