In the heart of the Basque Country, Spain, Carlos Garbisu, a researcher at the Department of Conservation of Natural Resources, NEIKER – Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, is spearheading a groundbreaking approach to regenerative agriculture. His recent work, published in ‘Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems’ (Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems), is set to reshape how we think about farming and its global environmental impact.
Garbisu’s research links regenerative agriculture with the safe and just Earth system boundaries framework, a holistic approach that considers both Earth’s resilience and human well-being. This integration aims to create a robust narrative that could inspire a new generation of farmers and agronomists to embrace sustainable practices.
“The idea is to define the performance of regenerative agriculture in terms of its positive influence on the eight safe and just Earth system boundaries,” Garbisu explains. “This means focusing on a highly-productive, environmentally-sound, nature- and biodiversity-respectful, socially-responsible, and ethically-committed agriculture.”
By connecting the small-scale farm with the colossal Earth system, Garbisu’s proposal addresses one of the main criticisms of agriculture: its global environmental impact. This approach could revolutionize the way we think about agriculture, making it a key player in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. As regenerative agriculture focuses on soil health and biodiversity, it can enhance carbon sequestration, reducing the need for fossil fuel-based energy. This shift could lead to a more sustainable and resilient food system, one that not only feeds the world but also helps to heal it.
Garbisu’s work is a call to action for farmers, agronomists, and policymakers alike. It challenges us to think beyond traditional farming practices and embrace a more holistic, Earth-centric approach. As we face the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, this research offers a beacon of hope, a path forward to a more sustainable future.
The research is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary thinking, combining insights from agroecology, biodiversity, earth-system boundaries, resilience, soil health, and sustainable agriculture. It’s a reminder that the future of farming is not just about growing crops, but about nurturing the Earth and its ecosystems.
As we look to the future, Garbisu’s work could shape the development of new agricultural technologies, policies, and practices. It could inspire a new generation of farmers and agronomists to embrace regenerative agriculture, creating a more sustainable and resilient food system for all.