The use of GMOs led to a huge increase in the amount of pesticides used.
Demand for organic food has increased, but organic still makes up just 5% of all farmland in the U.S.
Meanwhile, organic farmers are using regenerative farming techniques in an effort to improve their products and the soil in which they farm.
Regenerative farming improves human health, and the health of our land.
What is Regenerative Farming?
Regenerative farming is a system specifically designed for biodiversity and increased nutrients in both food and soil.
It differs from organic by prioritizing ecological systems.
Regenerative farmers raise cattle and chickens as well as fruits, vegetables, and herbs as part of a ‘closed loop’ that heals the soil and regenerates the environment.
“The key to regenerative agriculture is that it not only ‘does no harm’ to the land but actually improves it, using technologies that regenerate and revitalize the soil and the environment,” wrote Regeneration International.
“Regenerative agriculture leads to healthy soil…producing high quality, nutrient dense food while simultaneously improving, rather than degrading land, and…leading to productive farms and healthy communities and economies.
“It is dynamic and holistic, incorporating permaculture and organic farming practices, including conservation tillage, cover crops, crop rotation, composting, mobile animal shelters and pasture cropping, to increase production, farmers’ income and, especially, topsoil.”
Regenerative agriculture saves pollinators and other animals by restoring habitat and soil.
Shop locally and support local farmers- Find regenerative farmers near you.
Purchase organic clothing- A quarter of the world’s pesticides are used in textiles. Patagonia supports regenerative agriculture.
Regenerative Has More Nutrients Than Other Foods
Beef from regenerative farms has a darker color, indicating high nutrients, including Omega-3 fatty acids and others.
It’s similar to how pastured eggs have a darker yellow color than conventional eggs.
Regenerative farmed meat has an average of 11 to 34 percent more vitamins and minerals according to a 2022 study.
By buying this type of meat, you are not only supporting your best health but also supporting the health of our environment.
Another benefit of regenerative is that it has significantly more Omega 3s than other meat.
Studies have shown that regeneratively raised chicken has up to 50% more vitamin A, almost triple the Omega-3s, and increased vitamins and minerals. Research shows 68% of adults and 95% of children are deficient in Omega-3, which is critical for brain health.