Wine
Sustainable Wine Education
Regenerative Farming
August 6, 2024
Regenerative Agriculture 101: What You Need to Know
Regenerative agriculture is on the rise, and its foundations go far beyond those of organic and biodynamic farming (though frequently include incorporating these methods).
According to the Noble Research Institute, regenerative agriculture is “the process of restoring degraded soils using practices (e.g., adaptive grazing, no-till planting, no or limited use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizer, etc.) based on ecological principles.”
In short, regenerative agriculture works in tandem with nature, going far beyond the basic principles of sustainability. In addition to farming with respect for the environment, regenerative agriculture seeks to rebuild soils, reverse degradation, and improve the health of water, land, and natural resources simultaneously.
Note: At Sommsation, we are delighted to work with Abby Watt, winemaker and farmer at Medlock Ames, Sonoma's First Regenerative Organic Certified Winery. To learn more about her story, click here.
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Regenerative Farming Practices: No-Till Farming
In order to rebuild soil health and reverse degradation, farmers / grape growers use a handful of means. One of the most common practices is no-till farming, meaning that vines are grown in soils that do not undergo the disturbance of tillage. Rather than harshly working soils, no-till farmers will use a variety of gentle tools, as well as apply various fertilizers that leave less of an impact on the soils themselves.
No-till farming not only helps soils retain nutrients, but also broadens water retention—a massive plus in the wake of climate change. Additionally, no-till farming can render soils more fertile, as well as allow vines to survive during lengthy periods of drought. Lastly, by not plowing, no-till farming helps grape growers lower their carbon footprint, as their choice to eschew plowing results in preventing millions of tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
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Beyond no-till farming, regenerative agriculture also embraces a holistic approach to cultivating vines, similar to that of biodynamics. Cover crop plantings are widely encouraged, as these additional crops aid in reducing erosion, broaden water retention capacities, and also improve the overall health and quality of the soils. Regenerative agriculture also encourages the incorporation of livestock and animals into the farm / vineyard, as their presence increases biodiversity (and also provides natural means for creating compost!)
In short, regenerative agriculture not only improves soil health, but can also strengthen crops, expand yields, and build water retention throughout a farm. While a specific set of practices is not set in place, regenerative agriculture is an overall mindset that many forward-thinking, environmentally-conscious farmers and grape growers share.
The foundations of regenerative agriculture not only seek to better an ecosystem / vineyard in the present, but equally puts the future of the environment at the forefront of farming decisions.
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