Transition to Regenerative Agriculture Requires Support

Regenerative agriculture imitates most natural cycles and processes to avoid as much as possible the emission of nutrients and waste to the environment. Its focus is on the regeneration of soil and it is one of the latest sustainability trends globally. But how much is this trend being adopted by our market?

The improvement of the dynamics of water in the soil and the conservation of biodiversity at all levels, while favoring the efficient use of inputs and the conservation of ecosystem services, is a holistic approach that, through the correct development of agricultural systems, seeks to conserve nature and, simultaneously, improve the flow of water and food for populations, increase climate resilience, preserve biodiversity and soils, and boost the productivity of agro ecosystems.

Most people believe that regenerative, sustainable, or organic agriculture requires small-scale, diversified farming practices because this is the narrative so frequently promulgated. One commonly known objection is that we can’t switch 100 percent and feed a whole population. Is this criticism valid?

Regenerative agriculture is becoming a buzzword in developed nations, so let’s start by setting straight what I mean by that.

As I’ve been diving into this “trend,” I’ve noticed how it has different meanings for different people in the agricultural space. This difference in perception isn’t only between growers and consumers but also among growers themselves. Opinions vary a great deal when it comes to defining these practices.

We can all agree that there are millennial agricultural practices that focus on sustainability and respect for the ecosystem. These practices aim to improve the soil's health and mainly include:

-No-till/minimum tillage

-Cover crops

-Crop rotations

-Compost and animal manure

-Full-time planting of multiple crops

-Well-managed grazing practices (livestock integration)

These are known as Soil Health Principles, and the goal is to care for the soil.

Growers who have incorporated one or all of these practices are reversing climate change by rebuilding the soil’s organic matter and restoring its biodiversity. The food they're growing is also more nutrient-dense than that which is traditionally grown, which helps fight the epidemic of chronic disease we’re living in at the moment — as I’m sure you can imagine, this last part continues to gain relevance as time passes.

The stakes are high in Latin America, which hosts over 50 percent of the world’s biodiversity. The economies in Latin America are largely built on natural capital and resources. Over the next five years, 25 percent of all global agricultural exports will be from Latin America. In particular, 46 percent of agricultural GDP comes from livestock, which is mainly focused in Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Mexico, and Argentina.

Having the great experience of meeting and working with a variety of growers across Mexico, I can undoubtedly say it's the best part of my job. By talking to them and learning from them, I've come up with a personal and humble definition of regenerative agriculture:

"Regenerative agriculture is the result of a powerful, impactful, and innovative group of growers who realized that things needed to change and that the only way to keep enjoying our delicious food on this beautiful planet and create real value for humanity is to care for our planet by holistically growing our crops."

Regenerative agriculture allows growers to maintain the long-term sustainability of their soil, thus their livelihood and family’s well-being. Profitability is a key driving factor in many growers’ transition to regenerative practices, which can be perceived as risky due to the change in their operations. But if properly implemented, these practices become more cost-effective due to fewer input costs and higher revenues from price premiums. Using cover crops can also become an additional source of revenue for growers.

There is broad agreement that most regenerative agriculture practices are good for soil health and have other environmental benefits. No-till reduces soil erosion and encourages water to infiltrate the soil (although it can require greater use of herbicides). Cover crops do the same and can also reduce water pollution.

At Verqor, we are researching new technologies that  could represent a significant impact on the local environment and that also could be adapted according to location. This is what we call environmentally friendly technology. Imagine real-time monitoring of produce, where farmers have access from any device at any time, or a community where they can get advice from other producers and share perspectives and experiences.

If you’re interested in learning more about regenerative agriculture, or connecting with regenerative growers, contact us! Verqor is here to help and support growers in the transition to regenerative practices by providing accessible financing, training, and access to the best inputs. We’re also here to connect them with businesses interested in regenerative crops. We have also developed new digital channels that will take us closer to farmers and producers, becoming an omnichannel ally for the agro industry