A leading proponent of regenerative agriculture says those questioning its worth and seeking a prescriptive set of rules are missing the point.
Quorum Sense chair Becks Smith says regenerative agriculture is a mindset rather than a recipe that needs to be closely followed.
She said New Zealand farmers traditionally oppose being regulated in a way that ignores their own situation and regen is no different.
“Maybe stipulating a set of rules that has no context, that doesn’t apply across different areas within the sector, different regions, different farming contexts, makes no sense. So I think, firstly, this isn’t about a set of rules.”
Quorum Sense is a farmer network for those practising regenerative agriculture and Smith said it is a positive, nurturing platform where farmers share their insights and experiences with others.
“There’s a set of forum values and rules for engagement and you do have to be actively involved in regenerative agriculture and be a farmer.
“So it’s really about a team of farmers actually supporting each other and driving that practice change. It’s about farmers learning and growing together and harnessing this opportunity.”
Another claim that comes up in conversation is that New Zealand is a regenerative farming nation already, but Smith is not so sure.
“If you are saying that we are already regenerative in nature, I would challenge that. Could we become more regenerative? Could we put ourselves further ahead of the pack as a sector, as a nation? And actually, why fight it then? How about we just embrace the term?”
Regen is a set of principles built around soil health and Smith said different farmers take different approaches depending on the farm business and environment.
“Better soil health will drive better outcomes for our sector. So I think the first thing we have to think of is there’s principles that drive soil health. But it’s not just about the principles, it’s also the mindset and the community and how we wrap around those.”
Quorum Sense is touring a feature documentary film, Six Inches of Soil, which follows three young British farmers through their first year of regenerative farming.
It has been shown at nearly 50 cinemas so far including the Beehive Theatrette, where a number of MPs attended.
“Coming from a British context, it’s a lot more relatable than a lot of the traditional regenerative agriculture films we see come out of the United States.
“I think the British farming system can be seen by New Zealanders as more relatable. And what you do see is all of the trials and tribulations. You see the challenges they face and that really highlights the support required to wrap around people who are willing to push the boundaries and make these changes.”
