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Regenerative Consumer resources
What’s “regenerative”?
- re-creating or re-forming something
- renewal, rejuvenation, revival
- renewal or restoration of a body, bodily part, or biological system (such as a forest)
Why is Regenerative better than Organic?
We’ve come to think of organically grown food as the best for both people and the planet. So many of us are surprised to learn that we can—and should—set the bar even higher. There’s no doubt that not using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides—which the organic certification does indicate—is a good thing. But the absence of chemicals alone does not guarantee that the farmer is improving the soil health, and therefore storing carbon in the soil, and therefore helping to stabilize the climate. There’s nothing inherent in the USDA Organic standards that requires soil regeneration.Read moreOrganic is better than conventional. But if you want your food (and clothing) to have a positive impact on the climate, look for regenerative.
Is there a “regenerative” or “carbon farmed” certification?
This has been a hot topic within the regenerative movement for a while. In September 2017, Rodale Institute revealed the draft standards for a new Regenerative Organic Certification, a cooperative effort among a coalition of farmers, ranchers, nonprofits, scientists and brands. When finalized, the new certification will go “beyond organic” in that it requires evidence of soil health, fair working conditions for farmers and farm workers, and animal health. It will help you, as the consumer, to make the best choices possible when buying food.I’m having a hard time finding regeneratively produced goods
Regeneration is still a new frontier. The farms that have transitioned to regenerative growing practices, and the companies and brands that have committed themselves to regenerative supply chains, are a small minority. They are the early and courageous adopters — and so are you, to be even thinking about this! The available selection of goods that are verifiably produced according to these very high standards of regenerative and climate-beneficial is small. It’s important to acknowledge that for quite some time, it won’t be possible to become 100% climate-beneficial in our purchasing choices. Read more- Check out the “Cool Companies” list below
- Read our post “Going Shopping at the Carbon Farmers’ Market”
- Download the Regenerative Consumer Toolkit
Cool companies
A dynamic list of companies and producers that either already have regenerative supply chains and networks, or have committed to the goal of regenerative sourcing. These are the climate heroes of their respective industries, and deserve your support.
Patagonia Provisions | EPIC bars | Tanka bars | Wild Idea Buffalo | Nova Chocolate | Cholaca | Cacoco | LUSH Cosmetics | Nutiva Organics | Dr. Bronner’s | Organic India | Cooperative Coffees | Full Circle Wool | Philosopher’s Stoneground Nut Butters
If you know of a company or brand that deserves to be listed here but isn’t yet, let us know. To maintain its 100% integrity, Project Grounded receives no compensation from any company mentioned here. We are advertising and affiliate-link free.
Regenerative Farmer resources

A Sample Carbon Farm Plan
Project Grounded offers carbon farm planning, design, and consultation services for farms in the United States. A Carbon Farm Plan is a comprehensive assessment and planning process that takes into account a farm’s operations, objectives, and landscape, as well as site-specific factors that influence the choice of carbon farming strategies. To see a sample Carbon Farm Plan prepared by Project Grounded staff, click here. Depending on your state, your local Resource Conservation District or NRCS office may also provide assistance in planning for your farm’s regenerative future.
Regenerative Farmers: Get on Project Grounded’s Carbon Farm Map!
A beta version of Project Grounded’s Carbon Farm Map is up! We’re steadily researching and adding new farms and ranches and are working towards a more user-friendly, searchable map. If your farm, or a farm that you know, meets the criteria below and is interested in being included, please contact us. Getting listed on the Map is free, and will be a huge service for those consumers who are looking for beyond-organic, regeneratively produced food. Criteria- increase in percentage of soil organic matter (and/or inches of topsoil)
- improved soil health (structure, water infiltration times, etc.) or ecosystem health
- an existing Carbon Farm Plan and proof of implementation underway
- established one or more of the regenerative farming practices listed here
Regenerative Agriculture FAQ


- minimal tilling of the soil, or not tilling at all
- refraining from using chemical fertilizers and instead increasing fertility through cover crops, crop rotations, compost, and animal manures
- well-managed animal grazing systems
- agroforestry, where trees and shrubs are deliberately integrated with crops and livestock

- Yes, livestock as it is currently managed within the conventional food system is a major contributor to a number of environmental problems.
- Yes, livestock systems can contribute to desertification if they are not managed properly.
- Yes, livestock—particularly ruminants such as cattle, sheep, and goats—is a major source of methane (a potent greenhouse gas), even the grass-fed ones.
- Yes, we would all do well to follow Michael Pollan’s famous food rule “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.”

- herbivores’ hooves break the soil cap, allowing better water infiltration and seed-to-soil contact
- the herd effect provides a positive form of disturbance to the land
- the animals’ manure provides important nutrients for both plants and the soil
- grazing stimulates plant growth, which in turn means that they develop more robust root systems
- in a planned grazing system, the pasture gets a long interval of rest, which also increases plant biomass and vigor
