Regenerative agriculture, or farming as it is also called, has very quickly become a buzzword, especially in the fashion industry. Several outlets haves even dubbed it the future of fashion. But what is it, and how is it different from the agricultural practices we already know?

Sustainability is all about protecting, conserving and well, sustaining the status of the earth and doing our best not to harm or diminish it.

The idea behind regenerative farming goes beyond that.

It is built on the notion that we have already harmed the earth and its soil to such a degree, that it is no longer enough to just protect it. Instead, we must see to that it is revived, restored, and improved.

Eight times more.

That’s how much more water the land on regenerative cotton farms is said to absorb, compared to conventional farms. Conventional as well as organic cotton and is very tough on the soil, which can leader to higher risk of flooding and damaged crops.

A healthy soil even collects and stores large amounts of CO2, pulling it right out of the air. Pretty amazing right? Having one of the solutions to pollution right at our feet. Think about what we’re missing out on, when using conventionally farmed materials.

But how is it done?

Like in organic farming, no chemicals are used. Hence, it is replenishing and strengthening of the soil, the plants and the natural surroundings that really sets regenerative farming apart from its organic and conventional alternative.

There are many different practices involved in regenerative farming, and they depend on the specific farm. Some may look to avoid soil erosion, and plant trees along the side of the fields to shelter from the wind. Others use compost instead of synthetic fertilizers, and some choose to use the field for different kinds of crops in the varying seasons to keep the soil healthy and full of nutrients.

Another used practice is intercropping, which is done by strategically diversifying crops, so the plants can benefit from each other. Furthermore, farmers may plant specific crops, such as snap peas to give shade to the “main” crop or induce actions that attracts bees and butterflies to increase pollination. To put it more simply, regenerative farming is really all about letting nature do what it does best, and sometimes helping it a little along the way.

This sounds great, so why aren’t more farmers doing it?

As with everything else, even regenerative farming has its challenges. Some farmers may refrain from converting to regenerative farming because of the additional cost of getting certified. It can take multiple years to fully convert to a state where they’ll qualify for a certification. The farmers may not be able to invest on their own and will need a partnering investor. 

Therefore, it is crucial that brands and organizations get involved, so we can develop the field of regenerative farming to a point where it is so widespread that end-products are accessible to the common consumer at a reasonable price range.