While shopping at River Market, you will find several brands with the word “regenerative” on the label. From meat to coffee to produce, local and national brands are increasingly adopting this term. The goal of regenerative agriculture goes beyond creating nutritious food; It is centered on restoring the environment through the soil.

Regenerative agriculture rebuilds nutrients that have been depleted by modern farming methods. One way farmers can improve soil health is through crop diversity. Rotating crops allows the soil to regenerate its chemical nutrients. Another practice called reduced tillage maintains biodiversity in the soil by disturbing it less when cultivating crops.

For livestock, the most common regenerative farming practice is managed grazing. Modern industrial pasture grazing leaves animals sedentary and grazing in the same pasture. This depletes the nutrients from the soil due to overuse. Managed grazing moves the livestock between pastures frequently to allow native plants to grow and thrive. These approaches rebuild soil health, increase biodiversity, improve water retention, and capture carbon from the atmosphere, which all benefit and promote healthy food systems.

There are currently no federal or state guidelines for labeling a product as regenerative. However, there are third-party organizations that provide independent certification. Obtaining a regenerative certification is often much more strict than earning an organic certification. The process includes on-site audits, soil testing, worker interviews, and often builds upon an existing organic certification.

Healthier soil creates better crops, cleaner water, higher nutrient density, and stronger rural communities. Next time you are at River Market, keep an eye out for regenerative products!