The power of organic & regenerative farming

We take great pride in sourcing our ingredients for SUCSEED superblends from suppliers who really care about how they treat the land and what that means for the food they produce.

Organic and regenerative farming are two complementary approaches to agriculture that seek to protect the environment, improve soil health, and enhance the nutrient density of food. While their methods sometimes differ, they share a common goal of moving away from industrial farming practices that degrade the land and compromise long-term sustainability. 

Organic farming

The organic farming movement has deep roots, particularly in the UK, where the Soil Association was founded in 1946 as a response to concerns over the damage caused by chemical-intensive agriculture. One of its early pioneers, Lady Eve Balfour, played a key role in advancing organic principles through the Haughley Experiment, the first long-term comparative study of organic and conventional farming systems.

Organic farming prioritises soil health through natural composting, crop rotations, and the avoidance of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, which can harm biodiversity and contaminate water sources, not to mention compromising human health. By working in harmony with natural ecosystems, organic farming creates more resilient soils that retain nutrients and foster microbial life, leading to healthier crops and more nutritious food. 

Regenerative farming

Regenerative farming, while sharing many principles with organic agriculture, takes a broader, more holistic approach to land management. It emphasises soil regeneration through cover cropping, reduced tillage, and integrating livestock into farming systems to build soil organic matter. One of the most significant proponents of regenerative agriculture is the Rodale Institute in the United States, which has been conducting research since 1947 to demonstrate the effectiveness of these practices. Their long-term trials have shown that regenerative farming not only improves soil health but also enhances carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate climate change. 

How they differ

One key difference between organic and regenerative farming lies in their frameworks. Organic farming follows strict certification guidelines that dictate what inputs and methods can be used. Regenerative agriculture, on the other hand, is more flexible and does not yet have a universal certification system. This flexibility allows for innovation but also leads to variability in how different farms implement regenerative principles. Additionally, while organic farming can involve tilling to manage weeds and prepare soil for planting, regenerative agriculture strongly encourages minimising soil disturbance to preserve microbial life and soil structure. Regen farmers will resort to the use of some chemical additives where necessary while organic practices do not permit this. 

Similarities

A crucial aspect of both organic and regenerative farming is their focus on nutrient density in food. Dan Kittredge, founder of the Bionutrient Food Association, has been pioneering research into how different soils, climates, and farming methods impact the nutritional quality of crops. His work aims to develop technology that enables farmers and consumers to measure the nutrient content of food, reinforcing the link between soil health and human health. By using regenerative and organic methods to enhance soil vitality, farmers can produce food that is richer in essential vitamins and minerals. 

Both movements are gaining traction

In the UK and the US, both movements have been growing steadily. Organic farming, while still representing a small percentage of agricultural land, has seen increasing consumer demand, with organic food sales continuing to rise. Meanwhile, regenerative agriculture is gaining traction as more farmers adopt techniques that rebuild soil fertility and increase resilience against climate change. Events such as Groundswell, a UK-based festival dedicated to regenerative agriculture, provide an essential platform for knowledge sharing among farmers and researchers. 

Ultimately, both organic and regenerative farming offer sustainable alternatives to industrial agriculture. While organic farming follows a well-established set of principles focused on avoiding synthetic inputs, regenerative farming expands on these ideas by actively restoring ecosystems. Together, they provide a pathway towards a more resilient and nutritious food system that prioritises soil health, biodiversity, and long-term environmental sustainability.