I’m a 4th-generation turkey farmer, and organic standards are simply not enough

The author, a third-generation poultry farmer, advocates for a shift from organic farming to regenerative farming, emphasizing its potential to improve soil health and address the limitations of organic certification. While appreciating the strides made by organic standards, the author argues that they lack a focus on long-term soil health, a crucial factor for the well-being of the farming ecosystem and the planet. The author uses the example of depleted soil in California's Central Valley to highlight the need for a more holistic approach to agriculture. Regenerative farming practices, such as rotational grazing, cover cropping, and reduced tilling, aim to restore soil structure and fertility by focusing on putting back what's good for the land. Studies have shown that regenerative methods lead to significantly higher soil organic matter and overall soil health compared to conventional or organic farming. The author notes that regenerative farming goes beyond simply removing harmful practices and actively works to improve the soil's health and productivity. The author acknowledges the dominance of large corporations in the meat industry and their reliance on conventional farming practices that have contributed to food insecurity and environmental degradation. While their family ranch is committed to regenerative practices, the author emphasizes the need for wider adoption of these principles by larger companies to achieve systemic change. The author believes that both organic and regenerative farming are important steps towards a more sustainable food system. However, they advocate for a new standard that prioritizes responsible land management practices measured and monitored by independent third parties. This standard would promote greater adoption of regenerative practices across the food system, benefiting producers, farmers, and consumers alike. The author encourages continued support for organic farming while actively pushing for a broader shift towards regenerative agriculture.