Key Takeaways

• Thomas Gent’s family transitioned to regenerative agriculture nearly two decades ago, facing numerous challenges due to limited resources and knowledge at the time.
• Current farmers are better positioned to adopt regenerative practices, benefiting from increased funding opportunities and technological advancements.
• Uncertainty in UK agricultural policy and extreme weather poses significant challenges for both conventional and regenerative farmers moving forward.

Thomas Gent, a fourth-generation farmer from eastern England, has been directly involved in the transition to regenerative agriculture on his family’s farm for nearly two decades. He reflects on their journey with AgFunderNews, highlighting the progress made since their initial shift in 2008. Back then, reliable information and resources for farmers regarding regenerative practices were scarce, creating a steep learning curve.

The transition was incentivized by various factors, including old machinery that necessitated updates. Inspired by a trip to Argentina where no-till farming was effectively practiced, Gent’s grandfather decided to explore this method, leading to a successful initial trial. However, as Gent points out, they had to navigate significant challenges, notably the inadequacy of available machinery for their specific farming conditions. Ultimately, they innovated a new drill that is now widely used.

Today, the landscape is different, with more resources available for farmers considering the transition to regenerative practices. There is a greater interest in sustainability, along with increased financial support through carbon markets and advancements in farming technology. These elements contribute to making transitions smoother compared to Gent’s experience two decades ago.

In 2020, Gent founded Gentle Farming, a branding initiative for their operations. This move opened doors for collaborations with tech companies and opportunities in carbon markets, emphasizing the importance of marketing in agriculture.

Looking towards the future, Gent anticipates incremental adoption of regenerative agriculture across the UK and Europe by 2025. However, he notes that the early adopters represent a minority, with many conventional farmers hesitant to take risks without guaranteed stability and financial support. As a result, diversifying income sources becomes crucial for farmers navigating the uncertainties of their industry.

The past year has been particularly challenging for UK farmers, characterized by extreme weather conditions that have led to disappointing yields. Gent shares that while his farm experienced better moisture retention—thanks to regenerative practices—many neighboring farms struggled significantly. These conditions are compounded by shifting government policies and the end of traditional EU funding, which contributed to farmer uncertainty and operational challenges.

Gent points out that while the unpredictability may encourage some farmers to consider healthier practices, the transitional risks associated with regenerative agriculture are heightened due to current economic conditions. Stability was more attainable when reliable EU funding was available, unlike the situational pressures faced today. Hence, developing varied income streams becomes more critical than ever for farmers.

As a member of the Agreena team, Gent aims to leverage his knowledge of farming while also addressing carbon emissions. His initial motivation to support farmers transitioning to sustainable practices stemmed from recognizing the environmental benefits inherent in their regenerative efforts, which weren’t initially prioritized during the family’s earlier transition.

This partnership with Agreena marks an important step in Gent’s goal of empowering farmers to adopt and benefit from regenerative practices, harnessing the current trends in sustainability and carbon management while overcoming the challenges posed by the changing agricultural landscape.

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