Scaling Regenerative Agriculture

Tim Hammerich

News Reporter

Many people believe that the future of agriculture is regenerative. But defining what exactly that means can be a bit of a challenge.

Vassilos… “I don't believe that there is yet a definition or a way to measure regenerative agriculture, because it's so nuanced.”

That’s Renée Vassilos, Director of Agriculture Innovation at The Nature Conservancy. In their efforts, they are focused on regenerative practices that have been proven to build soil health.

Vassilos… “But again, you know, cover crops actually don't work in every system or in if every year. You know, that's the other challenge. And so we do recognize that it's not to suggest that these are solutions for all, and the only way to get there. But we have to start somewhere. There's sufficient data around these practices, and we know that if we can scale them for where it makes sense, we will start to see improvements in soil health.”

The Nature Conservancy is investing in startups that will facilitate these practices, in service to their other work in policy and research.

Vassilos… “It continues to be in compliment to a tremendous other body of work. We have a policy team that's very active. We have our scientists that continue to build up the agronomic and the economic case for soil health. So all of that work continues, and this is kind of a compliment and in service to that work.”

Learn more about The Nature Conservancy at www.nature.org.