About Regenerative Agriculture

Regenerative is an emerging and dynamic term closely linked with sustainability that is “unlikely to be static, as the science behind our understanding of agricultural sustainability and the factors contributing to ‘regeneration’ are rapidly changing and evolving.” The basic concept is that regenerative farming aims to enhance the productive capacity of the land, its people and the biological communities linked to that land—rather than degrading soil, water, and ecosystems and exploiting labor due to the impacts of toxic chemicals and other practices. Soil-building is the primary activity. Regenerative farming may often mean no till, spreading of compost and/or planting of cover crops, use of livestock in ways that mimic nature, elimination or large reductions in chemical use, and focus on crop diversity and rotations.

There are efforts in the private sector to establish certifications for this approach, see the Regenerative Organic Alliance, Land to Market EOV, A Greener World, and Audubon. We expect the use of the term and the production approach to grow rapidly in the years ahead.

CALIFORNIA

The California Department of Food and Agriculture hosted a workgroup to draft a definition of regenerative agriculture to inform state policies and programs. The workgroup began meeting in 2023, and, in January 2025, the California State Board of Food and Agriculture approved a final recommendation to the CDFA Secretary.

Final Definition of “Regenerative Agriculture” for California State Policies and Programs

“Regenerative agriculture,” as defined for consideration by State Agencies and Departments, is an integrated approach to farming and ranching rooted in principles of soil health, biodiversity and ecosystem resiliency leading to improved targeted outcomes. Regenerative agriculture is not an endpoint, but a continuous implementation of practices that over time minimize inputs and environmental impacts and further enhances the ecosystem while maintaining or improving productivity, economic contributions and community benefits. “Regenerative agriculture” is an ongoing continuum of sustainability for California’s farmers and ranchers, informed by current science as well as the traditions and innovations from the original Indigenous stewards of the land.

Examples of target outcomes include: (a) Building soil health, soil organic matter and biodiversity. (Healthy Soils Program); (AB 1757) (b) Increasing statewide implementation of conservation practices that improve soil health, sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gases; (USDA NRCS Conservation Practice Standards) (c) Furthering sustainable pest and integrated pest management to reduce the reliance on pesticides; (Accelerating Sustainable Pest Management: A Roadmap for California); (UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management), (USDA NRCS pest management conservation system) (d) Protecting the welfare and care of animals in agriculture; (Animal Care Program) (e) Building healthy, local communities; (Ag Vision) (f) Protecting spiritual and cultural traditions as well as supporting Native-led stewardship practices; (g) Minimizing negative impacts to other target outcomes; (h) Maintaining positive impact on the economic vitality/livelihoods of farmers and ranchers.

Regenerative agriculture will require processes, practices, monitoring, evaluation, and innovation to be customized to specific production systems, ecoregions, and local Indigenous cultural regions. Practice selection is based on the best available science and practice, including but not limited to, organic and traditional ecological knowledge, for production systems. State agencies and departments are encouraged to coordinate with the Department, contingent upon resources, in the development of measurable and verifiable outcomes related to individual policies and programs and are responsible for incorporating verification and reporting.

Reference: Letter to State Board with Final Definition