On the 9th episode of Petworking, we cover a topic that has the potential to drive profound reverberations across the pet food ecosystem, the human food ecosystem, and in the fight against climate change.

Regenerative agriculture is a system of farming principles and practices that seeks to rehabilitate and enhance the entire ecosystem of the farm by placing a heavy premium on soil health. It is a method of farming that "regenerates" the soil, improving its nutrient content and increasing its carbon capture potential.

I was fortunate enough to be joined by Tina Owens, Senior Fellow of Regenerative Agriculture at Green America to discuss regenerative agriculture, and why it is more than a sustainability buzzword.

Take a listen to the episode to hear Tina and I discuss:

Regenerative Agriculture and its Ties to Nutrient Density in Food

• The importance of soil health in determining the nutrient content of food
• Produce that is grown, and livestock that is raised, on regenerative soils, are 10-20 times more nutrient dense than their counterparts that are produced on "conventional" farmland

The Positive Health Effects of Eating a Nutrient-Dense Diet for Both Humans and Animals

• Nutrient deficiencies in food can lead to health issues such as obesity, as the body craves more food to compensate for the lack of essential nutrients
• Nutrient density, not calories, is the driver of satiety. Studies have shown that consumers of nutrient-dense diets were able to eat fewer calories and still feel full

Regenerative Agriculture's Potential to Contribute to Carbon Sequestration

• Livestock contributes approximately 14.5% of all human-induced GHG emissions
• "Conventional" agriculture degrades soil and eliminates methanotrophs that digest methane
• In the U.S., 30 million cattle are slaughtered on conventional farms each year, versus only 350,000 on grass-fed/regenerative farms
• The U.S. is the number-one country in terms of meat consumption in the world
• American dogs and cats are the 5th-largest consumers of meat in the world on a per-country-basis
• Roaming, grazing livestock on regenerative soils contribute to carbon sequestration

Despite all of the benefits outlined above, very few companies are marketing regenerative agriculture to the consumer, and outlining the connection between regenerative agriculture, and increased nutrient density, better health outcomes, and carbon sequestration.

Regenerative agriculture is still in its early stages. Several companies, like Cargill, Pepsi, and Nestle, have committed to implementing regenerative agriculture practices. Regenerative practices can be profitable for farmers and can contribute to the longevity of their farms.

However, ultimately, it will require demonstrated demand from the consumer to ensure that regenerative agriculture is adopted on a large scale.

Hopefully, after watching this episode, you'll find it in you to become an advocate for regenerative agriculture, for the good of human health, animal health, and the health of our planet.