Last week, we shared a video discussing the differences between regenerative and organic agriculture. A 52-second video can only capture so much nuance, so we decided to develop this FAQ and resource list to take a closer look at how these approaches differ and where they overlap.
- What is Organic Agriculture?
Organic agriculture is a holistic approach to growing crops and raising livestock that is guided by four principles: health, ecology, fairness and care. Together, these principles help prioritize management practices that protect current and long-term ecological integrity and farm productivity through agronomic, biological and mechanical methods. Rather than only relying on off-farm synthetic materials, these practices emphasize relying on ecological processes, biodiversity and natural cycles to sustain the health of soil, ecosystems and people.
- What is Regenerative Agriculture?
Regenerative agriculture is an outcome–focused approach to farming. It aims to not only sustain agricultural production, but to also enhance the natural resources farming depends on. Regenerative agriculture focuses on rebuilding and enhancing soil health, which can lead to benefits such as enhanced biodiversity, nutrient cycling, water retention, carbon sequestration and farm resilience.
- What Practices are Common in Each Approach?
Organic agriculture often uses practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping, composting and biological pest control to reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. These practices are meant to support soil fertility, structure and biodiversity, while reducing the risk of toxic material exposure to humans, animals and the environment. While farmers can choose practices that work best for their operation, specific production practices must be met defined standards to receive USDA organic certification (discussed further in Q5).
Regenerative agriculture is not defined by one universally accepted certification standard. Rather, its practices are often guided by five core principles: 1) minimize soil disturbance; 2) maximize living roots; 3) keep the soil covered; 4) integrate livestock; and 5) maximize crop diversity. Practices that put these principles into action include cover cropping, compost application, reduced tillage and livestock grazing.
- Can a Farm be Both Organic and Regenerative?
Yes! Many practices that are used in organic farming overlap with the core principles of regenerative farming, including but not limited to cover cropping, reduced tillage, livestock integration and compost application. Both approaches take a whole-farm perspective to agricultural management, creating opportunities for regenerative practices to build on and strengthen organic principles.
- What Does a USDA Organic Label Guarantee?
A USDA organic label means a product was produced and handled according to USDA organic standards. For crops, the standard requires that no prohibited substances have been applied to the land for at least three years before harvesting. Only when physical, mechanical or biological pest control methods are not sufficient may growers use approved biological or synthetic products. To ensure organic standards are continuously being met, farms are inspected annually by a USDA-accredited certified agent.
- Can a Farm be Regenerative Certified?
Farmers can choose from several options, including Regenerative Organic Certified, Certified Regenerative, Regenified, and Ecological Outcome Verification. Given the lack of an official regulatory definition, certification programs develop their own criteria for certifying a farm as regenerative.
- So, What is the Difference Between Organic and Regenerative Agriculture?
Both organic and regenerative agriculture aim to support healthier soils, enhance biodiversity, and reduce chemical dependency, but their approach differs. Organic agriculture provides clear rules of how food should be produced, processed, and labeled. However, they do not generally require farms to demonstrate measurable improvement in soil health or ecosystem function. Regenerative farming, on the other hand, is often described as an outcome–focused approached by emphasizing practices that actively improve the long term health of the land.
Resources
Becoming a Certified Operation
Information provided by the USDA outlining how to become certified organic, as well as additional resources on how to get started.
Organic Certification Made Simple
A farmer-led video series providing step-by-step overview of organic production requirements and certification.
NRCS Conservation Technical Assistance
A no-cost service that provides farmers with personalized information to conserve, maintain, and restore natural resources on their land.
Regenerative Certifications and Verifications
A guide of available regenerative certifications for farmers. For each option, its requirements, timeline, and cost are provided.
Questions
If you have any questions about organic or regenerative agriculture, please contact us at [email protected]