Building a more sustainable tomorrow lies in agriculture.
Regenerative organic extends far beyond what is required for organic certification. Every farm is viewed as a distinct ecosystem. The methods used in regenerative organic agriculture include soil fertility management, water management, cover crops, crop protection, etc. It tries to revive the practices of the past by complying with the cycles of nature, resulting in carbon sequestration and improved water and soil conditions. These mechanisms contribute to the restoration of the local ecosystem, which ultimately impacts the wellness of the global environment.
- Regenerative Organic Agriculture
Regenerative organic agriculture emphasizes replenishing the topsoil, repairing ecological systems, and rebuilding communities. It has the potential to combat climate change while also financially helping farmers and food suppliers.
- Organic Farming
A key component of organic farming is avoiding synthetic inputs like pesticides and herbicides. It uses methods like crop rotation and cover crops to enhance soil health.
Why reach for Regenerative Organic when we have Organic?
Organic farming and regenerative organic farming share concepts, but they differ from one another.
Regenerative organic aims to enhance the environment rather than merely maintain it. It transacts a self-sustaining ecosystem that helps the environment. By using agricultural and grazing practices that regenerate soil organic matter, regenerative organic agriculture aims to restore damaged soils and promote healthy ecosystems. Meanwhile, organic concentrates on environmental implications but it leans more towards a set of standards established by consumer desires. Perceivable in different ways based on the market demand. Simply put, the main distinction between regenerative organic and organic is that the former goes beyond strategically rebuilding and restoring ecosystems. It also alerts on developing a more sustainable food system that benefits both the environment and the population that depends on it.
Related blog: What is the difference between Regenerative Organic Certified® and USDA Certified Organic?
Organic food sales in the U.S. have increased significantly during the past ten years, estimated to be at 57.5 billion dollars in 2021. The organic market is being influenced by a rising progression toward organic farming, but in the terms of organic consumers number, room for improvement remains. Only 94.38 million Americans out of the almost 336 million total consume organic food.
Given the harsh realities of climate change and biodiversity loss, the well-intended principles of organic farming might not be enough to save the day. This means organic certification alone falls short of what is needed to develop a more curative agriculture paradigm. The need for food is only increasing in tandem with the global population.
What stands as a promise of hope in the approaching storm is regenerative organic agriculture’s comprehensive strategy for food (and textile) production that focuses on repairing the topsoil and ecosystems and equity in the farming community.
The Benefits of Regenerative Organic
Regenerative organic agriculture concentrates on implementing solutions that enhance the productivity of the farms while taking into consideration environmental and financial success. It offers farmers ample environment-boosting methods and practices which can be used in any size or style of farming operations, as long as the operations are harmonious with nature.
Currently Terra Thread's organic clothing collection is made of Regenerative Organic Certified® cotton.
The fundamental principles such as decreasing tillage, strengthening soil cover, reducing reliance on chemicals, using less machinery, integrating agriculture and livestock, etc. emit fewer emissions and close the yield gap. It also drives the quantity of carbon stored in the soil by promoting healthy, undisturbed soil. The regenerative farming practices enable farms to resist flooding and drought better by improving water absorption and lowering runoff. Ultimately, it strengthens farmlands’ resistance to climate change, thereby helping in slowing down global warming and achieving the target of not exceeding the 2 degrees Celsius global temperature warning.
Together Towards Creating a Global Transformation
The regenerative organic agriculture movement is gathering steam and entering more fields and farms. While innovative sustainability programs are a major bonus, it is not always practical for small-scale farmers. If we raise awareness of the unifying thread between soil health and the welfare of the planet and humans, we can make regenerative organic agriculture mainstream and also make it easier for more farmers to be financially equipped for making the transition. We are at a tipping point for climate action, says the UN. For any significant and long-lasting change to occur and to prevent climatic calamities, it is imperative to restore hundreds of millions of hectares of land. With many farming communities warming up to the prospect of fixing the existing fragmented agriculture system, there is now more chance than ever to work together for a transformation of global food production and supply.
Related blog:
Regenerative Agriculture's Benefits to the Farming Community And Beyond
Introducing Terra Thread's Regenerative Organic Certified® T-Shirts
