Does Regenerative Agriculture have a place in the marketplace?

We’ve mentioned regenerative agriculture quite a bit so far in this series but this has often been in relation to the soil and farming practices. What, if any, relevance does it have in the marketplace? Could a regenerative brand or set of values work to increase revenue on farms, add value to west country produce and provide opportunity for a more resilient economic future? Or, should regen ag remain a farmer led movement only relevant to farming practices? Well, to debate this subject we are joined by Mark Brooking who is the Sustainability Director at First Milk and Dorset dairy farmer Sophie Gregory who produces organic milk for Arla. 

Throughout this series we are focusing on the topic of resilience. 

Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. 

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Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle. 

00:14 Peter Green introduces today's show.

01:42 How is First Milk working with farmers to encourage regenerative practices?

04:38 Sophie describes her farm and how she is using regenerative practices on her farm.

08:47 There is a demand for doing things differently from consumers, but regenerative agriculture is quite a complicated message to put across, says Mark.

11:52 Sophie explains Arla's frame on regenerative agriculture and how regenerative milk could mean different things to differnet farms. 

14:24 Sophie explains what being an organic farm means and how she has to farm alongside nature. 

15:19 What does resilience mean for Mark?

17:44 Can we be too carbon centric? The need to look at things holistically.

18:03 What does resilience mean for Sophie?

20:00 Adding value in different ways.

20:22 The pros and cons of having a regenerative standard.

22:49 Sophie explains that you don't want to alienate people from regenerative agriculture. 

24:14 Peter sums up today's show. 

26:30 Sophie says that everyone should try something, even if it's on a small area.

27:23 Mark encourages farmers to visit someone who has tried something. 

28:08 Cream tea question. 

29:22 Peter finishes the show.