Across the world, we’re seeing a shift away from harmful industrial farming models towards a model based on regenerating our farmland. Wildfarmed is one of the leading voices in the move towards regenerative agriculture in the UK. We’re helping growers ditch the ’cides, (nasties like insecticides, fungicides, herbicides) to help repair our land, improve food security and create delicious, life-changing food.
OK, but what is regenerative farming?
Simply, it's farming with nature, not against it, to leave the land better not worse. At the moment, ‘regenerative’ is not a precisely defined term, so we have written and defined our own Wildfarmed Regenerative Standards holding ourselves to account to become the gold standard for regen.
It’s pretty simple: regenerative means that we farm in a way that puts soil health first, creating thriving ecosystems and food packed with nutrients. Regenerative practices improve our farmland by creating more resilient, healthy soil (less flooding and river pollution) and providing a valuable habitat for birds, bugs and bees. If that sounds too good to be true, don’t worry, it isn’t: this is the way Mother Nature has done things since year dot.
So, what does it mean to farm regeneratively?
Nature doesn’t do monocultures; it loves a party. Regenerative farming gets the party started with the goal of recreating the biodiversity the natural world adores. That means covering the soil year-round, growing cash crops alongside companion plants and planting a mix of cover crops between harvests to keep things buzzing.
When Wildfarmed growers sign up for the Wildfarmed Regenerative Standards (the first third-party audited regen standards for arable farmers in the UK), they are committing to restore ecosystems and completely remove their reliance on expensive and soil-depleting ‘cides.
That’s a win-win: healthier soil, less pollution, more resilient crops - farming in a way that's more in tune with nature's rhythm.
What’s so special about Regenerative Farming?
By working with nature, regenerative farming practices create a cascade of positive outcomes for the land, for the farmer and us as consumers. It’s almost as if nature knows exactly what it’s doing.
Why farm regneratively with Wildfarmed?
On the Wildfarmed Growers WhatsApp group a farmer shared a picture of a bi-crop of wheat and beans. The caption read: “Having never grown an arable crop without pesticide & fungicide before, this crop is blowing my mind”.
This is new and exciting. We continue to see real examples of field-by-field transformation from Wildfarmed partners every day, and not only that, but our community of farmers is consistently learning and sharing knowledge and resources.
REGENERATIVE FARMING FAQS
What is regenerative farming?
Regenerative farming is an agricultural approach that prioritizes soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience. Unlike conventional farming, which often depletes natural resources, regenerative practices aim to restore and enhance them. By utilizing techniques such as cover cropping, crop rotation, and minimal tillage, regenerative farming promotes sustainable land management. It aims not only to sustain agricultural productivity but also to improve the overall health of the environment, including soil fertility, water retention, and carbon sequestration
What are the benefits of regenerative farming?
Regenerative farming improves soil health, enhances biodiversity, and sequesters carbon, mitigating climate change. It conserves water, boosts resilience to extreme weather, and promotes economic viability through reduced input costs and increased yields. Additionally, it fosters community engagement and supports local food systems, contributing to a more sustainable and equitable agricultural future.
How is regenerative farming different from conventional farming?
Regenerative farming diverges from conventional practices by prioritising soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience. Unlike conventional farming, which often relies heavily on chemical inputs and monoculture, regenerative methods emphasise diverse cropping systems, minimal tillage, and natural pest management. By restoring rather than depleting resources, regenerative farming offers a more sustainable and resilient approach to agriculture, benefiting both farmers and the environment.
Is regenerative farming and organic farming the same thing?
Regenerative farming focuses on restoring soil health and biodiversity through holistic practices, while organic farming primarily avoids synthetic inputs. While some regenerative farms may be organic, regenerative principles often go beyond organic standards, emphasizing ecosystem restoration and resilience. Thus, while there may be overlaps, regenerative farming encompasses a broader approach to sustainable agriculture.
