Regenerative Agriculture
Summary
Australian agricultural systems and landscapes face several challenges due to pressure on soil and landscape health, farm profitability and increasing climate variability. There is also an increasing interest and emphasis on not only providing agricultural commodities, but increasing the delivery of environmental benefits for the broader community. Regenerative agriculture is one potential solution to many of the challenges.
At NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI), we support the adoption of farming systems that are profitable, sustainable and that enhance soil and landscape condition. Regenerative agriculture is one approach that can help farmers and communities achieve these goals. NSW DPI recognises the strong interest in regenerative agriculture from our stakeholders.
What is regenerative agriculture?
Regenerative agriculture can be challenging to define, hence there are numerous definitions. Fundamentally regenerative agriculture focuses on implementing a diverse range of approaches that sustain financially viable farming enterprises, restore and enhance ecosystem function on farms and landscapes and help farmers achieve their social and lifestyle objectives.
The role of NSW DPI
NSW DPI seeks to support adoption of farming systems that are profitable, resilient, sustainable and that enhance soil and landscape condition. NSW DPI has world class knowledge in many aspects of primary production. Examples of topics where NSW DPI has expertise or current investments include:
- soil carbon and soil health
- grazing management
- climate and weather
- soil biology
At NSW DPI, we are passionate about the future, farms, landscapes, people and livelihoods of our regional communities. We are working to bring our people and resources together with our farming communities to explore, develop and understand more about regenerative agriculture.
Key contacts
Warwick Dougherty, Director, Soil and Water Research & Development
Warwick.dougherty@dpi.nsw.gov.au
Mark Evans, Director, Pastures Research & Development
mark.evans@dpi.nsw.gov.au
