The rise of regenerative agriculture in America’s food corporations and government programs has important benefits, but it has overshadowed other systemic issues in the food system.
Regenerative agriculture has gained significant traction in the sustainability programs of major American food corporations. Encouraged by companies such as PepsiCo, ADM, Cargill, and General Mills, suppliers are adopting regenerative practices. The U.S. government’s $3.1 billion Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program further supports these practices. While regenerative agriculture offers environmental advantages and profitability for farms, its narrow focus has diverted attention from addressing broader food systems issues. This article explores the factors behind the popularity of regenerative agriculture and proposes the need to expand the sustainability toolbox to address systemic challenges.
What’s behind its popularity?
Regenerative agriculture has become a convenient sustainability solution for policymakers and companies due to several factors.
1. Minimal business disruption:
Revamping entire business models is complex, but changing the practices of farmers is comparatively easier. By adopting regenerative practices, companies can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability while maintaining supply chains, products, and profits.
2. Broad political support:
Regenerative agriculture is less polarizing than advocating for meat reduction or redistributing subsidies. It allows politicians and businesses to address agriculture’s climate impacts without stepping on anyone’s toes.
3. Attractive marketing opportunities:
Regenerative agriculture allows proponents to tell heartwarming stories that align with America’s romanticized farming narrative. Presenting farmers as climate heroes and showcasing thriving cover crops and grazing cattle appeals to consumers and creates positive associations.
Expanding the toolbox
Instead of choosing between regenerative agriculture and other sustainability approaches, a combination of strategies is necessary to address climate, biodiversity, and economic crises. Building on the success of regenerative agriculture, additional improvements can be made.
1. Regional and diversified sourcing strategies:
The global food system’s overreliance on a few dominant crop varieties produced in sub-optimal climates makes it vulnerable to extreme weather events. Reestablishing regionally adapted crops will increase resiliency and offer consumers more nutritional variety.
2. Strategic plant-based replacements:
Encouraging people to consume more plants and less animal products is crucial for personal and planetary health. Companies can employ various approaches, such as product innovation, behavioral science tools, and culinary techniques, to create an appetite for dietary shifts.
3. Updated anti-deforestation approaches:
While regenerative agriculture gains attention, the need to address deforestation and land conversion should not be overlooked. Commitments and programs to combat deforestation must be revisited and strengthened.
4. Circular solutions:
Significant food waste and pollution through packaging persist in the food system. Reusable packaging and waste reduction technologies need to be prioritized to minimize environmental impact.
Leveraging the COP28 tailwind
The upcoming COP28 climate summit in Dubai presents an opportunity to address food systems transformation. The United Arab Emirates has dedicated a day to food and agriculture on the agenda, and the COP28 presidency has issued a Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action. Governments worldwide are urged to sign this declaration. The Alliance of Champions for Food Systems Transformation is also working towards aligning governments behind priority actions to limit global warming and achieve sustainable development goals.
Conclusion:
While regenerative agriculture has its merits, it is essential to broaden the sustainability toolbox to address systemic food system challenges. By supporting global efforts for sustainable and equitable food futures, U.S. companies and policymakers can contribute to a comprehensive approach that encompasses regenerative agriculture alongside other crucial strategies. The COP28 summit provides an opportune moment to rally behind holistic solutions that tackle climate change, food waste, deforestation, and more.
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