RESTORE’s Post

Farmers and nature restoration: it takes a village! In a recent post, we highlighted how farmers could benefit from the recently passed Nature Restoration law. Many thoughtful comments reminded us: in addition to capital to finance the transition, farmers need a support system to guide them through daily decisions. Ecological and financial data can be hard to interpret and act upon. We identified four key support mechanisms to enable the transition: 🧠 Knowledge networks: Peer-to-peer learning networks and expert advisory services are crucial. The French initiative "Pour une Agriculture du Vivant", Brazilian Associação Rede ILPF, global-scale Regeneration International and PepsiCo's knowledge-sharing program are great examples. 🛰️ Tech-enabled decision support: Farmers need real-time data and predictive models to make informed decisions. Our job is to use technology to translate cryptic scientific data into actionable insights and help farmers contextualize the information. For example, what does a 20% increase in water-holding capacity mean for your cocoa field? Is it good? Bad? Can it be improved? Should it? How? Our natural capital management platform Landler currently addresses that by showing benchmark data and providing contextual insights. Other great solutions include: NatureMetrics, Regrow Ag, Space4Good, Global Canopy, Biome Makers Inc., Farmforce Agrology, a Public Benefit Corporation and others. 💰Financial bridging: The short-term economic hit of transitioning can be severe. We need financial products tailored to this challenge. Our approach involves companies investing in nature "uplift units" generated by farmers, often with partial upfront payments and the remainder tied to measured outcomes. However, it's crucial to understand that these investments carry risks. External factors like extreme weather can impact results even when farmers do everything right. Our answer to that is full transparency on the state of natural capital at any point in time, acknowledging that permanence can never be guaranteed. Which brings us to our last point, by no means less important: ☔ Risk mitigation strategies: Given these inherent risks, how can we provide a safety net for farmers transitioning to regenerative practices and companies financing it? 1. Pre-finance the transition. Corporate programs such as Cargill's RegenConnect, developed in partnership with Regrow Ag, are great examples. 2. Transition funds that pool investments to dilute risk, for example IDH Farmfit Fund 3. Approaches similar to ETFs that spread risk across multiple projects. These mechanisms aim to provide farmers with comprehensive support to make informed decisions and successfully transition to nature-positive practices, while realistically addressing the complexities and risks involved. What other support systems do you think farmers need? Add your ideas to the comments below!

Regenerative agriculture is a method focused on conservation and restoration within food and farming systems. Its primary goals include regenerating topsoil, boosting biodiversity, improving the water cycle, and enhancing overall ecosystem health - Food and Fuel Sustainability.

Regenerative agriculture is a method focused on conservation and restoration within food and farming systems. Its primary goals include regenerating topsoil, boosting biodiversity, improving the water cycle, and enhancing overall ecosystem health.

Regenerative farming is a solution to multiple challenges in our world today. But it isn't magic - you need to put a serious effort behind it. "What we've learned at Slow is that this transition isn't going to happen unless those further up the supply chain—like us, and other companies—take on more of the cost and risk." We're a 220 people company - but only 12 of us work in Europe. An actual presence at the coffee farms year round is crusial to make an actual impact - for nature, climate and the farmers. Read more here; https://lnkd.in/d2KmMMGR

Agricultural Investment Support refers to government programs or financial incentives designed to encourage investment in agriculture. These initiatives aim to promote sustainable farming practices, increase productivity, and ensure the agricultural sector's long-term growth. They often include grants, low-interest loans, tax benefits, and subsidies for farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities. In Germany, for example, agricultural investment support is provided through programs like the Joint Task for the Improvement of Agricultural Structures and Coastal Protection (GAK). The GAK offers subsidies for farm modernization, infrastructure improvements, environmental protection, and animal welfare initiatives. Additionally, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) also provides substantial financial support for agricultural projects across the EU, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and rural development. Key areas often supported by agricultural investment programs include: -Modernization and digitalization: Investing in modern machinery, smart farming technologies, and infrastructure to enhance efficiency. -Sustainability and environmental protection: Promoting eco-friendly practices such as organic farming, water conservation, and reducing carbon emissions. -Animal welfare: Financial incentives to improve living conditions for livestock. -Renewable energy: Supporting the use of renewable energy sources like biogas, wind, and solar power on farms. -Rural development: Enhancing infrastructure, job creation, and community services in rural areas to improve living standards. The overarching goal is to make agriculture more resilient, environmentally friendly, and economically viable while securing food production for future generations.

