Introduction to Regenerative Agriculture

Koen van Seijen

20 years: Food and agriculture

In this video, Koen van Seijen delves into the concept of regenerative agriculture, explaining its importance in our current food system. He introduces four agricultural paradigms - extractive, conservative, net-positive, and regenerative, offering a clear framework to understand how we can shift towards more sustainable and life-enhancing farming practices.

Agriculture

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Introduction to Regenerative Agriculture

7 mins 53 secs

Key learning objectives:

Outline the main four agricultural paradigms (extractive, conservative, net-positive, and regenerative) and how they impact the environment and food systems
Understand the principles of regenerative agriculture and how it differs from our extractive system
Understand how regenerative agriculture can address environmental crises and improve the sustainability of food production

Overview:

What if the way we grow food could heal the planet instead of harming it? We need to rethink their relationship with food and the environment. Can we shift from a destructive, extractive model to one that regenerates life? There are often myths surrounding regenerative agriculture but it is important to understand the benefits and challenges. Discover how moving the needle towards regeneration can reshape our food systems and the future of our planet.

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Summary

Why is there a decline in the taste and quality of fruits and vegetables today?

The decline in taste and quality is due to changes in agricultural practices, such as harvesting fruits and vegetables prematurely to extend shelf life and withstand transportation. This results in lower sugar content, diminished flavour, and reduced nutritional value. Additionally, urbanisation has disconnected consumers from local food production, further exacerbating these issues.

What are the broader implications of our current food system on the environment and society?

Our current food system is contributing to climate, soil, biodiversity, and health crises. By taking more from the planet than we give back, we are degrading ecosystems and creating challenges like climate change and loss of fertile soil. This highlights the urgent need to rethink how we produce and consume food.

What is regenerative agriculture, and why is it important?

Regenerative agriculture is a holistic farming system that improves water and air quality, enhances biodiversity, produces nutrient-dense food, and stores carbon to mitigate climate change. It aims to restore and regenerate ecosystems while maintaining economic viability, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional farming practices.

Regenerative agriculture is the most progressive of four paradigms - extractive, conservative, net-positive, and regenerative. Extractive agriculture focuses on maximising productivity by extracting resources, while conservative agriculture aims to reduce negative environmental impacts. Net-positive agriculture goes a step further by improving soil health and biodiversity while remaining economically viable. Regenerative agriculture, however, seeks to restore ecosystems and facilitate life beyond the farm, making it the most holistic and sustainable approach.

What challenges do regenerative farmers face in scaling their practices?

One of the biggest challenges is the myth that growing food and supporting biodiversity on the same land is impossible. This misconception limits the adoption of regenerative practices. Additionally, the regenerative paradigm requires a shift in thinking and farming practices, which can be difficult to implement on a large scale without the right support and incentives.

What role do different stakeholders play in advancing regenerative agriculture?

Change does not lie solely with farmers; it requires collaboration across the value chain. Investors, businesses, and consumers all play a role in creating a viable business case for regenerative agriculture, supporting farmers with knowledge, resources, and market access. Building a regenerative culture and value chain is essential for scaling these practices.

The goal is to move from a destructive, extractive model of agriculture to one that regenerates ecosystems and supports life. This involves viewing regeneration as a spectrum, with the aim of continuously improving farming practices to enhance the health of the planet and its inhabitants.

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Koen van Seijen

Koen van Seijen is a regenerative agriculture and food expert, has been exploring the carbon sequestration potential of regenerative farming since 2011. He is the founder and host of the Investing in Regenerative Agriculture and Food podcast. In the last decade through 300 podcast interviews with investors, fund managers, scientists, entrepreneurs and farmers, Koen explored the role of money and entrepreneurship all over the world in regenerating soils, ecosystems and communities. Koen also works at Toniic, a global community of asset owners seeking deeper positive net impact across the capital spectrum. Toniic members consist of around 500 high net wealth individuals, family offices, and foundations, who are deepening their impact in over 25 countries.

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