'Regenerative farming will grow once society as a whole buys into the concept'

Retailers, consumers, the supply chain and financial institutions should all play a more active role in promoting regenerative agriculture, according to panellists at a recent event in Stellenbosch. Glenneis Kriel reports.

- Glenneis Kriel

Regenerative agriculture is a “spectrum of practices”, such as minimum to no tillage, increased use of biodiversity, the creation of living root systems, and increased soil protection. Moreover, the way in which it is implemented differs from farm to farm, based on the production system and climate.

This was according to Nic van Schalkwyk, executive director of Restore Africa Funds, who delivered the keynote address at the International Fresh Produce Association’s Fresh Solutions day held recently in Stellenbosch.

Van Schalkwyk said there was “big money”, such as fertiliser and pharmaceutical companies, behind conventional farming, so regenerative farming needed strong voices to promote the counter-argument.

In addition, financial institutions had to change their lending policies to accommodate the change.