When you hear the phrase regenerative meat, what comes to mind? Are you like me–and your mind conjures images of chicken being processed in labs by scientists in white coats? Maybe you’re normal…
Last week, I was introduced to the idea of sustainable farming as one that takes a more holistic approach to raising crops and animals. Because climate change has an immense impact on the one billion acres of farmland in the US, regenerative agriculture is going to be something you’re hearing about more in the upcoming years. So let’s investigate what it is, why it can aid our climate crisis…and if meat really is being engineered in labs.
The State of Modern Agriculture
For centuries, large scale agriculture has been essential for feeding the people of this nation. In the most recent century, however, we have observed an alarming increase in the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and countless hyper extractive practices. Intensive production of crops and mistreatment of animals aim to reduce labor required while keeping crop yields (and profits) high.
As our farmlands are becoming increasingly corporate, mechanized, and saturated with chemicals, we have seen the degradation of biodiversity, soil health, and toxic residue in our food. The fact that conventional agriculture contributes up to 25% of emissions driving the climate crisis proves that these unsustainable practices are detrimental to the Earth’s health.
Regenerative Farming as an Alternative
The principle of regenerative farming is simple: a systems based approach to farming that aims to improve our current ecological and social issues. A solution for our health, water quality, and climate crisis, this approach to farming has been popularized in the past few decades. One institution utilizing these practices is the Rodale Institute, who emphasizes this form of farming as essential to reversing the alarming rates of chronic disease in the country. Through consideration of all organisms in a system, regenerative farming include practices like cover cropping, minimal soil disturbances, composting, and the elimination of artificial pesticides and fertilizers. In combination, these practices serve as a gentle, sustainable, and productive alternative to our current agricultural state.
It’s in the Soil
Throughout my research, the emphasis on soil showed up again and again. That’s because healthy soils lay the literal foundation to sustain plants, animals, and microorganisms. Consider that the average farm loses over 4 tons of topsoil per acre per year. Consider that alongside the fact that degraded soils reduce crop yields, struggle to sustain other organisms, and are less tolerant to extreme weather. You get it now?
Practices that minimize soil disturbances, like crop rotation, are crucial as healthier soils can assist in water infiltration, nutrient cycling, plant health, crop yields, and biodiversity. Further, this new healthy land can be a huge help in sequestering carbon from the atmosphere, combating climate change.
So what about that lab engineered meat I spoke of earlier? Turns out that chicken made in a lab is not quite the current reality. Regenerative meat refers to processes that make raising livestock more holistic. Consider that cows with poor diets are farting and burping constantly, contributing substantial methane gas to the climate crisis. A regenerative alternative to this is called tall grazing, where cows graze the grass a little but leave some green matter before moving to a new pasture. This allows the plants to regrow and store methane in the soil.
Indigenous Roots
It would be an injustice not to acknowledge that regenerative agriculture, horticulture, and all things holistic farming can be traced to indigenous people many centuries ago. A’dae Romero-Briones, a board member at Regenerative Organic Alliance, said that “The indigenous universal connection is the idea that you absolutely need to be part of the natural cycles around you, whether they’re negative or positive. You need to adjust to them. You’re part of that system. You need to become embraced in that system in order to create not only a healthy food system, but also healthy people, a healthy environment, and a happy mental state.” If you’re interested in learning more about indigenous ecological practices that are often underrepresented in conversations of sustainability, check out our blog post on Celebrating Native American Heritage Month.
Using Your Knowledge
Now that we are informed about the dangers of conventional agriculture–what can be done? Practical steps to support regenerative agriculture include home gardening and looking for sustainable products when shopping for meat or produce. Some symbols to look out for are ROC (Regenerative Organic Certification) and Certified Regenerative by AGW. Although these implementations are worthwhile, we must acknowledge that something of this large scale can only be reversed through policy changes. Still, it’s important to remain educated, spread awareness, and get involved with regenerative agriculture in ways that are accessible to you.
What do you think the future of agriculture looks like?
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