Sustainable Agricultural Production: GMO’S vs Regenerative Practices.

Regenerative Techniques:

• Agroforestry Systems
• Hydroponics
• Aquaponics
• Regenerative Grazing
• Regenerative medicine

The aim of regenerative agriculture is to create farm production systems that work in a harmonious manner with nature while improving the quality of life for all stakeholders. It is often asked “What is the difference between GMOs and Regenerative agriculture?”.

Throughout history there have been many ways to feed the world. However, many leading agencies have sought to push the narrative that only through GMOs, hybrid seeding, and the use of agrochemicals can a sustainable supply of food be produced. The chemical corporations and genetically modified engineering entities ensured high profitability for their stakeholders. This concept was highly profitable, as proprietary GMOs were presented as patented life forms with technology fees in excess of 40% were realized compared to non-GMO seeds that farmers could no longer save. Chemical corporations’ products like glyphosate, dicamba, atrazine, and 2,4-D allow them to amass billions in profits annually. Shareholders were naïve yet quite happy to be repeatedly told that these chemicals were safe and effective. The fallout came about when homeowners, food establishments, and healthcare entities became aware of the actual science, and mounted protest via parades across the country and around the world. Millions signed petitions, demonstrated, sent letters to food companies, and stopped buying GMO foods. Sales for organic surged. The former Board President of Moms Across America, Laurie Olson, stated, “When we first started marching in 4th of July parades (2013) one out of 50 people knew about GMOs. Now, five years later (2018), one out of 50 don’t know about GMOs. I am proud to be a part of that process.”

Recognition of the adverse effect of genetic engineering practices on food consumption drove the choice for organic farming practices, and hence the resurgence of restorative technologies and practices in agriculture. While GMOs are regulated, Regenerative Farming is not, even though a certification model has been developed to give producers of regenerative production the choice to label its produce. The Regenerative Organic Certification or ROC gives the farmers a new way to ensure that wholesome farming practices are adhered to since many organic farmers were in fact guilty of using farming practices that were in violation of healthy alternatives. The concept and hence the philosophy of this farming practice is to examine all aspect of the agricultural systems and serve to apply holistic principles that restore soil and ecosystem health, address inequity, and leave our land, waters, and climate in better shape for future generations.