Can regenerative agriculture provide an income stream?

Willem van der Westhuizen, business development manager at Orizon Agriculture, speaks to Zunel van Eeden about what regenerative agriculture entails, and how farmers can potentially earn an income from it.

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Local company, Orizon, recently made headlines with the registration of their CarbonCrop Programme, positioning them as leaders in the carbon space for agriculture. The proudly South African company made its mark with the largest carbon project registered globally under Verra's flagship sustainable agriculture methodology to date. This milestone not only marks a breakthrough for local farmers, but also underscores the value of regenerative agriculture, which lies at the heart of Orizon's mission.

Regenerative agriculture (RA) is gaining traction among farmers across South Africa as a farming philosophy that aims to work with nature, not against it.

According to Willem van der Westhuizen, business development manager at Orizon Agriculture, regenerative agriculture is a mindset, a way of thinking that focuses on reducing farming’s dependence on external inputs by following more natural processes. Soil health is the foundation of a profitable farm. Well-functioning soil supports diverse microbial communities, contains higher carbon levels, and cycles nutrients efficiently.

These characteristics contribute to a system that is more resilient, more productive, and ultimately more sustainable. For Orizon Agriculture, regenerative agriculture is about building this foundation, helping farmers improve their soil, reduce reliance on synthetic inputs, and earn income by being rewarded for the carbon they store in their soils.

WHAT IS REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE?

Regenerative agriculture promotes soil health by minimising disturbance and increasing root biomass and diversity. These actions lead to higher soil carbon levels and support a rich microbial ecosystem that enhances nutrient cycling and plant health.