Regenerative Organic Agriculture is an approach to food and farming systems that focuses on soil health, conserving water, sequestering carbon, and promoting biodiversity. It overlaps with organic practices, which means no synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, genetically modified organisms, etc. Many different practices can be considered “regenerative,” and different soil types, geography, or climate may require other methods to suit their needs. It’s important to note that many of these concepts are not new but are ancient practices created and utilized by different indigenous peoples worldwide.
One-third of greenhouse gas emissions come from our food system. This means that regenerative practices could significantly impact reversing climate change. These methods help to improve soil health by storing more carbon instead of releasing it into the atmosphere, where it causes damage. Foods grown in healthy soils are more nutrient dense than those in depleted soil. According to the Rodale Institute, “The food we eat today contains less protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, riboflavin, and vitamin C than food produced just a half-century ago.”
Today, a whopping 57% of America’s calories come from ultra-processed food, and consuming a diet high in these types of food is linked to severe metabolic disease. The food produced is harming us instead of supporting our health, and this is incredibly alarming, especially when it comes to our children’s future.
This is why Eat REAL supports schools’ efforts to incorporate more regenerative organic ingredients into their meals. The combined buying power of the American public school system can drive demand for regenerative organic ingredients. Offering kids nourishing food and food education can help change their health and relationship with food for the better.
