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Our Principles
Agroecology
Agroecology is an integrated approach that applies ecological and social concepts and principles to the design and management of food and agricultural systems. Within a justice and rights framework, it seeks to minimize external inputs and optimize sustainable interactions between plants, animals, humans and the wider environment.
In simple terms it's about farming WITH nature and people. It's about synergy and diversity.
Rather than tweaking the practices of unsustainable agricultural systems and intensive efficiency drives, agroecology seeks a system wide holistic approach to transformation, addressing complex issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, poor nutrition, knowledge exchange and corporate concentration.
Agroecology is well researched and is relevant across the globe.
Regeneration
If we are to move beyond sustainability we must focus on doing things that rebuild, enhance, improve and reconnect. At the same time we must cease activities that extract, deplete and damage. Only then will we get net regeneration.
Regenerative agriculture seeks to rebuild soil health, enhance biodiversity, and improve water and nutrient cycles. This in turn reduces reliance on artificial inputs and fossil fuel use, and can sequester more carbon in the soil.
Many enterprising regenerative farmers and growers seek to reconnect with their communities and food supply chain too, offering nutrient rich foods.
Regenerative farmers work to reduce soil disturbance (ploughing and spraying), keep the soil covered (using cover crops etc), feed the living roots and integrate livestock into their systems. Diversity of crop, stock, enterprise and people are key.
The regenerative journey is complex and your own context is important....every farm, farmer, business and community is different. It can be seen as 'greenwash' but if done well and at depth it's a game changer.
A regenerative mindset and focus on positive outcomes (rebuild, enhance, improve, reconnect) can apply to all the actors, leaders and entrepreneurs in our food system, not just primary food producers. Regenerative health, finance and tourism are all growing industries.
Want to read more about regenerative principles and farming? There's lots out there and it's an emerging field but here is a good place to start.
