State Department of Food and Agriculture to define regenerative agriculture

MENDOCINO CO., 8/30/24 – Regenerative agriculture has grown in Mendocino County over the past 20 years.  

Recently, Wine Enthusiast declared the county the “greenest” wine region in California for its eco-friendly farming practices. Select cannabis growers have moved from hoop houses to sun-grown cannabis, recognizing the practices are more environmentally kind and that sun-blessed, organic weed may garner more income. Even the food market is involved, with ranchers WildHeart Farm and produce farmers Big Mesa Farms implementing regenerative practices.  

But what exactly is regenerative agriculture? 

Regenerative agriculture stems back to Native American farming practices, which in turn inspired back-to-the-landers of the 1960s.

Bonterra Organic Estates, a winery based in Hopland that boasts its own Director of Regenerative Farming, describes regenerative farming as comprising myriad practices including cover-cropping, sheep-grazing, compost application, natural integrated pest management, reduced or no tillage, and planting surrounding vineyard areas in biodiverse plants, including natives.  

California’s Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is seeking to define regenerative agriculture to provide support for farmers, ranchers and consumers working or interested in the practice. The CDFA began the process in 2022, creating a workgroup of regenerative farming stakeholders that have implemented listening sessions, tribal outreach and the collection of public comments. The goal? To define regenerative agriculture in state policies and programs with the overall goal of launching a certification program.  

On Tuesday, the CDFA board and the working group will share its draft definition of regenerative agriculture with the public. After the presentation, public comment will be encouraged.  

In addition to a certification program, the CDFA anticipates supporting consumer awareness programs and possible grantmaking, trend reports, guidelines and more – like the state’s organic program. 

“As part of California’s Ag Vision there is a strategic priority to foster climate-smart, resilient and regenerative food systems,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “The board’s work to define regenerative agriculture, is a further step forward in recognizing the valuable contribution that farmers, ranchers and farmworkers contribute to our economy and working lands.” 

The meeting takes place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. via Zoom on September 3. The agenda and registration information is available here.