Debunking Myths around Regen: Regenerative is all about Carbon Sequestration

Cotton Diaries is a a global community of people passionate about cotton and committed to making cotton systems more resilient and just. This article is written by Ani Wells, Founder of Simply Suzette that aims to democratize access to information on best practices in apparel production, usually hidden in the supply chain with technical jargon or paywalls, as well as amplify the voices of the unsung hero’s in our industry through digestible content.

When we hear the term "regenerative," many of us immediately think of carbon sequestration. But, regenerative does not equate to carbon sequestration. It means so much more than that. It’s like when people assume my role as a communications director is solely about marketing, yet my comms colleagues know it involves a vast array of strategic, creative, and relational facets beyond mere promotion. Regenerative agriculture, much like the diverse world of communications, offers so much more than one might initially believe. It nurtures ecosystems, enhances soil health, bolsters food security, and fosters local biodiversity.

This blog post kicks off an exciting collaborative series between Materra and Cotton Diaries aimed at debunking misconceptions surrounding regenerative agriculture. In this inaugural article, we dive into the broader impact of regenerative agriculture, unveiling stories from the ground for a look into its transformative potential, and how we can support this vital movement.

What is Regenerative?

Materra defines regenerative agriculture as a system of principles and farming practices rooted in a relational rather than extractive way of viewing the land and farmers. It enhances the vitality of the whole farm ecosystem, building its capacity to evolve, renew, and to regenerate the resources it needs to thrive and restore what has been degraded.

What is Carbon Sequestration?

At its core, carbon sequestration in agriculture is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide in soils and plant biomass through photosynthesis, and a focus on long-term storage in soil organic carbon. Photosynthesis is only part of the journey: it draws down CO2, but storage occurs in healthy, (relatively) undisturbed soils.

Carbon sequestration is a critical function of natural and agricultural landscapes, reducing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere, however, the captured carbon is not permanent and can be reversed without ongoing management. That’s why enhanced soil health and increased organic matter, a potential benefit of regenerative agriculture, are so important for ongoing management and why regenerative agriculture means so much more than carbon sequestration.

The Link Between Carbon Sequestration and Regenerative Agriculture

Carbon sequestration is often the headline because it’s quantifiable and directly tied to climate change mitigation.  For those who love numbers, the inability to measure certain benefits can be uncomfortable, especially as reporting measures increasingly demand climate data. Regenerative agriculture gets narrowly defined by this aspect because of the urgency to address global warming, as well as communicate how one is addressing it. But focusing exclusively on carbon capture is like going to a concert and wearing earplugs–you miss out on the full experience. 

Practices Beyond Carbon Capture

Regenerative practices encompass much more, aiming to restore and enhance the entire ecosystem. Techniques like crop rotation, no-till farming, and cover cropping can enhance the soil's ability to sequester carbon, but they will also improve soil health, boost food security, and enhance local biodiversity. However, these practices shouldn't be treated as a checklist; a holistic approach is essential because it's the dynamic mutualistic relationships among different practices and elements in the system that together make the difference.

Materra’s new article on regenerative practices offers a deep dive into these techniques, showcasing the breadth and depth of regenerative agriculture and we encourage you to dive deep into these different approaches here.

The Broader Impact of Regenerative Practices

Consider the practice of mutirão, a communal effort where neighbours come together to work on each other's land, sharing labour and resources seen in cultures from Brazil to Burkina Faso. When one farmer uses agroecology or regenerative principles, he shares this knowledge with his community, allowing everyone to implement these techniques. For example, farmers might organize to plant or harvest crops collectively, ensuring the efficient and timely completion of tasks. This not only strengthens the community bonds but also allows for the exchange of farming techniques, enhancing community resilience and prosperity. 

Initially unaware of the vibrant life within the soil, Materra Master Farmer, Ghanshyam Bhai, discovered the magic of Navjeevan Kheti (regenerative farming in Hindi) and began nurturing the soil's organisms. This transformation reduced his farming costs, increased his income, and allowed him to provide a better life for his family. Meeting Materra opened his eyes to the beauty of regenerative farming and the importance of healthy soil. Inspired, his entire community followed his lead, embracing chemical-free farming and creating their own natural inputs. Now, they grow essential food grains and vegetables at home, reducing costs and increasing yields, all while enriching the earth.

We could also look at agroforestry, another practice under the umbrella of regenerative practices, that involves planting woody plants among other crops, offering significant benefits such as increased farmer revenues due to farmers having additional products to sell. These practices not only rebuild soil fertility but lead to improving crop yields and resilience, which in turn can lead to better food security and economic stability for local communities.

Looking Beyond Certifications and Labels

It's essential to look past certifications and labels. While they provide a starting point, the true beauty of regenerative practices lies in their complexity and interconnectedness. Solutions are very much locally determined and there is no universal toolbox. It's about understanding and appreciating the myriad of benefits that regenerative practices offer rather than only searching for data. You can’t see the vitality and symbiotic relationships that begin in the soil and extend to the cotton plant.

During a panel discussion at the Global Fashion Summit just a couple of months ago, Materra alongside v.H. Mohair talked about how some practices are engaged in an almost spiritual way.  There is no certification or piece of data that can show you that without you visiting and spending time with farmers.

Our manifesto at Cotton Diaries has always emphasized that certification is just a starting point. Fashion brands must advance from standards that address generic problems to meaningful due diligence that seeks out specific issues.