New-generative agriculture – based on science, informed by research and honed by New Zealand farmers

Abstract

Highlights Regenerative agriculture is being promoted as a way to produce food sustainably while building soil carbon under high residual rotational grazing and minimising environmental impact. Research indicates that the environmental impact of conventional agricultural systems is generally lower than for alternative systems per unit of food production and sometimes per hectare. Soil carbon is higher under well-managed intensive grazing than under extensively managed systems. Adopting non-optimal grazing management decreases pasture quality and increases GHG and N losses. New Zealand has developed optimal rotational grazing and has soils with high organic-matter contents. Rather than adopting a concept developed overseas which has a fluid definition, New Zealand could promote New-generative agriculture… encapsulating what is already being done.