Why regenerative agriculture holds the future
Lisa Fitkau
Why regenerative agriculture holds the future
We need to talk. Because the topic concerns all of us - the significance of regenerative
agriculture and its impact on our food, environment, and future. In our fast-paced, digitized
world, where agriculture often takes a back seat, we should realize that we are all affected by
the decisions and developments in agriculture. Whether we live in the city or in rural areas,
we all eat.
The role of small-scale farmers is of great importance. They efficiently cultivate their land and
practice diverse cropping, which grants them increased resilience and flexibility compared to
monocultures. Moreover, on a small piece of land, diverse crop rotation or mixed cultivation
can feed more people than large-scale monoculture farming. However, increasing
desertification and erosion threaten their livelihoods, even within Europe. Additionally, the
use of chemical pesticides and the resulting development of plant resistance have led to an
increased need for pesticides. These developments should alert us, as they have direct
consequences for our nutrition and health.
Nevertheless, there is no reason to despair and throw our hands in the air, feeling that we
can do nothing. Regenerative agriculture offers us solutions - solutions that can be scaled up
and ensure global food security. A central aspect of this is the revival of soil life.
Goals of Regenerative Agriculture
The goals and guiding principles of regenerative agriculture encompass these aspects:
These serve as the foundation for an economically and biologically healthy operation. In this
context, I don't mean humus as a delicious chickpea dish. Humus can help save our world -
the humus in the soil that is capable of storing CO2, providing a habitat for soil life, making
soils more resilient, and helping us store the increasingly scarce water of the future.
Regenerative agriculture is a lever that can address numerous climate-related issues. The
World Agricultural Report, "Pathways to Breaking the Hunger Cycle," emphasizes the
urgency of transforming the global food system to meet the increasing food demands of a
growing population.
Key findings include: Climate change threatens food security and requires adaptation
measures. Agroecological and sustainable farming approaches can increase production,
protect the environment, and improve food security. Small-scale farmers should be
supported to enhance their productivity. Women play a crucial role in agriculture and must be
empowered. Investments in rural infrastructure, education, and research are necessary. To
combat hunger and malnutrition, a holistic policy is required that focuses on social justice,
sustainability, and resilience.
In diversity lies our strength, whether it's in social structures, the economy, or agriculture
itself. We need to move away from agricultural monopolies and large corporations making
far-reaching decisions based on annual financial statements and profit-driven greed. It is time
to consciously choose food and nourishment that can effectively sustain our complex bodies.
Agriculture fulfills a multitude of important functions for society, which need to be brought
back into focus. Beyond food and raw material production, this includes responsibility for
ecosystem preservation and the potential for positive change. The increasing challenges in
agriculture demand innovative solutions, as efficiency gains often come at the expense of
neglected aspects such as farmers' health, fair remuneration, and equal marke opportunities.
Regenerative agriculture offers alternatives and solutions for tomorrow's challenges, such as
environmental issues and changing requirements.
However, the responsibility does not solely lie with the farmers. Each of us can make an
impact, even without running a farm. By educating ourselves and making conscious
decisions, we support regenerative agriculture. After all, it ultimately concerns our lives on
this wonderfully diverse planet.
Let us together drive the change towards sustainable and future-proof agriculture. Let us
support regenerative agriculture, enabling it to take hold in Germany, Europe, and the world.
Because the future of our nutrition, environment, and planet lies in our hands.
We need to talk. Because the topic concerns all of us - the significance of regenerative
agriculture and its impact on our food, environment, and future. In our fast-paced, digitized
world, where agriculture often takes a back seat, we should realize that we are all affected by
the decisions and developments in agriculture. Whether we live in the city or in rural areas,
we all eat.
The role of small-scale farmers is of great importance. They efficiently cultivate their land and
practice diverse cropping, which grants them increased resilience and flexibility compared to
monocultures. Moreover, on a small piece of land, diverse crop rotation or mixed cultivation
can feed more people than large-scale monoculture farming. However, increasing
desertification and erosion threaten their livelihoods, even within Europe. Additionally, the
use of chemical pesticides and the resulting development of plant resistance have led to an
increased need for pesticides. These developments should alert us, as they have direct
consequences for our nutrition and health.
Nevertheless, there is no reason to despair and throw our hands in the air, feeling that we
can do nothing. Regenerative agriculture offers us solutions - solutions that can be scaled up
and ensure global food security. A central aspect of this is the revival of soil life.
Goals of Regenerative Agriculture
The goals and guiding principles of regenerative agriculture encompass these aspects:
- (Re)Building humus/soil
- Promoting soil life
- Producing the highest quality in food
These serve as the foundation for an economically and biologically healthy operation. In this
context, I don't mean humus as a delicious chickpea dish. Humus can help save our world -
the humus in the soil that is capable of storing CO2, providing a habitat for soil life, making
soils more resilient, and helping us store the increasingly scarce water of the future.
Regenerative agriculture is a lever that can address numerous climate-related issues. The
World Agricultural Report, "Pathways to Breaking the Hunger Cycle," emphasizes the
urgency of transforming the global food system to meet the increasing food demands of a
growing population.
Key findings include: Climate change threatens food security and requires adaptation
measures. Agroecological and sustainable farming approaches can increase production,
protect the environment, and improve food security. Small-scale farmers should be
supported to enhance their productivity. Women play a crucial role in agriculture and must be
empowered. Investments in rural infrastructure, education, and research are necessary. To
combat hunger and malnutrition, a holistic policy is required that focuses on social justice,
sustainability, and resilience.
In diversity lies our strength, whether it's in social structures, the economy, or agriculture
itself. We need to move away from agricultural monopolies and large corporations making
far-reaching decisions based on annual financial statements and profit-driven greed. It is time
to consciously choose food and nourishment that can effectively sustain our complex bodies.
Agriculture fulfills a multitude of important functions for society, which need to be brought
back into focus. Beyond food and raw material production, this includes responsibility for
ecosystem preservation and the potential for positive change. The increasing challenges in
agriculture demand innovative solutions, as efficiency gains often come at the expense of
neglected aspects such as farmers' health, fair remuneration, and equal marke opportunities.
Regenerative agriculture offers alternatives and solutions for tomorrow's challenges, such as
environmental issues and changing requirements.
However, the responsibility does not solely lie with the farmers. Each of us can make an
impact, even without running a farm. By educating ourselves and making conscious
decisions, we support regenerative agriculture. After all, it ultimately concerns our lives on
this wonderfully diverse planet.
Let us together drive the change towards sustainable and future-proof agriculture. Let us
support regenerative agriculture, enabling it to take hold in Germany, Europe, and the world.
Because the future of our nutrition, environment, and planet lies in our hands.