​Scope of regenerative agriculture practices in the UK – who is doing what and where?

To address the challenges associated with conventional agriculture such as greenhouse gas emissions and soil degradation, many stakeholders in the agrifood sector are turning to regenerative agriculture (RA) as a more sustainable farming strategy. However, RA does not yet have a widely accepted definition in common use, hence, different practitioners use definitions and practices that suit them. This presents many challenges including difficulty in scaling practices, monitoring performance, verifying benefit claims, and making targeted policy interventions.

This project aims to assess farmers’ perceptions, knowledge, and practice of RA in the UK via a nationwide survey. This will reveal what practices are considered RA, which of these practices have been implemented, and their perceived impacts. Results of the survey will be used to create maps of RA practice in the UK, and summary reports that highlight knowledge gaps and where changes in practice and targeted policy interventions might be needed.

Project lead: Samuel Eze, Harper Adams University

Project members: Nicola Noble, National Sheep Association; Steven Jacobs, Organic Farmers and Growers CIC; Emma Adams, Farm Carbon Toolkit; Sarah Roberts, NIAB; Paddy Tarbuck, CIE; Jennifer Hodbod, University of Leeds; Nicola Randall, Harper Adams University; Richard Francksen, Newcastle University; Fiona Fraser, Scotland’s Rural College; Leonidas Rempelos, University of Lincoln; Payton Yau, Scotland’s Rural College