🌱 Our latest AirMiners session dug into soil organic carbon, a promising and evolving realm involving carbon storage nature-based solutions (NbS). 👩🔬 While it may be challenging to find true consensus in the science of soil carbon measurements, reporting, and verification (MRV), particularly in the US where carbon markets remain voluntary, there’s a considerable agreement that regenerative farming practices hold significant promise for both land health and mitigating climate change impacts. 🌾 Enter Jessi Roesch and Downland. With approximately a third of all US producers aged 65 or older, a substantial generational land ownership shift is on the horizon within the next 10-20 years. 👨🌾 Downland’s program will leverage this monumental opportunity by offering financial backing to aspiring producers and equipping them with training in regenerative techniques – providing access to capital that many may otherwise lack while simultaneously clearing a potential path to farm ownership. 🚜 As Downland expands, its vision extends to influencing adjacent industries in agriculture and land management, including: Direct land acquisition Streamlined supply chain coordination Nature-based carbon solutions Insetting/offsetting strategies Support for succession planning Promoting ecotourism Farming as an amenity 🥕 Explore Downland further below. If you’re able, contemplate financially supporting this movement, as I have. Together, let's cultivate meaningful change! #RegenerativeFarming #ClimateAction #Sustainability #NaturebasedSolutions #CarbonSequestration #GreenerTogether

Celebrating Two Years of Collaboration for Sustainable Almond Farming The Nuts Sustainability Team is excited to mark two years of our ongoing partnership with @KIND on the KIND Almond Acres Initiative. This collaboration, aligned with our Almond Trail sustainability strategy, is driving innovative solutions and tangible impact across the almond supply chain in California, USA.   Over the past two years, we’ve worked together to: Reduce Water Use by up to 20%: transition to subsurface irrigation, alongside our Almond Trail efforts, is making a significant impact on water conservation in almond farming  Protect Pollinators: the introduction of AI-powered beehives reduced honeybee losses by up to 30%, while we continue to support pollinator health through our Bee Friendly certification  Enhance Biodiversity and Soil Health: This initiative champions regenerative practices like cover cropping to improve soil health, boost biodiversity, and create more resilient ecosystems. Support Carbon Reduction: We’re committed to reducing carbon emissions in almond farming, with a focus on sustainable practices that mitigate climate change.   Here's to continuing our journey together toward a greener future! Read more >>> https://lnkd.in/ecgabQsW

🌿 Seeking Support to Build an Agroecological Farm & Knowledge Hub in Spain 🌍 Dear friends, colleagues, and professional network, I am excited to share a dream I’ve been working towards for the past few years, there is a plan, but I need your help. The dream is as follows: establishing an agroecological farm in Spain that will serve as a knowledge hub for farmers, universities, municipalities, and local communities. The goal is to create a collaborative space where sustainable farming practices such as intercropping, agroforestry, and innovative water management can be tested, refined, and shared via a research approach. The farm will take a systems approach, not only focusing on improving crop yields but also addressing critical challenges like water scarcity, off-grid living, and sustainable production. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, I aim to create a model that inspires new solutions for regenerative agriculture. For more information about the project and about me, click on the link below. Here’s how you can get involved: 🔹 Funding – I’m raising funds to purchase the land and start building this vision https://gofund.me/5d5e65a8 🔹 Collaboration – If you’re involved in research, grant writing, or project development, I’d love to explore potential partnerships. Send me a message and we can schedule a call. 🔹 Volunteer Support – Help on the ground with land preparation, infrastructure development, or hands-on farming. Sustainable climate resilient farming solutions are becoming increasingly urgent, and I truly believe this project can make a significant impact. If you’re interested in collaborating or supporting this initiative, please feel free to reach out to discuss how we can work together! Thank you for considering this and being part of the journey toward a more sustainable future. #Sustainability #Agroecology #Collaboration #ResearchGrants #AgricultureInnovation #RegenerativeFarming #ClimateAction #Youngfarmer #Spain

