Organic-Regenerative
We have witnessed the term regenerative agriculture being mentioned more and more in recent years, both in the world and in Serbia.
Although the term is becoming increasingly modern, and many projects on the topic of regenerative agriculture are being implemented, many people become confused about what kind of agriculture it is and how it is regenerative, especially considering that organic agriculture took root in Serbia more than three decades ago.
We would like to highlight some of the facts in order to bring the public closer to the regenerative principles on which organic agriculture is based:
– Organic agriculture is rooted in regenerative principles and practices.
– Regenerative principles originate from pioneers of knowledge who then inspired organic pioneers, and then these principles were embedded in global organic principles: health, ecology, fairness, and care.
– Organic principles are based on the most regenerative practices and are already implemented by all organic producers around the world.
– Organic principles are based on methods and practices whose goals are precisely regenerative and constitute an alternative to all degenerative practices in food production.
– Organic principles that are also based on agroecological are the ones that truly offer the best choice on the path to transformative solutions for food systems.
– The translatation organic principles into strict legal standards that have been in place for decades around the world creates comprehensive benefits, including soil health, biodiversity, animals, ecosystem well-being and resilience, without relying on synthetic pesticides, fossil fuel-based fertilizers and GMOs.
– Regenerative practices based on all of this are desirable and all farmers who apply them, regardless of whether they are certified organic, undoubtedly make their contribution to combating degenerative agricultural systems.
However, we would like to draw the public’s attention to the fact that highly degenerative practices such as the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers are also being disguised under the regenerative movements and practices, and are being misleading by using this term.
On January 15, 2025, IFOAM – Organics International published “Elevating Truly Regenerative Agriculture – Statement from the Organic Movement.”
Designed to inspire both thought, dialogue and action, the statement provides perspectives from the organic movement on current regenerative initiatives and claims and encourages collaboration toward truly transformative change in farming and food systems. It is also a call to action.
The statement is here: https://www.ifoam.bio/news/elevating-truly-regenerative-agriculture
