Farmers, producers, academics, government agencies, retailers and more are taking a closer look at how to use land and animal management practices to improve soil health and sequester carbon. Regenerative is a growing movement and is popping up everywhere, including our 2020 food trends.…
Regenerative agriculture and regenerative are broad, umbrella terms for farming and ranching practices that promote soil health. At Whole Foods Market, we’re hanging our hat on five key Soil Health Principles when we’re talking about regenerative agriculture.
Soil Health Principles
Regenerative agriculture and soil health are closely related. At Whole Foods Market, we believe regenerative agricultural practices follow five basic Soil Health Principles. Along with measuring improvements, these five principles are the foundation of farming and ranching practices that improve soil health.
Diversity & Biodiversity
Increase the variety of life forms in and around the soil including microbial, flora and fauna.
Minimize Soil Disturbance
Decrease the amount of physical (tillage) and chemical (inputs) disturbance to the soil ecology.
Living Roots
Maintain a living root system year-round to promote an ongoing soil ecosystem.
Keep Soil Covered
Maximize soil cover to protect against erosion and improve water retention.
Strategic Animal Integration
Integrate strategic rotational grazing and other animal management practices to improve soil fertility through increased microbial density and organic matter (i.e. manure).
At Whole Foods Market, regenerative agriculture describes holistic land management practices that improve soil, enhance biodiversity and increase carbon capture.
Get Involved
Looking for a way to get started now?
Check out our Regenerative Resources page and Tools for Soil Health for more ideas.
Current or prosepective Whole Foods Market supplier?
Check out Label Review for details on how to make a regenerative claim on your product label or packaging.
