Removing the confusion between organic and regenerative farming could promote green farming

Educating the public about the benefits of different forms of farming could help protect Britain’s countryside, a new study suggests. The study, led by a team from the University of Reading, concludes that better education about sustainable farming in the UK is needed to support farmers.

This includes clearing up the confusion between “organic” and “regenerative” farming, which has worried farm owner and television presenter Jeremy Clarkson in his Amazon Prime show “Clarkson’s Farm.”

The concept of regenerative agriculture is gaining traction among many farmers, scientists and retailers. Among them is Waitrose & Partners, which in May launched a new, comprehensive plan to introduce regenerative agriculture programs across its entire grocery range, with the support of experts from the University of Reading.

Dr Tom Staton, who led the study, said: “There is a lot of excitement about regenerative agriculture, but it is important to understand that ‘organic’ is a legally protected term. This means that consumers can trust that organic products meet certain standards, particularly with regard to the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.”

“We don’t want to criticise regenerative farming, which is helping to improve the health of UK soils and boost biodiversity. However, regenerative farming is unregulated and if we want to see real change in our food system, we need to support approaches with clear, enforceable standards.”

Change settings

Published today, August 28, in Nature communication earth and environmentThe study used an innovative modelling approach to map the complex web of factors that influence and hinder the adoption of organic farming in the UK. Drawing on the expertise of 18 agricultural experts, the researchers created a ‘mental model’ of 55 factors that drive organic farming adoption.

The results showed that farmers are less concerned about the cost of growing organic vegetables or the lack of government subsidies. Rather, it is the lack of long-term thinking on the part of buyers, landowners and policymakers about the benefits of sustainable farming that is preventing an organic revolution.

The study shows that a shift in people’s priorities from buying cheaper, imported food to more quality and sustainable food could create a more favourable environment for organic farming. This could mean that people are willing to pay a little more for food, but at the same time better understand where that extra cost goes – towards soil health, biodiversity and more sustainable farming practices associated with organic farming.

According to the study, while there is no quick fix to promote sustainable agriculture, initiatives aimed at changing public perceptions and understanding of the role of agriculture in society could effectively promote the transition to organic methods.