Regenerative Agriculture: What It Means for the Future of Farming
As winemakers and distillers, we have formed close relationships with the farmers who grow the grapes and grains that shape our products. The success of our craft depends on the health of the land, making agricultural practices a topic of great importance. Over the years, terms like “sustainable,” “organic,” and “biodynamic” have gained traction, each carrying specific implications for farming. However, when terms are loosely bandied about without clear definitions, they lose their meaning. “Regenerative agriculture” has been one such term—until now. California has finally set an official definition, offering some clarity and direction for farmers and producers alike.
Understanding Regenerative Agriculture
At its core, regenerative agriculture is an integrated approach to farming and ranching that prioritizes soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience. The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) defines it as “an integrated approach to farming and ranching rooted in principles of soil health, biodiversity and ecosystem resiliency leading to improved targeted outcomes.”
Unlike traditional methods, regenerative agriculture is not a fixed endpoint but a continuous journey of implementing practices that minimize external inputs and environmental impacts. The goal is to enhance the ecosystem while maintaining or improving productivity, economic viability, and community benefits.
Key Principles of Regenerative Agriculture
Building Soil Health: Enhancing soil organic matter and biodiversity to improve fertility and water retention.
Diverse Crop Rotations: Implementing a variety of crops to disrupt pest and disease cycles and promote a balanced ecosystem.
Reduced Tillage: Minimizing soil disturbance to maintain its structure, reduce erosion, and support beneficial microorganisms.
Cover Cropping: Planting cover crops to protect the soil, suppress weeds, and add organic matter.
Integrated Livestock Management: Incorporating grazing animals to naturally fertilize the soil and manage plant growth.
Minimizing Chemical Inputs: Reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides to promote natural ecological processes.
California’s Official Definition of ‘Regenerative’ and Its Implications
In January 2025, after extensive public consultations and workgroup meetings, the California State Board of Food and Agriculture approved a formal definition of regenerative agriculture. This definition emphasizes a flexible, outcome-based approach, acknowledging the state’s diverse agricultural landscapes and practices.
The definition is designed to guide state agencies in developing programs and allocating resources to promote regenerative practices. However, it stops short of establishing specific certification standards or labeling requirements, focusing instead on providing a framework for continuous improvement.
Implementation Strategies
While the definition provides a foundational understanding, its practical implementation involves several strategies:
Incentive Programs: The state may develop financial incentives to encourage farmers to adopt regenerative practices, such as grants for cover cropping or reduced tillage equipment.
Educational Outreach: Providing resources and training to farmers on regenerative methods, highlighting both environmental and economic benefits.
Research and Development: Investing in research to identify best practices tailored to California’s unique climates and crop systems.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Establishing metrics to assess the effectiveness of regenerative practices in achieving desired outcomes like improved soil health and carbon sequestration.
Regenerative Agriculture in California Viticulture
The wine industry stands to benefit significantly from regenerative agriculture. Practices, many of which our growers have implemented, such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, and integrated livestock can enhance soil structure, increase biodiversity, and improve grape quality. However, despite its benefits, the adoption of regenerative agriculture faces challenges:
Lack of Standardization: The broad definition allows flexibility but may lead to inconsistent application and potential greenwashing (marketing spin that deceptively uses green PR).
Economic Barriers: Transitioning to regenerative practices can require upfront investments that may be prohibitive for some farmers.
Measurement Difficulties: Quantifying outcomes like soil health improvement or carbon sequestration can be complex and resource intensive.
California’s formal definition of regenerative agriculture marks a significant step toward more sustainable and resilient farming systems. For winemakers and distillers, embracing these practices offers a pathway to enhance product quality while contributing to environmental stewardship. As the state moves forward, collaboration among farmers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers will be crucial to realize the full potential of regenerative agriculture.
