In an era where industrial agriculture has largely dictated how we produce our food, a quiet revolution is unfolding across the world. Spearheaded by a growing number of farmers who are challenging the status quo, regenerative agriculture offers an alternative—a sustainable way to cultivate food that rejuvenates rather than depletes the environment.
In this documentary, filmmakers Claire Weissbluth and Jesse Jesse Dodd follow three cannabis farms as they utilize regenerative techniques to grow crops and manage livestock.
“Industrial agriculture is destroying the Earth,” says one, referring to the chemical pesticides and monocultures that that type of farming relies on. “We are killing our living soil, contaminating our water, and poisoning ourselves with chemical pesticides.” The urgency for a paradigm shift is palpable as the world grapples with the consequences of environmental degradation and climate change.
Regenerative agriculture is a holistic approach that seeks to restore the health of the soil and ecosystem. It encompasses a variety of practices such as no-till farming, cover cropping, and integrated livestock management, all aimed at enhancing soil fertility and biodiversity. Unlike conventional farming methods that strip the land of its nutrients, regenerative agriculture works in harmony with nature, giving back more than it takes.
One of the key components of this revolutionary approach is its focus on soil health. According to the United Nations, if current rates of soil degradation continue, the world’s topsoil could be gone within 60 years. Regenerative farming aims to halt this trend by enhancing the soil’s organic matter. “When we started switching our vegetable production over to no-till, the returns maybe didn’t happen that first year or even the second year,” recalls one farmer. “But as the soil was left free of disturbance from us – and got to get more into its own true balance – flavor was so much better.”
Cover crops play a critical role in regenerative farming. They are planted not for harvest but to enrich the soil, control weeds, and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. Research by the American Society of Agronomy shows that cover crops can increase soil microbial activity and organic matter over time, directly contributing to carbon sequestration. This is crucial as agriculture is responsible for around 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions. By implementing these methods on a larger scale, regenerative agriculture has the potential to turn farms into carbon sinks.
Livestock integration is another cornerstone of regenerative practices. Grazing animals like sheep and cows are rotated on pastures, allowing grasses to regenerate and increasing soil fertility through natural manure. This practice mimics how wild herds roam, fostering a balanced ecosystem. “Having animals raised on pasture is a huge gift to the farm and to the land,” notes another farmer. “The grass is able to grow really easily. All it needs is energy from the Sun, and it’s able to sequester carbon into the soil.”
Beyond environmental benefits, regenerative farming enhances resilience to climate variability. Healthy soils with higher organic matter hold more water, reducing vulnerability to droughts. As extreme weather events become more common, this resilience is increasingly valuable. A report from the Rodale Institute found that regenerative organic farms have consistently higher yields during drought years compared to conventional farms.
However, the transition to such systems presents challenges. Regulatory barriers and market dynamics often favor large-scale industrial farms, making it difficult for small-scale farmers to thrive. “As we entered the legal market, there were so many blocks, so many walls between us and the customers,” one farmer explains. This is further exacerbated by the need to navigate complex certification processes, which can be daunting for farmers without adequate resources.
Support from consumers is vital to the growth of regenerative farming. By choosing to purchase locally produced, sustainably farmed goods, consumers can play a direct role in promoting these environmentally friendly practices. Initiatives such as community-supported agriculture (CSA) provide platforms for consumers to engage directly with farmers, fostering transparency and connection.
Education and policy reform are also crucial. Programs to educate farmers about regenerative techniques and government incentives to support transitions can accelerate adoption. Encouragingly, regenerative agriculture has gained momentum in policy discussions. Countries like France have recognized its potential, incorporating soil health into climate strategies.
The ultimate goal of regenerative farming is to transition from extractive agriculture to a system that nourishes the land and community. As one farmer puts it, “we’re working to create a buffer of healthy thriving forests around our Homestead, selectively removing trees and material and then pile burning it, reducing the intensity of potential fire.”
Regenerative agriculture is not merely a collection of practices but a philosophy—a commitment to restoring balance and fostering resilience. As the world confronts pressing environmental challenges, this approach offers a hopeful path forward. By embracing the ethos of regeneration, we can cultivate a future where agriculture heals the Earth rather than harms it. In doing so, we not only preserve the planet for future generations but also rediscover our interconnectedness with the natural world.