🌱 Regenerative Agroforestry: A Solution to Quang Tri's Coffee Struggle 🌱 In Vietnam’s Quang Tri province, thousands of smallholder farmers depend on coffee for up to 73% of their income. Yet, with more than half of the farms suffering from degraded soils, farmers face declining yields, soil erosion, and increased vulnerability to climate impacts. In collaboration with WWF-Viet Nam and WWF Finland, Slow is driving a game-changing solution: regenerative agroforestry. By integrating trees into coffee farms, this approach revitalizes soils, boosts biodiversity, and helps protect against unpredictable climate challenges. Offering renewed hope for both farmers and the environment. 🌳☕️ Already, 356 smallholder farmers have embraced this transition, supported by training, financial backing, and strategic partnerships through the Danida Green Business Partnerships / Danida Market Development Partnerships (DGBP) under the Prosperous Farmers and Forests Partnership. The potential of this model to revolutionize coffee farming while safeguarding ecosystems is immense, not just in Vietnam, but globally. Let’s build a future where coffee production benefits both people and the planet! 🌍✨ #DGBP #Danida #dkaid #Sustainability #Agroforestry #Coffee #SustainableCoffee #CoffeeIndustry #ClimateAction #Biodiversity #GreenEconomy 🔗 Read the full article here https://lnkd.in/dbWEsRwk

HRH Prince William Visits Lower Blakemere Farm – A Royal Nod to Composting & Sustainability 👑🌱 It’s not every day you get to chat Bokashi and Worm Composting with a future King! Yesterday, we had the incredible honour of welcoming HRH Prince William to Lower Blakemere Farm, where we shared how these natural composting methods can slash food waste, boost soil health, and work at both a domestic and farm scale. 🪱✨ It was great to see his genuine interest in practical, low-waste solutions that can make a real difference, both in homes and on farms. Why Bokashi & Worm Composting? ✔ Bokashi composting – Ferments all food waste (even meat & dairy!) using beneficial microbes. No smell, no vermin—just nutrient-packed compost and liquid plant feed. 🌱 ✔ Worm composting – Nature’s ultimate recycling team. Worms break down waste into the best organic fertiliser out there, packed with beneficial microbes that improve soil health and water retention. 🪱 Both methods are hands-down the best way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich compost at home or on the farm. Whether you're a gardener looking for peat-free compost or a home cook who hates throwing away food scraps, these systems make sustainability simple. 🔗 Watch the moment Prince William got the full Wiggly experience! 👉 Instagram Reel https://lnkd.in/eeT3QnKY   🚜 Farm Shops & Garden Centres – We Need You! We’re the UK distributor for Bokashi composting kits and wormeries, and we don’t just sell them—we put together the complete kits right here on the farm and even make our own Bokashi Bran with EM1. That means we can support farm shops and garden centres with: ✅ Complete product solutions ✅ Great retail margins ✅ Full training & customer support 🌿 Farm Shops – Your customers care about food, so let’s help them cut waste and compost better! These kits should be right near the fresh veg section, where people are already thinking about sustainability. 🛒 Garden Centres – Veg growers and gardeners need top-quality compost. These kits should be inside, near the veg-growing section—not shoved outside with the bins! If you can show how easy it is to make amazing, peat-free compost at home, customers will have a real incentive to give it a go. Home composting is growing FAST, and the demand is there. If you're a farm shop or garden centre looking to help your customers reduce waste and improve soil, let’s chat! 📩 Drop me a message and please share this if appropriate. #RoyalVisit #BokashiComposting #WormFarming #SustainableGardening #ReduceWaste #GrowMore #FarmShopUK #GardenCentreRetail #FromOurFarmToYourFootprint