Summary
Regenerative agriculture (RA) is proposed as a solution towards sustainable food systems. A variety of actors perceive RA differently, and a clear scientific definition is lacking. We reviewed 28 studies to find convergence and divergence between objectives and activities that define RA. Our results show convergence related to objectives that enhance the environment and stress the importance of socio-economic dimensions that contribute to food security. The objectives of RA in relation to socio-economic dimensions, however, are general and lack a framework for implementation. From our analysis, we propose a provisional definition of RA as an approach to farming that uses soil conservation as the entry point to regenerate and contribute to multiple ecosystem services.
Outcomes reported
Source report: Diets & Regenerative Agriculture: Can Regenerative Agriculture support food security and diet goals? (2025); Diets & Regenerative Agriculture (2025); Can regenerative agriculture deliver nutritious food and a just food system? (TABLE/Agile, 2025) File: Diets and Regenerative Agriculture.pdf; Reckoning with Regeneration full report December 2025.pdf Ref#: Diets and Regenerative Agriculture.pdf #39 Original: Schreefel, L., Schulte, R. P. O., de Boer, I. J. M., Schrijver, A. P., & van Zanten, H. H. E. (2020). Regenerative agriculture - the soil is the base. Global Food Security, 26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gfs.2020.100404; Schreefel, L., et al. "Regenerative agriculture - the soil is the base." Global Food Security, vol. 26, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gfs.2020.100404
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