Let’s face it: we all want a healthier planet. And when it comes to food production, regenerative agriculture is one of the most promising ways to get there.

It builds soil. It stores carbon. It boosts biodiversity. It can even make farms more resilient to extreme weather.

So why isn’t everyone doing it yet?

Despite the growing buzz and real success stories, the adoption of regenerative agriculture is moving slower than many had hoped. Scaling it up isn’t just about spreading good ideas—it’s about addressing the gaps that are still holding farmers back.

Let’s dig into the three key ingredients that are still missing from the recipe for wide-scale regenerative farming.

Rethinking Technical Advice in Regenerative Agriculture

First things first—most farmers aren’t getting the support they actually need to make the leap.

Sure, they hear the benefits of regenerative practices. But many are also hearing conflicting messages from different sources: agronomists, cooperatives, input suppliers, and policy advisors. It’s no wonder there’s confusion.

“Farmers are bombarded with advice, but they still don’t know who to trust,” says Regeneration International, a nonprofit supporting global regenerative movements.

The truth is, farmers trust people they know, like their local co-op or a neighbor who’s been farming for decades. To really scale regenerative agriculture, we need to:

• Train trusted advisors to offer regenerative insights
• Encourage farmers to do a conservation review of their land (check out NRCS’s Conservation Planning)
• Make data from pilot projects more accessible so farmers can learn from real-world success

When farmers can see the results for themselves, the shift becomes a lot less intimidating.

Establishing Shared Standards for Regenerative Agriculture

Here’s the thing: many farmers want to switch—but the information is just too overwhelming. With so many programs, certifications, and definitions of “regenerative,” it’s hard to know where to start.

For example, how do you measure success?

Some groups track soil organic matter, while others focus on carbon credits, and some even sell ecosystem services. While organizations like Kiss the Ground and the Rodale Institute are doing great work to raise awareness, we still lack a universal playbook.

To simplify things, the industry needs:

• Clear guidelines for soil testing and carbon tracking
• Easier access to credit markets for verified practices (like Indigo Ag’s carbon marketplace)
• A unified definition of regenerative farming, possibly along the lines of this Regen Ag Framework

Standardization doesn’t have to be rigid. But a little more clarity could go a long way in building farmer confidence—and speeding up adoption.

Promoting Crop Diversification in Regenerative Agriculture

When people talk about regenerative farming, they often focus on things like cover crops, no-till, and carbon sequestration. But one thing that doesn’t get nearly enough airtime?

Crop diversification.

Why does it matter?

Because planting the same two crops—say, corn and soybeans—year after year depletes soil and locks farmers into a system that’s vulnerable to market swings. Many farmers are now asking: what if I could grow food for people, not just feed for livestock?

That’s where diversification comes in.

Transitioning to human-grade crops, integrating livestock, or even adopting agroforestry can boost soil health and income.

Don’t take our word for it. Farmers like Gabe Brown have shown that diverse, regenerative systems not only work—they’re profitable.

The challenge? Finding the market connections and infrastructure to support this shift.

But with support from organizations like Savory Institute and Ecolonomics, those barriers are starting to fall.

Summary – What Needs to Change?

To truly scale regenerative agriculture, we have to:

1. Rethink technical advice – and meet farmers where they are
2. Create shared standards – so it’s easier to navigate the journey
3. Support diversification – even if the environmental benefits are less immediate

It’s not just about soil. It’s about systems, relationships, and mindset shifts.

Ready to Get Involved?

If you’re a farmer, policymaker, or entrepreneur interested in regenerative agriculture, now is the time to act.

Visit Ecolonomics.org to learn from expert farmers, explore pilot programs, and get personalized guidance for starting or scaling your regenerative journey.

Together, we can make farming more profitable, more sustainable, and better for future generations.

Quick Takeaways

• Focus keyword: Scaling regenerative agriculture
• Meta description: Discover the 3 missing ingredients holding back regenerative agriculture—and how to fix them for a healthier, more sustainable food system.
• Recommended resources:
  • USDA NRCS Conservation Planning
  • Kiss the Ground
  • Rodale Institute
  • Indigo Ag Carbon Program
  • Gabe Brown on Regenerative Farming

References & Related Articles:

1. Harnessing the Power of Indigenous Knowledge in Regenerative Agriculture
2. How Regenerative Agriculture Contributes to Water Conservation and Management
3. Rodale Institute – Regenerative Agriculture Definition
   https://rodaleinstitute.org
4. USDA NRCS – Conservation Planning
   https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/conservation-by-topic/conservation-planning
5. Regeneration International – Farmer Training Programs
   https://regenerationinternational.org
6. Indigo Ag – Carbon Credit Marketplace
   https://www.indigoag.com/carbon
7. Kiss the Ground – Introduction to Regenerative Agriculture
   https://kisstheground.com/what-is-regenerative-agriculture/
8. Savory Institute – Holistic Management & Land to Market
   https://savory.global
9. Green America – Regenerative Agriculture 101
   https://www.greenamerica.org/green-living/regenerative-agriculture-101
10. NRCS Success Story: Gabe Brown’s Regenerative Farm
    https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/news/farmer-leads-the-way-in-regenerative-agriculture
11. World Wildlife Fund – Sustainable Agriculture Resources
    https://www.worldwildlife.org/initiatives/sustainable-agriculture