Regenerative and organic agriculture: what is the difference?

We are regularly asked about the differences between regenerative agriculture and organic farming. It is an important question. In this article, we will delve into the answer.

What is regenerative agriculture?

Lately, the term ‘regenerative agriculture’ has been appearing more and more. It is a relatively young agricultural concept that has gained rapid recognition over the past 10 years. It utilizes existing cultivation practices from the organic sector, combined with indigenous, traditional forms of agriculture known worldwide as ‘agro-ecology’. Within it, we find various principles that protect the soil and stimulate biodiversity, such as the use of cover crops, crop rotation, flower strips, herb-rich grassland, no-till farming, and the recycling of natural raw materials. Many of these principles have already been practiced by organic farmers and growers for years.

What is the difference with organic agriculture?

While regenerative agriculture speaks of ‘focusing as much as possible on the recovery of soil life and biodiversity’, this goal is not always the primary focus in thought and action, as is the case with organic agriculture. There are regenerative farmers and growers who work without pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, or who limit their use, but these agents are still permitted in regenerative agriculture. Furthermore, it is not a certified, legally protected production method, unlike organic agriculture. As a result, there is no external supervision of its implementation.

What is the risk of this?

We believe that consumers are being misled by this. Regenerative agriculture appears very green and responsible, but it does not exclude the use of toxins and synthetic fertilizers at all. Multinationals deliberately use the term ‘regenerative’ as a sustainable agricultural solution, while meanwhile distracting attention from ‘organic’. As a major player in the organic sector, De Bolster is convinced that agriculture must completely stop using harmful substances so that soil life can recover. And that is very important, because as much as 95% of our food depends on that soil.

What do we believe is the solution?

Is regenerative agriculture then wrong? Not at all, as long as the agricultural principle is applied organically—certified without poisons and without synthetic fertilizers. That’s why we at De Bolster would rather see a movement towards ‘regenerative organic agriculture’. Everything in organic cultivation is aimed at letting nature do as much of the work as possible. The organic sector takes care of the environment, the climate, the soil, biodiversity, animals, and future generations. We want to support the growth of this beautiful sector with our organic seeds for successful cultivation.