The Seven Principles of Regenerative Agriculture1
There are many different models and ideas that propose different Principles of Regenerative Agriculture. Here we include the Seven Principles of Regenerative Agriculture identified by Lorraine Gordon through research which has been contextualised for the Australian environment.
1. Be ecologically literate, think holistically and understand complex adaptive systems
Appreciate how ecosystems behave in complex, adaptive and often unpredictable ways. Consider how the landscape is nested within, and interconnected with, smaller and larger ecological, social and economic systems.
2. See your landscape as a community that you belong to and work with
Your ecosystem is a community of species that you are a part of. Instead of trying to control the members of this community, work alongside them.
3. Acknowledge and consider diverse ways of working with landscapes
There are many different ways to manage landscapes. Be open to integrating them with your practice.
4. Understand that human cultures are co-evolving with their environments
People and landscapes are relational. We are co-evolving with our environments on a biological and cultural level.
5. Engage with First Nations people
Be active in reconciling the trauma of landscapes and displaced communities.
6. Remain curious; seek transformative experiences and continuous learning
Be comfortable in the ambiguity that comes with not having all the answers, be open to paradigm shifts and expanding your thinking.
7. Engage in ecological renewal and make place-based decisions through monitoring
Focus on and monitor landscape functions such as biodiversity, soil health, carbon sequestration, ground cover, water cycles, mineral cycles and energy flow.
The Practices and Techniques
Regenerative agriculture is a dynamic space that is evolving as we learn about our environment, our communities and ourselves. The changes that we make on land have the potential to impact our livelihoods, our communities, and the world. There are a range of practices and techniques that are used in regenerative agriculture. It is worth noting that while these practices may change, as our understanding of landscape function and ecology depens, the principles essentially stay the same.
Michael Jeffery2 outlined these practices in December 2017. In the five years since, these practices have been tested and debated with the Regenerative Agricultural Alliance and agricultural networks to ensure best practice for Australian soils. The following list has current industry acceptance3:
Inputs
- Applying organic composts, fertilisers and bio amendments, preferably sourced locally.
- Encouraging natural biological cycles and nutrient retention.
- Reducing or ceasing synthetic chemical inputs.
Grazing Management
- Implementing regenerative grazing strategies – Adaptive multi-paddock grazing/ time-controlled planned grazing/holistic grazing.
- Using grazing management and animal impact as farm and ecosystem development tools.
- Self-herding and stress-free stockman-ship.
Water
- Constructing interventions in the landscape or waterways (such as leaky weirs) to slow the flow of water.
- Fencing off waterways & implementing water reticulation for stock.
- Rehydrating wetlands.
- Investing in revegetation.
Cropping
- Multi-species pasture cropping.
- No Kill Cropping
- Cover Cropping
- Controlled Traffic Farming
Biodiversity
- Managing for increasing species diversity
- Integrating enterprises
- Systemised change that leads to greater landscape function
References
1. Michael Jeffery is a National Soil Advocate, a Major General and was awarded the AC, AO (Mil), CVO, MC.
2. Gordon, L. (2021). “Regenerative Beef Cattle Production Systems and Resilience in a Changing Climate”. University of New England.
