The soil is a living and dynamic ecosystem that is vital to the health and well-being of both people and the planet. However, the soil in North America has been degraded and depleted by decades of industrial agriculture practices, such as excessive use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, monoculture cropping, and heavy tillage. This has had a profound impact on the health of the environment, as well as the health of the people who rely on the food that is grown in this soil. Our healing in North America begins in the soil, and it is time to prioritize the regeneration and restoration of our soil ecosystems.

Regenerative agriculture is an approach to farming that seeks to restore the health and resilience of the soil by promoting biodiversity, reducing tillage, and minimizing the use of synthetic inputs. This approach to agriculture has been shown to have numerous benefits, including improved soil health, increased biodiversity, and increased yields over time.

By regenerating the soil, we can improve the nutritional quality of our food, reduce the need for synthetic inputs, and increase the resilience of our food system to climate change. Regenerative agriculture also has the potential to sequester carbon in the soil, which can help to mitigate climate change.

In addition to the ecological benefits of regenerative agriculture, this approach to farming can also help to build stronger and more resilient communities. Regenerative agriculture can create opportunities for small-scale farmers and promote local food systems, which can support local economies and provide better access to fresh and healthy food.

However, the transition to regenerative agriculture will require significant changes to the way that we currently farm. This will involve shifting away from monoculture cropping, reducing the use of synthetic inputs, and implementing practices that promote soil health, such as cover cropping, crop rotation, and reduced tillage.

In order to support this transition, it is important to invest in research, education, and policy that supports regenerative agriculture. This includes funding for research into the best practices for regenerative agriculture, as well as educational programs to train farmers in these practices. Additionally, policies that incentivize regenerative agriculture and promote local food systems can help to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable and resilient food system.

The health and well-being of both people and the planet are deeply interconnected with the health of the soil. Our healing in North America begins in the soil, and it is time to prioritize the regeneration and restoration of our soil ecosystems. Through the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices, we can improve the health of our soil, increase the resilience of our food system, and build stronger and more resilient communities.