In the heart of Latin America, a silent revolution is brewing, one that could reshape the future of food systems and, by extension, the energy sector. A recent study, published in the journal ‘Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems’ (Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems), has mapped out food businesses with regenerative potential across the Amazon and the Central American Dry Corridor, shedding light on a trend that could drive significant environmental and economic changes.
The research, led by Max Yamauchi Levy from the Department of Agrobiodiversity and Food Security at the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE) in Costa Rica, identified 181 businesses with a potentially regenerative focus. These businesses are not just about growing food; they’re about restoring ecosystems, empowering communities, and mitigating climate change.
The study found that while 64 businesses explicitly used the term “regenerative,” many more were practicing regenerative principles without the label. “We found that associative enterprises, like cooperatives and associations, were often led by indigenous or local traditional populations and played a critical role in socio-cultural and environmental conservation,” Levy explained. These enterprises, although not using the term “regenerative,” were driving significant socio-environmental transformation.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. Regenerative food businesses often prioritize local, sustainable energy sources, reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to energy security. Moreover, as these businesses grow, they could create new markets for renewable energy technologies, from solar-powered irrigation systems to biogas digesters.
The study also highlighted the role of women in these businesses, which was higher than in traditional businesses, although still reflecting global gender imbalances. This could open up new opportunities for women’s empowerment and economic development, further driving the regenerative transition.
So, what does this mean for the future? The study provides a starting point for further research and support for regenerative food businesses in the region. It underscores the need to look beyond the explicit “regenerative” term to fully capture the scope of initiatives driving socio-environmental transformation. As these businesses grow, they could reshape the food system, the energy sector, and the broader economy, creating a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
The findings of this study could shape future developments in several ways. Policymakers could use this data to create supportive policies and regulations. Investors could identify potential opportunities in the regenerative food sector. And businesses could learn from these examples, adopting regenerative practices to drive their own growth and sustainability. The future of food and energy is regenerative, and it’s happening right now in the Amazon and the Central American Dry Corridor.