Regenerative Agriculture: understand the intent, practices, the benefits and disbenefits

Principal Investigator

Regenerative agriculture, while definitions vary, broadly relates to agriculture that not only aims to be but also aims to regenerate the socio-ecological systems that the farm influences. Exactly what components or functions of the socio-ecological system that are being regenerated vary considerably, often reflecting farmer values and goals, and that of the broader community. For example, some farmers may focus on regenerating soil ecosystems within their paddocks, while others might be more interested in regenerating a local waterway or having a thriving a community. Regardless of the goal, effectively managing a farming system towards these goals requires regular assessment and monitoring towards the goals, followed by as evaluation of practice efficacy and responding accordingly - ie adaptive management. In partnership with lead organisation, Southern Cross University, and funded by the Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC), this project aims to: (1) understand the goals pursued by regenerative grain growers across Australia; (2) identify suitable monitoring indicators for a wide range of goals spanning agronomic, soil health, ecological, social, and economic domains; and (3) trial those indicators over three years with at least 60 regenerative growers across the nation.

26 Aug 2024 - 30 Jun 2027

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