Rewarding farmers for regenerative agriculture is critical for decarbonizing the food sector, experts say.
Regenerative agriculture, which focuses on soil health, biodiversity, and efficient water use, has been gaining traction as a way to reduce the environmental impact of farming. But to make it a mainstream practice, farmers need financial incentives to adopt the methods, experts say.
‘It’s a game-changer for the industry,’ said Dr. Sara Schaar, a leading expert on regenerative agriculture. ‘By rewarding farmers for adopting regenerative practices, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve soil health, and increase biodiversity.’
The United Nations has set a goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, and the food sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Regenerative agriculture has been shown to sequester carbon in soils, reduce synthetic fertilizer use, and promote ecosystem services.
‘Regenerative agriculture is not just about farming, it’s about preserving the health of our planet,’ said Dr. Schaar. ‘By supporting farmers who adopt regenerative practices, we can create a more sustainable food system.’
Several companies, including food giants like General Mills and Unilever, have already committed to sourcing ingredients from regenerative farms. But more needs to be done to scale up the practice, experts say.
‘We need to create a market for regenerative agriculture,’ said Dr. Schaar. ‘That means providing financial incentives for farmers to adopt these practices, and creating a demand for regeneratively grown products.’
Some countries, like the United States, have already started to provide financial incentives for farmers to adopt regenerative practices. But more needs to be done to support farmers globally.
‘Regenerative agriculture is not just a US issue, it’s a global issue,’ said Dr. Schaar. ‘We need to work together to create a more sustainable food system.’
The European Union has also set a goal to become carbon neutral by 2050, and regenerative agriculture is seen as a key part of achieving that goal.
‘Regenerative agriculture is a key component of our strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable agriculture,’ said a spokesperson for the European Union’s agriculture department.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, regenerative agriculture is seen as a critical tool in the fight against global warming.
‘Regenerative agriculture is not just a solution for farmers, it’s a solution for the planet,’ said Dr. Schaar. ‘By working together, we can create a more sustainable food system that benefits everyone.’
