Tilling, or plowing the soil in preparation for planting, can fracture the life and structure of the soil. The adoption of low- or no-till practices can build up soil that reduces erosion, absorbs more water, and increases soil fertility.
Cultivating Regeneration.
Regenerative agriculture is an approach to managing land that seeks to preserve, restore and regenerate the health of the soil and the ecosystem around it. It is a holistic, nature-forward approach that works with earth’s natural cycles, in harmony with nature.
The need for regeneration
The need for regeneration
In the face of a changing climate, continued degradation of the world’s farmland, evidence of nutrient deficiencies in our foods (including what we feed our pets), the loss of biodiversity, and so much more, there’s a need to return to a way of farming that works with nature instead of against it. Regenerative agriculture has the potential to:
- Revive the natural environment, including improving soil health, reducing emissions and sequestering carbon in the soil, protecting and restoring our water, and so much more.
- Embrace and support biodiversity throughout the ecosystem from the microbes in the soil to the insects, plants, and animals living on the land.
- Improve the quality and nutrient density of the foods produced and reduce reliance on fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides used to grow crops.
- Raise animals in an environment that enables them to express their natural behaviours, consume a rich, diverse diet, and contribute to the overall health of the soils through grazing, trampling, and the addition of natural fertilizer.
Open Farm’s Commitment
Open Farm’s Commitment
Through our mission to Do Some Good®, we have committed to advancing regenerative practices across one million acres of farmland by 2030. With a foundation in driving positive outcomes across the ecosystem, regenerative agriculture sits at the very intersection of everything that Open Farm values:
- Bringing the highest quality nutrition to your pets
- Raising the bar for animal welfare in our supply chain
- Fostering a deep dedication to sustainability
The key principles of regenerative agriculture
Minimizing disturbance of the soil
Preserving living roots in the soil
Living roots play a critical role in maintaining the structure of soil and preventing erosion, enabling plants to tap into underground water reserves and bring them to the surface. This can help plants and the broader ecosystem be more resilient in the face of drought, extreme rainfall, extremes temperatures, etc. They also serve as routes for plants to exchange key nutrients with the soil microbiome.
Maintaining soil armor
Soil is teeming with life – by keeping soil covered with organic matter (e.g., growing cover crops, mulching, etc.) – farmers can protect soil from erosion and runoff, regulate the temperature of the soil throughout the year, and keep more moisture in the ground.
Integrating livestock
Animals play a critical role in a regenerative system that seeks to mimic nature. Through their natural interaction with the land, they help to stimulate the growth and strength of the plants that they graze, and they naturally fertilize the soil through their urine and manure.
Reducing inputs
By improving the soil's health and fertility, farmers can reduce (and sometimes eliminate) their reliance on fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. Healthy soil is also better at absorbing and retaining water, reducing the reliance on irrigation. Overall, these can reduce costs for farmers and contribute to improved soil health and cleaner ingredients.
Our journey
Our journey
At Open Farm, we go to the ends of the earth to find the highest quality ingredients for your pets. That means we partner with some of the best farmers and ranchers in the world, many of whom are already embracing the principles of regenerative agriculture and animal welfare. On our journey to advance the transition to regenerative land management, we will:
- Continue to partner with farms and ranches at the leading edge and build the market for regeneratively grown goods
- Empower farmers and ranchers in our current farm network to continue their progress
- Support organizations that are driving advances in regenerative agriculture and providing direct support to growers beyond our own supply chain
- Use our voice to drive the market for regeneratively grown goods
