The article titled “Regenerative agriculture: A new chapter in EU green farming policy", released on 20 August 2025, highlights the European Economic and Social Committee’s recognition of regenerative agriculture as a key pillar for the EU’s transition to sustainable food systems. 

The article further stresses the importance of policy integration, support mechanisms, and market development. Regenerative principles should be embedded in the post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy, the EU Soil Health and Nature Restoration laws, and national rural strategies. Transition support—through funding, insurance, fair pricing, and advisory services—is crucial, especially for small farms and young farmers. Consumer demand, labelling, public procurement, and responsible sourcing by retailers are also needed to ensure uptake. Ultimately, regenerative agriculture is framed as both an environmental solution and a socio-economic opportunity, offering resilience, fairness, and a renewed role for farmers while positioning the EU as a global leader in sustainable farming.

For farmers’ organisations and cooperatives, the relevant points are:

• Recognition of regenerative agriculture as complementary to organic and agroecological models, not a replacement.

• Key practices (cover crops, low/no tillage, agroforestry, rotational grazing) and outcome-based indicators (soil carbon, biodiversity, water retention).

• Transition support mechanisms: funding, simplified regulations, advisory services, risk-mitigation tools (insurance, transition funds).

• Focus on young farmers, small farms, and those on marginal lands, with improved land access and fair pricing.

• For retailers and food companies, the relevant points are:

• The role of procurement and sourcing strategies in creating demand for regenerative agriculture products.

• Importance of long-term contracts, fair pricing, and recognition of environmental and social value in supply chains.

• Development of consumer awareness, product labelling, and public procurement policies to differentiate regenerative products in the market.

Target Audience

The target audience is primarily EU policy-makers, agricultural stakeholders, and sustainability professionals—including officials working on the Common Agricultural Policy, soil and biodiversity legislation, and rural development strategies. 

It also addresses farmers’ organisations, cooperatives, and advisory services that would implement regenerative practices, as well as retailers, food companies, and consumer advocacy groups involved in creating demand and market incentives.

Stoyan Tchoukanov