Digging Up Dirt: Who Is The Next Generation Of Farming?

Hands up if you’re planning a garden for the 2020 growing season! With all this uncertainty it just seems like the thing to do! Our Ancestors knew how important this was! One missed crop would’ve meant starvation! The modern practice of farming has had some serious side effects. But, Farmers can be the next generation of Earth healers! According to regenorganic.org digging up dirt with Regenerative farming can create long term solutions to the biggest issues of our time!

Regenerative land management is the next generation of farming! Food shortages happen throughout time. But in the last 120 years, farming has really changed. Exposing nature to pesticides, insecticides, water overuse, and synthetic chemicals. It has had some serious side effects causing the climate to change.

There are three farming practices currently used today. First, Monoculture farming the most popular technique. Next Organic farming has won the hearts of the health-conscious. Then Regenerative farming! The latter is otherwise known as traditional farming. It is a time-honored tradition passed down from generation to generation. Its reemergence has made its way back into modern farming. Hopefully, it will illuminate the path towards change! It will show us Agriculture can fight climate change.

Digging up the dirt to grow food was something our Grandparents did in the backyard every year. They did it because they knew not to rely solely on the market. The problem they faced was a lack of steady food supply. The war was beginning, food was in demand and the stock market was in turmoil. One of the things the Great Depression taught homemakers was to stretch out their meals. They rationed food like meat, coffee, fish, butter, and eggs. The government rationed to prevent hoarding, stabilize the economy, and prepare for the war effort.

This is the biggest reason why 120 years ago Monoculture farming became common. The government urged Farmers to supply more food and gave them a new means to do so. The green revolution initiative coincided giving farmers high yielding grains. Chemical fertilizers and agrochemicals allowed them to grow more food. The demand for food in Europe grew rapidly. So did farmer’s profits because prices were high and food scarce.

The popularity of Monoculture farming grew because it’s efficient. Farmers incorporated mono-techniques so they could plant, treat, and harvest plants faster. Plus, greater crop yield needed less land. But, there are many indicators that show nature has suffered from it. The mono-crops themselves are more susceptible to disease and pests. Every year the depletion of soil occurs because the same crop needs the same nutrients. The United Nations says three-quarters of the world’s soil is dead! We need more people to take care of the soil instead of using it. Short term, cash crops are not the answer in the fight for climate change.

The USA alone uses one billion pounds of pesticides a year. The fertilizers have caused dead oceanic zones all over the world. Scientists estimate there are 500 sites that suffer from Oxygen deprivation. Sea creatures cannot survive in these areas and people rely on the Oceans for food. But farmers are in a cycle where they’ve become dependant on synthetic chemicals. All the while the land and sea which was once rich and productive become lifeless.

Farmers are good people trying their best to feed the world. These people are more important than Doctors. Understandably it’s because we rely on them every single day! There is a list of pressures a mile-long contributing to the ongoing environmental issues. The depletion of vital topsoil, beneficial organisms, and nutrients happens. But it can’t continue on because it takes the Earth 500 years to produce just one inch of topsoil! Although topsoil has eroded and depleted it’s not damaged beyond repair! A new generation of farmers is on its way. They will be digging up the dirt to fight climate change soon!

Some Farmers say they can restore the land but it heals quickly. There was an environmental movement that kick-started the next wave of farming. It came when shoppers wanted food without chemicals. Organic farming became a thing when people became aware of its health benefits. In 1962 Rachel Carson wrote a book that placed a spotlight on monoculture farming. She warned that Pesticides and Insecticides have caused serious side effects.

Organic farming is better for the environment. This practice simply replaces chemical inputs with natural inputs. Therefore farmers don’t use synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or insecticides. Soil biodiversity is abundant because composting creates healthy and fertile soil. However, Organic farms can still have the same monoculture principles.

There is a key difference between Organic farming and Regenerative farming. Regenerative farming focuses on the environment, improving wildlife habitats and the biological rejuvenation of the soil. Moreover, the techniques work with nature finding a balance within the ecosystem.

This practice of rejuvenation requires less water and produces higher yields during droughts. Healthy soils actually sequester a lot of CO2. The cover crops increase photosynthesis which pushes CO2 into the ground. Since herbivores like sheep are used for grazing there is no need to till the land. Therefore trapping the CO2 in the ground.

Many now know that Regenerative farming is the only way people should be fed. I’m being optimistic and hopeful for many reasons. If you haven’t watched the Biggest Little Farm Documentary you should! This documentary shows us more traditional farms will change Habitats. Agriculture can fight climate change! We need millions or perhaps a billion farms like this one. See how their implementation will shape our world for the better.

Climate change is a natural global phenomenon that has happened over time. This is part of the reason as to why there are climate deniers. It’s also the reason why so many believe that their actions are of little consequence. It’s an excuse to not take action at all! Why bother putting thought, time, and energy into it.

Science continues to analyze the levels of CO2 today and they’re at unprecedented levels! It’s caused by the residential, industrial, and agricultural sectors. Among other factors, food production contributes to the extinction of species. Livestock and farming use close to 30% of the world’s most habitable land.

Current Farming practices cannot work in harmony with nature killing wild populations. Furthermore, food production uses 70% of our precious water. With limited habitable land and essential resources can population increase?

The rate of global births is estimated to be 81 million people a year. The experts estimate the population to rise to 9.8 billion by 2050. How are we going to support an extra 2 billion people?

A global switch to regenerative farming could sequester enough emissions. Slowing then reversing the global warming trend. It will work in harmony with nature and create animal habitats. More people need access to support from governments for Regenerative farm startups.

After all, the rate of global births is estimated to be 81 million people a year. Thus we will have to share the planet with 9.8 billion by 2050. How well can an extra 2 billion people live?

Both technology and chemicals haven’t given us a solution. The unsustainable reliance on chemical fertilizers and insecticides has allowed us to temporarily feed a lot of people. But, it has come at a cost poisoning the air, land, and sea.

A good place to start when digging up dirt would be to build your own compost container. Composting is a good way to build up your vegetable garden with nutrients. It’s also a small gesture in an effort to give back to the planet. These same nutrients were available when the farmer grew our food. Support your local organic farm! Maybe there’s a Farmer near you attempting to farm using regenerative techniques. Find out who to support for your health and the health of your family.

Canadians consume 1.5 million barrels of oil a day! It gives us things such as heating, cooling, of our homes, and transportation. It underpins our economy and the lifestyle we love so much. Consequently, if oil disappeared tomorrow the impact on our reality would devastate our existence. Could you imagine a world without Oil? Find out how you can reduce your carbon footprint

It’s time to take a more holistic approach and start inventing new ways to replace synthetic chemicals and materials with natural alternatives. Communities around the world have an opportunity to harvest Planet, People Products. Support small organizations that are working to support these small villages, local artisans, and grass-root organizations. Do you want to make a difference in someone’s life in a meaningful way? Buy products from small companies working with villagers. These Seagrass market bags are a good way to support artisans in Vietnam. It’s our pledge to work together to create a more natural, healthy, and Eco-friendly planet.