#80 - RhodeToRegenerative, Epigen, Lidl, ReGeNL.
Rhode to Regenerative Takes Place At University Of Rhode Island, Epigen Certification Expands Across Continents, Backed by Data Showing Regenerative Farming, Lidl, FrieslandCampina and ReGeNL.
This Week in Regenerative Agriculture
Wednesday, May 21
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1. Rhode to Regenerative Takes Place At University Of Rhode Island
Rhode to Regenerative summit at the University of Rhode Island united more than 120 farmers, scientists, and funders to link agroforestry and ocean farming across shared watersheds: President Marc Parlange set the tone followed by a phenomenal speaker list including Brett Hundely (Agroforestry Partners), Paul Young (Conservation Resources), Shelly Katz (AEA), Ian McSweeney (Farmers Land Trust), Harry Greene (Propagate), Tim Schartner (Schartner Farms), Sally McGee (The Nature Conservancy)
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2. Epigen Certification Expands Across Continents, Backed by Data Showing Regenerative Farming Uses 50% Less Water for Broccoli
Spain’s Aenor-Epigen certification for regenerative agriculture is gaining momentum, with recent additions like Isla Sanabria, Isla del Adelfal, and olive oil producer Castillo de Canena joining a growing list of certified farms across Spain and Latin America. Backed by data from the CEBAS-CSIC research center, the Epigen system has been shown to cut water use in broccoli production by 50% compared to conventional methods while increasing carbon capture and maintaining yields. “The benefits are practically immediate,” said Epigen CEO Francisco Javier del Águila, highlighting how regenerative farming is becoming more technologically advanced and economically viable.
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3. Lidl, FrieslandCampina and ReGeNL join forces in innovative pilot for regenerative agriculture
FrieslandCampina has launched a three-year regenerative agriculture pilot involving 30 Dutch dairy farms, supported by Lidl and the National Growth Fund Programme ReGeNL, to restore soil health, boost biodiversity, and develop a measurable, open-access standard for sustainable dairy. “Farmers want to transition, but they need support—knowledge, guidance, and a viable income model,” said Tuncay Özgüner of FrieslandCampina, emphasizing the need for strong supply chain collaboration. With a goal of transitioning 1,000 farmers by 2031, this initiative signals a major step toward climate-resilient, nature-positive dairy production.
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4. PepsiCo’s VivaOliva Regenerates Spanish Olive Farms While Revitalizing Rural Economies
The PepsiCo Foundation has launched VivaOliva, a €300,000 regenerative agriculture initiative supporting 150 smallholder olive farmers in Jaén, Spain, with tools to improve soil health, water efficiency, and rural livelihoods. Rooted in PepsiCo’s pep+ strategy, the program combines traditional knowledge with regenerative techniques like compost fertilization and cover cropping, aiming to transform degraded farmland and reverse rural decline. “This initiative reflects the spirit of pep+: building a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient food system,” said Archana Jagannathan, Chief Sustainability Officer for PepsiCo EMEA.
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5. SARA Becomes Latin America’s First Verra-Registered Regenerative Grazing Carbon Program
The South American Regenerative Agriculture (SARA) program has become the first in Argentina, Paraguay, and Chile to receive Verra registration under the VM0042 methodology, positioning it to generate over one million tonnes of carbon removals annually by 2028. Developed by Anthesis and Ruuts, SARA supports over 130 farms across 150,000 hectares, using a rigorous science-based monitoring system to restore rangelands through regenerative grazing. “SARA demonstrates that by combining farmer wisdom, science, and technology, we can restore landscapes and reward those making it happen,” said Pablo Brorelli, CEO of Ruuts.
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Venture of the Week
Groundbreaking Organizations.
Iroquois Valley Farmland REIT is an impact-driven public-benefit company that acquires and finances farmland in 20 U.S. states through long-term leases and flexible mortgages, empowering more than 70 independent farmers to manage about 36,000 organic acres and transition additional land to regenerative practices. REIT accelerates the adoption of regenerative agriculture while giving everyday investors a direct stake in a healthier food system
AND
Cowspiracy…
The Kale Uprooting…
This Week In Regenerative Agriculture is published by Why Regenerative. It is compiled by Jackson Baris with ChatGPT. Sign up for our newsletter here.