It can be easy to look at the trending topic of regenerative agriculture and think: “how is this any better than organic gardening?”

Or even to look at regenerative practices and think, “isn’t this the same as organic farming?”

It’s true that both growing practices focus on being kind to the planet.

However, there are some very distinct differences.

As a consumer, it’s important to understand the principles behind both farming methods.

As a gardeners, you may wish to emulate both organic and regenerative practices in your garden.

If you want to participate in nature-based solutions to climate change and support the planet in your backyard, it’s important to understand the distinction between these “green gardening” methods. In this way, you can be sure that your gardening actions match your environmental goals.

→ Key Takeaway: Regenerative Farming builds on Organic Agriculture principles and then goes beyond those standards to sequester even more carbon and build even better soil health

1. Get Clear on Organic Agriculture

The term “organic” is very familiar to people. We see this word in the supermarket, we value organic farms, and we choose to use organic products in our backyard - for our own health and for the health of the planet.

The way that I see the average individual defining and viewing organic food is “free from chemicals.”

For a minute, let’s ignore that technically everything is “chemical” (i.e. water is dihydrogen monoxide).

The core distinction that exists between organic gardening and conventional gardening is which chemicals are allowed. More specifically, which fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides are allowed.

Most organic advocates see organic food as being healthier for human consumption, since synthetic inputs aren’t allowed. They also understand that in turn, organic inputs are healthier for the planet.

While each organic farm and garden is different, the one core distinction between them and “normal” farming is what is applied to the crops and soil.

There’s a lot of debate over the impact of conventional food on human health. However, there is a lot of research out there on the impact of conventional synthetic inputs on the planet.

For example, one of the biggest contributors to climate change in the agriculture sector is synthetic nitrogen fertilizer. Synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides also contribute to more fossil fuel use, water pollution, and changes in ecological health and balance.

So when we compare conventional gardening to organic gardening, it’s clear that organic gardening is better for sustainability.

Other checkpoints that farmers must meet in order to be certified organic are:

• Non-GMO seed, organic seed stock if available
• *Crop rotations (aside from perennial plants)
• *Cover Crops
• *Mulching with plant material or manure (requirements for safe practices need to be met)
• Diligent record keeping
• No sewage sludge or biosolids as fertilizer on soil
• No burning plants as a way of waste management
• Sanitation of harvesting and processing equipment
• Irrigation and Wash water standards must be met

source: USDA Guidelines for Organic Crop Certification

*What’s with the asterisks?  Those are the major components of regenerative farming that we’re going to talk about below.

2. Beyond Organic: How Regenerative Gardening is Different

First, we need to understand that while the term “regenerative agriculture” seems like a new trend, it is actually based on the traditional practices of Indigenous, African, African-American, and Asian farmers.

When we look at most practices on regenerative agriculture, we can trace them back to see that they have been benefiting the environment and food security of these cultures for centuries.

So, how is regenerative agriculture different from organic farming?

Regenerative agriculture fully embraces organic practices in that farmers do not apply synthetic chemicals.

In addition, there are two main goals of regenerative agriculture: increasing soil health and carbon sequestration.

In other words, organic farming looks to prevent future environmental damage. Regenerative farming aims to stop all forms of further pollution from occurring, AND remediate current environmental issues at the same time.

Here’s what that looks like.

According to the Regenerative Organic Alliance. regenerative farmers build soil health by:

• no-till practices (maintains soil health, boost soil microbiome, keeps carbon stored in the ground)
• minimal soil disturbance (i.e. keeping roots in ground when possible)
• composting made on site (adds organic matter and healthy microbes to the soil, reduces emissions)
• biodiverse planting (avoiding monocropping to boost insect habitat)
• water conservation (water catchment systems and drip irrigation to reduce strain on water sources)
• tending to the soil microbiome (sequesters more carbon, supports plant health)
• maintain old growth or untouched forestland
• record keeping of greenhouse gas emissions and sequestrations
• *mulching (adds organic matter to the soil, prevents water evaporation and soil erosion) note: must be applied year-round
• *cover cropping (adds organic matter, prevents soil erosion, builds health for next crop)
• *crop rotation (prevents disease and pest build up)
• agroforestry when applicable and possible (perennials sequester more carbon and are more resilient)

Regenerative farms do all this, plus only use organic inputs on their land.

*What’s with the asterisks?  These components are also required for USDA Organic Certification

Another important note: While USDA Organic Certification and other regional organic certifications are well established, Regenerative Certifications are in the process of getting established.

One of the main certifiers in the United States is the Regenerative Organic Alliance. Read my profile on their certification here.

Eliminating agriculture's climate change contribution

Science tells us that agriculture is a major contributor to climate change.

However, studies like this one at Rodale Institute also predict that regenerative agriculture has the potential to resolve not only carbon emissions from farming, but from all human activity.

As we look at the influx of natural disasters and unusual weather patterns that get more frequent by the year, anything we can do to store carbon in the soil makes an impact.

Speaking of wild weather, regenerative farming practices have another key benefit that sets it apart: the crops grown under regenerative conditions are more resilient to extreme weather.

That means that food security is increased with regenerative practices.

The issue with any certification for small farms

Oftentimes, small farms may practice organic, beyond organic, regenerative practices, but do not have the funds or bandwidth to go through the record keeping and application process.

This is why it’s important to get to know your local farmers and talking with them at your local farmers market or farm stand. In that way you can better understand what they are doing on their farm, how they are growing their food, and what their goals are as land stewards.

What kind of farming is best for the planet?

Both organic and regenerative farming have their merits. Compared to conventional farming, these two methods focus on sustainability and strive to create a brighter future for the planet.

However, the smart solutions that regenerative farming provides to the carbon emissions that even organic farming contributes to the environment make it the clear winner in this debate.

With the added resiliency of regeneratively grown crops during the unpredictable weather that climate change brings, it also provides the added bonus of food security.

You can participate: start a regenerative garden

Regenerative gardening is a technique that aims to reduce soil disturbance in order to capture and store more carbon.

It is based on regenerative agriculture, but applied to small scale gardens and homesteads.

Click here to read how you can participate in this nature-based solution to climate change and build food security for you and your family.