Fortunately, we can reverse the process of desertification and see improvement in 2 to 4 years. France and Vermont have taken the lead in regenerative farming. France has adopted an agricultural policy of increasing soil carbon yearly by .4%. It is called 4 per 1000. This policy reflects their goal to fight climate change and to increase food security. Vermont has launched a senate bill of regenerative farming to rebuild soil, sequester carbon to offset global warming and to absorb water to mitigate water loss.
There is exciting research and examples emerging from several agricultural universities and organizations that show us the way to regenerate the soil through farming and ranching.
Regenerative farming practices promote no till, winter cover crops, legume crops, and after harvest grazing and other techniques to regenerate soil, leading to less usage of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides.
Regenerative prairie grassland management involves managed grazing mimicking nature.
The restoration of the grassland soils have many benefits:
Absorption of rain water and snow melt:
Healthy soils act like a sponge for water absorption, recharging aquifers and ground water, holding onto more moisture making it available for the plants in times of drought.
Carbon sequestration
Soil is made up of mostly carbon, it pulls this carbon out of the atmosphere. The more we build soil the more CO2 we pull out the atmosphere.
Reclaiming nature’s natural beauty and bounty
By restoring the grasslands many species of plants, animals, insects (important pollinators) and soil micro and macro organisms will return creating a thriving vibrant eco system.
Source of income for farmers and ranchers
Restoring the grasslands can create a thriving means for ranchers and farmers to make a living.
food security
Regenerative farming ensures that our population can be fed sustainably for years to come.Grass fed and finished meat has been proven to be very healthy. It has a high Omega 3 content nearly as high as salmon, so it is heart healthy. It is a source of high quality complete protein and necessary minerals like iron and zinc that are more readily absorbable than from plant sources.
