Regenerative Agriculture
There are a lot of buzz words these days about sustainability and a green future. But what exactly does it all mean? Below we’ve outlined some of basic principles of regenerative agricultre and the farming practices we use to create a better tomorrow. Let’s start with the basics . . .
“Regenerative Agriculture” describes farming and grazing practices that, among other benefits, reverse climate change by rebuilding soil organic matter and restoring degraded soil biodiversity – resulting in both carbon drawdown and improving the water cycle.
– Regeneration International
what is it?
Plants put in productive beds post-harvest in order to retain top soil, nutrient cycling, water runoff, improve biodiversity, repair and add nutrients.
example:
In New York, we use Rye & Straw as cover crops in order to retain top soil, increase nutrient cycling, increase biodiversity and overall organic matter on the farm.
why it matters:
Without cover crops, soil is more prone to erosion, water runoff and flooding, depleted macro and micronutrients limiting the overall nutritional profile of future plant production.
what is it?
Rotating the crops produced on the same land in a way that repairs soil, prevents uptake of the same macro and micronutrients, increases subsoil biodiversity etc.
example:
Strawberries will be rotated in with crops like Broccoli that bring anti-fungal properties to the soil helping to ward off pathogens from future Strawberry plantings.
why it matters:
Rotating crops helps repair the soil, prevents uptake of the same macro and micronutrients, and increases subsoil biodiversity leading to a healthy and interconnected ecosystem.
what is it?
Prevents top soil depletion and excessive water runoff, helps retain nutrients.
example:
Our Florida strawberry farms plant Onions around the perimeter of their Strawberry fields in order to prevent soil erosion and to prevent sandy soil from blowing away or onto fruit.
why it matters:
Retaining top soil and preventing excessive water runoff, retains nutrients for a better crop.
what is it?
Testing the soil to assess nutrients.
example:
Tiffany Wernstrom, Michigan Peach farmer, tests the soil each year and works in cover crops such as wheat and rye to replenish the soil.
why it matters:
Ensuring soil has the appropriate nutrients and composition is essential to keeping soil and farms viable for generations.
what is it?
Limiting water use and ensuring quality of water used. (i.e. drip tape, natural rain water)
example:
Our NC Blackberry farm, O’Brien Family Farms, is able to rely on rainfall rather than irrigation to conserve water. This also forces roots to search deeper and wider for water leading to more nutrient uptake and stronger plants year after year.
why it matters:
Limiting water use in food production helps preserve the overall fresh water supply and quality.
what is it?
Capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide
example:
Our blueberries, blackberries, peach trees, cherry trees are in the ground for anywhere from 5-10 years, which allows our fruit to play a role in reducing climate change.
why it matters:
Food production is still a major contributor to climate change. Small changes in farming practices can make a difference.
what is it?
Tilling disrupts the soil structure accelerating soil run off. Also increases surface area that rain can penetrate soil surface and “wash away” top soil.
example:
Our Blueberry, Blackberry, Raspberry, Peach, Apple, Cherry farms have multi-year plants that do not require tilling.
why it matters:
No-till practices help slow evaporation, resulting in better absorption of rainwater, and increased irrigation efficiency.
what is it?
Intentional integration of trees and shrubs into crop and animal farming systems to create environmental, economic, and social benefits.
example:
Beams Berry Patch integrated 10 acres of Paulownia trees in 2020 to their farming operation.
why it matters:
Intentional integration of trees and shrubs into crop and animal farming systems help repair soil, capture CO2, provide wildlife habitat, and typically make use of historically non-productive land (hilly, mountainous).
what is it?
Balancing relationships between plants, animals, people, and the environment.
example:
Some of our Blackberry farms, including O’Brien Family Farms in NC, partner with a neighboring bee-keeper that tends to hives on the farm, which produce honey from the Blackberry plants.
why it matters:
Working with wildlife/environment to limit inputs & embrace holistic approach to food production.