Advancing Regenerative Farming

Sustainability Manager Megs Attends Go Falkland Event: Advancing Regenerative Farming

Held in Fife, Scotland, over two days, the Go Falkland event brought together farmers, experts and policymakers to discuss the future of regenerative land use in Scotland – inspired by the original Groundswell festival.

Led by farmers and those who work the land, the event aims to create a healthier and fairer future for Scotland’s land use and food system – carving out a new agriculture system which is resistant to the impacts of climate change.

This year, that meant that talks centred on sustainable food systems, water, forestry and the all-important buzzword, regenerative farming. Our own Sustainability Manager, Megs, was among the attendees, keen to develop her understanding of cutting-edge sustainable land use practices and engage in the day’s workshops, discussions and demonstrations.

What is “regenerative agriculture”?

Regenerative agriculture is a way of farming that works with nature to help tackle climate change and ecological collapse. It is a grassroots revolution; a response by farmers to the environmental damage caused by conventional petrochemical industrial agriculture.

Regenerative farming is being adopted by many, and on July 17th and 18th, the Go Falkland event provided a platform for farmers, academics, and specialists to discuss the latest developments.

Although the term “regenerative” is relatively new, its principles are not. As a system of farming, it draws on a range of modern and historic expertise from across the world. The concept of “regenerative farming” is based upon the five following principles which are practices to improve the health of the soil.  

Why is healthy soil so important?

In nature, healthy soils are full of life. There are more soil microorganisms – in the form of fungi, bacteria, and soil microbes – living in a teaspoon of healthy soil than there are people on the earth. Along with earthworms, beetles, ants, and mites, these microorganisms all play their part in boosting soil and plant health. Healthy ‘soil life’ works together to reduce diseases in plants and provide nutrients and minerals. The plants nourish wildlife, crops, and other plants, and in turn, the grazing livestock.

Conventional agriculture places little value on soil life. Instead, it relies on the use of pesticides and artificial fertilisers to grow food, which kills these beneficial organisms. In contrast, regenerative farming reveres soil health. It regenerates and builds the soil and then protects and nurtures the life in the soil by working with nature rather than against it. As the soil health recovers, it becomes naturally fertile and productive, allowing soil life to return and thrive. This stabilises the farm ecosystem by; stopping soil erosion; building more soil, improving water infiltration and increasing the farm’s ability to absorb carbon from the air and store it within the soil. Healthy soil is the cornerstone of a thriving, sustainable farm ecosystem, highlighting the essential role regenerative agriculture plays in preserving and enhancing soil health.

As a new agricultural support system comes into effect and climate change continues to challenge traditional farming practices, events like Go Falkland play a crucial role in guiding the transition towards more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems. In the words of Megs, “It was incredible to be part of defining discussions on the future of farming and hearing those spearheading the movement speak on a cause they have dedicated their lives to – knowing it’s the only way forward. Realising how in-hand farming goes with the protection of our waters, soils, and forests is crucial – and supporting farmers in their mission to do this is even more important. At Pelorus Foundation, it comes back to nearly everything we do. We are proud to be supporting farmers around the world to make positive changes via our Climate Investment Fund”.

Megs’ participation in the event underscores our commitment to staying at the forefront of sustainable practices and contributing to the broader conversation on the future of farming. We look forward to implementing the insights gained from Go Falkland and continuing to support our project partners enhance their regenerative agriculture operations.

For more information on Go Falkland and the topics discussed, please visit the Go Falkland website​ (Falkland Estate)​​ (SEFARI)​​ (Rural Network Scot)​​ (Rural Network Scot)​.

Supporting Farmers on the Frontline of the Climate Crisis

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