Taking action in support of our vital natural resource sector

Canada's agricultural sector has long been known for its commitment to producing its products in the most environmentally friendly ways possible. Hence, regenerative agriculture in Canada is practiced on farms across the country, helping to combat climate change, improve water cycles, restore biodiversity, and support a healthy food system. 

But what is regenerative farming anyways, you might ask? Here are several facts on regenerative agriculture in Canada for you to check out! Also see:

• Farming in Canada: 28 Fact & Infographics
• Farming in Saskatchewan: 26 Facts
• 6 Reasons Why You Should Support Canadian Beef

What Is Regenerative Farming?

Regenerative Farms in Canada - Regeneration Canada

Regenerative agriculture is an emerging farming practice that combines state-of-the-art and conventional methods. The goal for farmers who follow such practices is to:

• improve soil health over time
• reduce soil disturbance (no-till)
• integrate livestock
• maximize crop diversity
• maintain soil coverage through a holistic approach

Over time, these practices build and maintain soil organic matter, therefore increasing carbon sequestration!

Common practices of regenerative agriculture in Canada include composting, cover cropping, crop rotation, mixed farming, growing leguminous green manures, shallow and reduced cultivation, and enhancing biodiversity.

Regenerative farming is economically and environmentally friendly, emphasizing nutrient-dense food crops and soil. Moreover, such practices focus on not harming the land and even help to improve its quality afterwards!

Both Canadians and millions of people abroad rely on Canadian agriculture every day. Crop diversity and the fostering of nutrient-rich food from regenerative farming positively impacts the mental and physical health of consumers here at home and across the globe!

11 Facts on Regenerative Farming in Canada

#1 - "Regenerative farming considers the whole chain of events to produce a crop – from the fertility inputs, to the seeds, to the farm tools and supplies, to the carbon used in production, packaging, and distribution."

#2 - In utilizing regenerative farming techniques, Canadian farmers can reduce agricultural emissions while simultaneously improving soil health.

#3 - The essence of regenerative agriculture is to work with nature, rather than against it!

#4 - "Regenerative practices include cover cropping (planting to cover soil rather than harvesting), promoting crop diversity, doing more to protect watersheds, minimizing pesticides and integrating livestock into farms rather than having the animals graze in separate fields.

#5 - Regenerative practices are important because they enable farmers to sequester carbon that would otherwise be emitted into the atmosphere as greenhouse gasses.

#6 - One Canadian farm sequesters enough carbon to more than offset 400 Canadians' footprints (per year)!

#7 - "According to several reports, switching to regenerative agriculture can actually increase your farm's profitability." Even General Mills states that "regenerative agricultural practices can reduce the need for expensive chemical inputs."

#8 - "Indigenous cultures from all over the world have lived, and many still do live in a regenerative relationship with their natural surroundings. Many 21st century regenerative farmers work their land with the same reverence and use many of the same farming practices used by Indigenous people."

#9 - The diversity of crops drawn in by regenerative agriculture increases the presence of bees!

#10 - General Mills has endorsed regenerative agriculture and announced a plan to advance regenerative practices on one million acres of farmland in the U.S. and Canada by 2030.

#11 - "According to a 2020 paper by the U.S.- based Rodale Institute, if used globally, regenerative practices could draw down most of the world's CO2 emissions, making agriculture a net carbon sink."

Support Canadian Farmers!

Canadian farmers are switching to regenerative agriculture practices for a variety of reasons. Whether it be from economic necessity or due to the attractive carbon sequestration benefits, regenerative farming has been adopted all across our country.

We must continue to support Canadian farmers as they continue to meet rising demands for healthy, sustainable, and delicious food. Every day is a good day to thank a Canadian farmer!

Join Us Today!

Learn more about regenerative agriculture in Canada and how our farmers should be go-to suppliers of choice for the world's food needs!

Join us on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube to join the conversation around Canada's world-class natural resource sectors and partake in a balanced, fact-based and non-partisan discussion with Canadians from coast-to-coast!

The world needs more Canadian agriculture. We must support our farmers and resource workers!#CanadianFood #CdnAG #CanadianAgriculture pic.twitter.com/UtSQOfSwUX

— Canada Action (@CanadaAction) March 11, 2022