It was clear at Climate Week NYC that regenerative agriculture is gaining traction. This approach helps farmers build natural resources like healthy soil, clean water, and biodiversity while also cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
Financial support for regenerative agriculture varies widely. Options include carbon markets and government subsidies, but not all farmers can access these. Some sustainable finance products are still developing, which means the overall market and policies are changing.
During the conference, RBC’s Lisa Ashton shared insights from their report, “Unearthing Value,” which explores how nature can support economic growth. Here are some key takeaways:
Focus on Carbon Isn’t All Bad: While some say concentrating only on carbon benefits overlooks other advantages, it has sparked significant progress in measuring and accessing climate benefits. This focus has led to improved methods for assessing greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions, which can also help showcase benefits like better soil health and biodiversity.
Maximizing Investment Efficiency: Notable investments, like Canada’s $704 million On-Farm Climate Action Fund and PepsiCo’s $300 million commitment to regenerative agriculture, are setting the stage for more resilient farming practices. Collaborative efforts among companies, governments, and farmers can stretch these funds further, making it easier to drive real impact on the ground.
Defining Regenerative Agriculture: There’s ongoing debate about how to define regenerative agriculture. Setting strict boundaries could exclude effective practices that benefit the environment and farmers alike. Rather than fixating on definitions, the focus should be on creating programs that yield measurable results.
As more farmers adopt regenerative practices, they contribute to a larger movement. According to a recent survey by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), about 30% of farmers worldwide are now using some regenerative techniques.
In discussions and on social media, there’s a growing recognition of the importance of these methods for both environmental and economic stability. As awareness continues to rise, regenerative agriculture may take center stage in agricultural policy, giving farmers the support they need to thrive.
For more insights on sustainable practices, you can check out the full RBC sustainability report here.
