Regenerative agriculture has recently become one of the most talked-about concepts in food and farm policy. It’s praised in speeches, debated on panels, and increasingly referenced in federal programs. But amid all the hype, many are asking: What is regenerative agriculture?
Field to Market, a non-profit organization representing nearly 200 organizations from all sectors of the value chain, answered that question several years ago. The shared definition below recognizes something essential: Agriculture is not one-size-fits-all and needs to focus on principles rather than prescriptions.
Using a systems-based perspective, regenerative agriculture sequesters carbon in the soil and intentionally improves soil health, biodiversity, water quality, and air quality while ensuring the viability of farm production. The principles of a regenerative agriculture system are based in Indigenous ways of land management and are adaptive to local physical conditions and culture. These principles include:
- Minimizing soil disturbance
- Maintaining living roots in soil
- Continuously covering bare soil
- Maximizing diversity with emphasis on crops, soil microbes and pollinators
- Integrating livestock where it is feasible
Too often, regenerative agriculture is either oversimplified or conflated with terms like organic production or sustainable agriculture. Regenerative agriculture has a specific, holistic focus on restoring environmental processes that have been degraded, with an emphasis on improving soil health.
Organic agriculture can improve soil health given the support for livestock manure as fertilizer, however the requirements and prohibitions outlined in regulations can encourage farmers to use tillage for weed suppression. Meanwhile, sustainable agriculture is more focused on maintaining and preserving natural resources so they remain viable for future generations. While there are overlaps in approach and intent, these systems are not the same.
Regenerative agriculture is not a single practice. It’s a systems approach that enables farmers to choose from a suite of practices to best meet their needs. This flexibility is critical and something I experienced firsthand when transitioning my family’s farm to use cover crops, no-till, and manure when possible. The ability to choose what practices work best for us enabled us to succeed in implementing a regenerative system.
Like any system, though, change doesn’t happen overnight. It requires time, technical support, trusted relationships, and clear ways to measure progress. That’s why we were encouraged to see the Department of Agriculture’s announcement of the Regenerative Pilot Program.
Funding matters, but money alone doesn’t drive system change. Equally important is trusted support from across the value chain. USDA’s commitment to expanding and adding flexibility to the Technical Service Provider program is a critical part of the equation. Farmers are far more likely to try something new when it comes with guidance from a trusted adviser who understands their operation, region, and risk tolerance.
Given the holistic nature of regenerative agriculture, comprehensive measurement is another essential component. Field to Market has developed Regenerative Agriculture Guidance that emphasizes the measurement of progress across five key environmental outcomes: biodiversity, climate, land, soil, and water. Looking at the farming system in this way matters because improvements in one area can sometimes create trade-offs in another. Good policy acknowledges complexity rather than oversimplifying success.
Finally, USDA’s growing emphasis on public-private partnerships recognizes how alignment across the agricultural value chain multiplies impact. When federal investment is combined with downstream resources, taxpayer dollars go further and regenerative systems are more likely to stick.
Anyone who has tried to navigate a redesigned traffic pattern knows this truth: transitions require guidance, clear signage, flexibility to address problems, and consistent support. Farming system transitions are no different, except the stakes are far greater—ensuring our nation has a strong food, feed, fiber, and fuel system.
As regenerative agriculture discussions are happening in Washington with stakeholders who might be far removed from farming, it’s critical that farmers be at the table. The establishment of the Regenerative Agriculture Advisory Council provides an essential feedback loop, allowing farmers to offer practical insight, grounded experience, and a reality check on what works.
By pairing new programs with a council designed to learn, adapt, and improve over time, USDA is signaling that regenerative agriculture is not a fad, it’s a process. One that evolves, responds to evidence, and serves farmers more effectively.
More needs to be done and by investing in collaboration with farmers and private sector initiatives, USDA is laying the groundwork for regenerative agriculture to succeed at scale. Field to Market remains committed to partnering with USDA to support regenerative agriculture systems while enhancing resilient ecosystems and farmer livelihoods.
Carrie Vollmer-Sanders is president of Field to Market.