Unit 7
Next Steps
Growing a new food system will take all of us. Luckily, there are many things we can each do today as eaters, advocates, or producers to help promote agriculture that is environmentally, economically, and socially regenerative.
Being a “Food Citizen”
Shopping wisely, forcing change.
Articles:
Become a Food Changemaker
“Learn about changes you can make that can help the entire food system no matter where you are.”
Source: Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture
Food Systems Transformation is Urgent
“The COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing climate emergency, and increasing hunger are inextricably linked to human-made, unsustainable food systems that degrade the environment and undermine human and animal health.”
Source: Global Alliance for the Future of Food
True Cost Accounting
“True Cost Accounting in food and agriculture is a currently evolving method for assessing the true costs and benefits of different food production systems with implications for everyone.”
Source: Sustainable Food Trust
True Cost Accounting
True Cost Accounting (TCA) makes the environmental impacts of agriculture visible and comparable.
Source: Soil and More
Books:
In Hungry, Eve Turow-Paul provides a guided tour through the stranger corners of today's global food and lifestyle culture and looks at the connections among top trends, the Digital Age, and human well-being.
Eve Turow Paul
Food Shopping
Using the ‘power of the purse’ to influence change.
Articles:
Food Labels Explained
“There are many different food labels that contain information about how food was grown or processed. However, some labels can be misleading.”
Source: Farm Aid
Our Grassfed Standards
“AGA Grassfed Standards for ruminant, pastured pork and dairy have been developed by a team of animal scientists, veterinarians, ranchers, and range management specialists.”
Source: American Grassfed
What is Regenerative Organic?
“Regenerative organic farming goes beyond sustainable. It steadily improves the health of the earth and everything that lives on it, including us.”
Source: Patagonia Provisions
What Do Cage-Free, Free-Range and Pasture-Raised Eggs Mean?
“Humane animal care in our food industry is an enormous challenge, and we believe that business-scale food providers -- like us -- can and should do a heck of a lot more to assure humane animal care when an animal is involved in the food you buy at the store.”
Source: Organic Valley
Framework for Regenerative Organic Certified
“As agricultural practices continue to evolve, it is imperative that approaches to land management and associated processes are focused on contributing to the health of ecosystems, including human communities.”
Source: Regenerative Organic Certified
Dig Deeper
So you want to know more? Get your hands dirty? Use the links below to peruse and sign up for classes or conferences focused on a regenerative future.
Webinars:
Rodale Institute
Webinars from Rodale Institute give you firsthand access to our staff and research, no matter where you’re located.
Courses
Foundation Courses
“This 3-step approach can be used to restore soil biology within a few months in most cases.”
Dr. Elaine’s Soil Food Web School
Training Programs
“Provides you with the integrated management tools that help you work with nature to develop a profitable business, reduce your stress, and increase land health and productivity.”
Holistic Management International
Kiss the Ground Courses
“e educate existing and emerging leaders about the solutions that lie within the soil and train them to be influential advocates in their homes, communities, and in their businesses”
Kiss the Ground
Rodale Courses
“Dig in to courses from the leaders of organic research from the comfort of your farm.”
Rodale Institute
MS in Regenerative Organic Agriculture
“Our newly offered MS in Regenerative Organic Agriculture (MS-ROA) highlights best industry practices to cultivate an ethical relationship with the world’s natural resources to support greater resiliency in our environment and economy.”
Maharishi International University
Conferences:
Grassfed Exchange
“The Grassfed Exchange Conference is a gathering of regenerative ranchers, dairymen, and sustainable food supporters from across the world who come together to network and exchange ideas. We desire to help producers and consumers grow in the knowledge of the grass-fed industry.”
Soil & Nutrition Conference
“Exploring principles, techniques and practices at the intersection of farm and human ecosystems that can be applied to improve environmental sustainability, food quality, and overall well-being.”
Quivira Coalition
“The Quivira Coalition builds soil, biodiversity, and resilience on western working landscapes. We foster ecological, economic, and social health through education, innovation, and collaboration.”
Other:
Full list of programs from Rodale Institute
“At Rodale Institute, we’re invested in giving new farmer trainees and advocates the tools they need to succeed. Join us for workshops, webinars, long-term training internships, and other opportunities to learn with our expert staff.”
