The global food system is one of the leading drivers of climate change, contributing a staggering 23–42% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. One hotly debated question in this arena is whether organic foods really do produce fewer emissions compared to their conventional counterparts. According to a systematic review of studies on agricultural carbon emissions, organic foods emit about 12% less GHG than conventional ones [1]. But the devil’s in the details—these reductions can vary significantly depending on the type of food and where it’s grown. For instance, organic citrus fruits in Spain were found to emit 44% less CO2 equivalents (CO2e) per kilogram of produce, while organic rice actually produced 59% more CO2e than its conventionally farmed counterpart [2] [3]. Another study revealed that if all conventional farming in England and Wales switched to organic methods, overall GHG emissions might actually rise. This is due to lower yields from organic farming, leading to a greater reliance on food imports, which ramps up emissions. Plus, the lower productivity of organic farming means less land is left for regenerative uses like forests, which act as crucial carbon sinks [4].
So, is there a farming method that can really make a difference?
Let’s turn to Regenerative Farming, our most promising approach. This approach focuses on rejuvenating soil health, boosting biodiversity, and improving ecosystem functionality through practices like crop rotation, cover cropping, reduced tillage, and integrating livestock. These methods enhance the soil’s ability to store carbon, thereby reducing GHG emissions. “We are literally standing on the largest and most potent carbon capture storage of the planet,” says Professor Orsolya Valkó, an expert in regenerative farming. “Field tests show just how effective soil can be at storing carbon. If we want to preserve biodiversity, increase food production, and combat climate change simultaneously, regenerative agriculture is our only option!” [5].
But wait, doesn’t building up soil carbon require a ton of nitrogen in the form of fertilizer? While it’s true that boosting soil carbon involves increasing organically-bound nitrogen (roughly 11 parts carbon to 1 part nitrogen), this doesn’t necessarily mean we need to ramp up synthetic nitrogen fertilizer production, as some might suggest. In fact, in many industrialized farming regions, there’s already an excess of nitrogen. Cover crops, one of the key components of regenerative farming, help capture this nitrogen, preventing it from polluting waterways or escaping as harmful gases.
So, how much carbon dioxide can regenerative agriculture actually remove? Understanding the potential of this and other climate solutions is critical. Although the science of soil carbon sequestration is rapidly evolving, we already have a good sense of its potential. A comprehensive meta-analysis titled “Contributions of the land sector to a 1.5°C world” [6] estimates that cropland sequestration could globally remove about 1.5 GtCO2 per year, or roughly 55 GtCO2 over a 35-40 year period [7]. That’s more CO2 than the entire world currently produces annually, marking a significant stride towards achieving net-zero emissions.
Okay, so regenerative farming sounds like a game-changer—but what can you do on a personal level to contribute to this movement? You have the power to make a tangible impact on our planet’s health by supporting regenerative agriculture. Start by choosing to buy from local farmers who practice sustainable farming techniques like crop rotation and cover cropping. Cut down on food waste—every bit saved eases the pressure on our agricultural systems. Educate yourself and others, and push for policies that support these essential farming methods—your voice can spark meaningful change. Even better, get your hands dirty and start a regenerative garden at home. Each action you take helps heal the land and secures a healthier future for everyone.
1. Chiriacò, M. V., Castaldi, S. & Valentini, R. Determining organic versus conventional food emissions to foster the transition to sustainable food systems and diets: Insights from a systematic review. Journal of Cleaner Production 380, 134937 (2022).
2. Aguilera, E., Guzmán, G. & Alonso, A. Greenhouse gas emissions from conventional and organic cropping systems in Spain. I. Herbaceous crops. Agronomy for Sustainable Development vol. 35 713–724 (2014).
3. Aguilera, E., Guzmán, G. & Alonso, A. Greenhouse gas emissions from conventional and organic cropping systems in Spain. II. Fruit tree orchards. Agronomy for Sustainable Development vol. 35 725–737 (2014).
4. Smith, L. G., Kirk, G. J. D., Jones, P. J. & Williams, A. G. The greenhouse gas impacts of converting food production in England and Wales to organic methods. Nat Commun 10, (2019).
5. Regenerative agriculture: Healthy Soil Best Bet for Carbon Storage (2022) EASAC. Available at: https://easac.eu/news/details/regenerative-agriculture-healthy-soil-best-bet-for-carbon-storage (Accessed: 31 August 2024).
6. Roe, S. et al. (2019). Contribution of the land sector to a 1.5 °C world. Nature Climate Change. 9, pp. 817–828.
7. Lorenz, K. & Lal, R. (2018). Carbon Sequestration in Agricultural Ecosystems. Springer Nature.
