Fashion and regenerative agriculture

Investing in regenerative agriculture is the latest trend in fashion.

What distinguishes regenerative agriculture from more traditional organic agriculture?

 

The transformative approach of regenerative agriculture aims not only to mitigate the negative impacts, as organic agriculture does, but holds the promise of contributing to restoring soil health, increasing biodiversity, and reducing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. In short, it is about mending, repairing, and reviving, more than just minimizing the damage.

Five fundamental principles lie at the core of regenerative agriculture.

 

Nurture soil health. Healthy soil is the foundation for productive and resilient ecosystems. Practices and techniques such as minimal tillage and the enhancement of microbial biomass and organic components in the soil contribute to improved soil structure, water retention, and nutrient cycling. Regenerative agriculture cultivates a mutually beneficial bond between plants and soil microorganisms.

 

Preserve or increase biodiversity. Biodiversity is essential in upholding the balance of ecosystems. Through the introduction of diverse crops and the integration of native plants, farmers establish a more resilient and adaptable agricultural system. Biodiversity serves as a natural mechanism for pest and disease control, promotes effective pollination and contributes to the overall stability of the ecosystem.

 

Manage water sustainably. Rainwater harvesting, contour plowing and the use of cover crops help reduce water runoff, improve water infiltration, and enhance the overall water-holding capacity of the soil. By optimizing water use, regenerative agriculture contributes to watershed health and mitigates the impact of droughts and floods.

 

Carbon farming. Healthy soils function as carbon sinks, capturing and retaining carbon. Cover cropping, agroforestry, and rotational grazing are practices that enhance CO2 sequestration.

 

Animal Integration into regenerative agriculture. Rotational grazing proves advantageous for both the environment and animals. It facilitates the natural rejuvenation of pastures, mitigates overgrazing and enhances soil health. The mutualistic bond between plants and animals improves nutrient cycling, promoting overall resilience in the ecosystem.

 

As many textiles originate from plants, regenerative agriculture is emerging as a prominent term in discussions about sustainable fashion. Fashion brands like Kering’s Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, and Alexander McQueen as well as Patagonia and The North Face are turning to regenerative sourcing. 

 

However, the connection between regenerative agriculture and fashion is not free from controversies. These focus on the lack of universally agreed definitions and standards for regenerative agriculture, the lack of guidelines for certification or verification of brand claims, the scalability and the overall impact of regenerative agriculture on the fashion industry. Moreover, critics contend that without transparent and traceable supply chains, it is challenging to verify whether the materials labeled as regeneratively produced truly meet the specified standards. Last but not least, transitioning to regenerative agriculture requires substantial changes in farming practices, which can be challenging and costly.

 

The emergence of the “regenerative agriculture” concept has made the word “sustainable” look like a dinosaur now. The new catchphrase is “We don’t need to be sustainable, we need to be regenerative”. 

As Eileen Fisher told Vogue: “Rather than just pollute less or do less harm, we can actually kind of revive the earth through the process of making clothes”.