Midwest Farmers Embrace Regenerative Agriculture with Spiritual Motivations
A growing network of Midwestern farmers is adopting regenerative agriculture practices, driven by spiritual motivations alongside environmental and health concerns. Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin, an agronomist and regenerative farmer from Guatemala, has transformed Salvatierra Farms in Minnesota into a model of crop diversity and natural solutions, eschewing herbicides, pesticides, and chemical fertilizers. His approach, influenced by Indigenous wisdom and formal agricultural education, has inspired a diverse group including Lakota tribal members, former large-scale farmers, and Catholic sisters. These individuals are motivated by a sense of spiritual connection to the land, viewing it as a gift to be cared for, and seeking healing—mentally, physically, spiritually, and culturally—through their farming practices. This movement is occurring amidst rising interest in nature-based spirituality, a rethinking of modern agriculture, and growing concerns about climate change.
