REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE: A NEW MOVEMENT ON THE RISE

THE PROBLEM

Our planet is in crisis, and glyphosate is one of the primary culprits. It is contributing to an epidemic chronic disease in humans, wiping out essential biodiversity across the globe, and depleting the soil in which our food is grown. Approximately 13 billion pounds of this chemical are used every year around the world – disrupting biological life at a staggering rate. It has infiltrated our food, our water, our air, and even our rainfall. And it continues to go unregulated in the United States.

THE NEW DIRECTION

The new movement in agriculture is on the rise. Farmers all across the country are waking up to realize this, and have begun to save our planet, our food, and our health by turning the agriculture industry in a more sustainable direction. Our docu-series will focus on the stories of some of these brave farmers, who are turning the tides by employing regenerative techniques while shouldering through the challenge of stepping away from chemical dependency.

Regenerative agriculture is, essentially, an alternative method of farming that focuses on rebuilding soil. By adding natural composting agents, which increases biodiversity and feeds the soil, healthy crops grow resilient and strong, not exhausting any one plot of soil. In addition, farmers engage in crop rotation instead of exhausting the soil – encouraging intercrop planting and diverse cover cropping to reduce erosion, increase diversity and overall soil health. Healthy, diverse, pesticide-free soil can produce year after year – sustainably.

What else are these leaders in the movement doing differently? These farmers are using methods that require minimal tilling. Continual soil tilling can increase erosion, disrupt healthy, helpful fungal communities and add too much Oxygen into the ground. This not only helps the long-term sustainability of our soil, but it helps our planet’s atmosphere with carbon sequestering.

The new regenerative farming movement also emphasizes a holistic view – one that supports overall ecosystem consideration. Health of the soil and land management are important, as is animal welfare and biodiversity. Farmer and worker fairness are also an important part of the equation. Looking at the whole picture and seeing how all are affected is the way forward. We can get there together; none of us are as strong as all of us.

THE FUTURE IS IN YOUR HANDS

Here are some actions you can take to help the movement towards sustainable farming practices, and to support others who are doing so already!

LEARN

Do your homework. There are many wonderful resources out there to learn about regenerative agriculture – how to do it, and why it’s important. Some of our favorites are: Regeneration International, Kiss the Ground, Savory Institute, Holistic Management International, Carbon Underground, Soil Health Consultants
Plan to watch Farmer’s Footprint series. Host a screening for your friends to reach a broader audience!

EDUCATE

Talk to your friends, family and coworkers about the dangers of glyphosate as well as all chemical dependency and what they can do to avoid it.
Forward this email to someone. Spread and share the information!
Hold a community forum to discuss and share ideas about moving away from the use of chemical dependency in farming practices. Offer solutions, listen and learn from others.

ENGAGE

Vote with your dollar. Support local farmers who are using regenerative, no-till techniques. A few companies that are using regenerative practices include Zuke’s Pet Food, Justin’s, Applegate, Union Snacks, Epic Provisions and Patagonia Provisions.
Let your lawmakers know you care about the health of your family and the nation. Ask them to take action and ban the use of not just glysophates but also other pesticides and herbicides in the United States.

Be Well. Be You.