Global Adoption of Regenerative Agriculture [part-2]

Countries around the world are increasingly embracing regenerative agriculture to improve soil health and combat climate change. A coalition of 26 nations, including India, Colombia, and Germany, have committed to transforming agricultural policies for sustainability and reducing pollution.
In the European Union (EU), The Farm to Fork Strategy is setting a global standard for sustainable food production and has harmonized rules for organic wine production, focusing on the use of organic grapes and limiting certain winemaking practices. While not explicitly termed “regenerative,” these regulations promote soil health, biodiversity, and reduced chemical inputs, which are core aspects of regenerative agriculture.

Africa

In Africa, Ethiopia has practices underway to restore degraded lands and improve food security through sustainable land management.
In South Africa, the government, along with organizations like WWF Conservation Champions South Africa, collaborates with leading wine farms in the Cape Winelands to integrate conservation and sustainability into their operations offering recognition to those committed to farming with nature. In addition, the South African wine industry has established horizontal sustainability governance initiatives, including the Integrated Production of Wine (IPW), which encourages producers to adopt sustainable practices.

Asia

In Asia, several countries are taking steps to encourage regenerative farming practices among wine producers, focusing on sustainability and environmental stewardship. The Chinese government has recognized the importance of sustainable agriculture and has implemented policies to support it. In September 2021, China unveiled its 14th Five-Year National Agriculture Green Development Plan, aiming to promote green and sustainable agricultural development. This plan emphasizes the adoption of environmentally friendly practices, including those beneficial to viticulture
The Bhutan Wine Company has established the country’s first vineyards with government support, leveraging unique high-altitude growing conditions to experiment with various grape varieties. The initiative reflects a commitment to sustainable agriculture in wine production.

Australia

In Australia there is a growing interest among grazing farmers in practices like reduced tillage and cover crops to boost soil health and carbon storage. These regenerative agriculture methods aim to improve soil fertility, water retention, and overall farm resilience.
The Australian government has established programs to support farmers in implementing these sustainable practices. The Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF), encourages farmers to adopt practices that increase soil organic matter and sequester carbon dioxide. Eligible activities include reducing tillage, planting cover crops, and using organic manure. These practices not only improve soil health but also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions reduction.
Farmers who have adopted these practices report significant benefits. A grazer from Queensland, began focusing on soil carbon sequestration in 2016. His efforts led to the generation of 85,262 Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) in 2021, valued at approximately $3 million. This success highlights the potential for farmers to enhance soil quality and generate additional revenue through carbon credits.
Despite the advantages, some challenges remain. The effectiveness of practices like reduced tillage and cover cropping can vary depending on soil type, seasonal conditions, and climate. Farmers need to tailor these practices to their specific circumstances to maximize benefits.

France

As of the current data available, France is widely recognized as the country that invests the most money in regenerative agriculture practices within its vineyards. With a long history of winemaking tradition and a strong emphasis on sustainability, many French vineyards have adopted regenerative agriculture techniques such as cover cropping, minimal tillage, and composting to improve soil health and biodiversity. The French government has also implemented several policies and incentives to support these practices, resulting in significant financial investments from both public and private sectors. Furthermore, many prestigious French wine producers have made commitments to prioritize sustainability and environmental conservation in their vineyard management practices.
Overall, France stands out as a global leader in promoting regenerative agriculture in vineyards through substantial financial resources and commitment to sustainable practices. in the Champagne region, producers are adopting eco-friendly practices, such as developing lighter champagne bottles to reduce carbon footprints and subsidizing suppliers transitioning to greener methods.

Germany

Germany is a leader in sustainable agriculture, with innovative projects advancing no-till farming and cover cropping to improve soil health, climate resilience, and profitability. No-till practices, particularly popular in Northern and Eastern Germany, aim to reduce soil erosion, enhance water retention, build organic matter, and cut CO₂ emissions by minimizing plowing and leaving crop residues in place.
Cover cropping programs utilize plants such as legumes, rye, and clover between crop cycles to fix nitrogen, prevent erosion, suppress weeds, and support biodiversity, with an emphasis on mixed-species planting. These efforts are supported by institutions like the Thünen Institute and BÖLN. Impact studies across Germany assess the economic and environmental outcomes of these practices, their alignment with EU climate goals, and their role in increasing resilience to extreme weather. Pilot projects in Lower Saxony, Bavaria, and Brandenburg have demonstrated the success of these approaches.
Several key German research institutions are driving this work. The Thünen Institute, under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, includes departments focused on agricultural climate research, organic farming, and biodiversity. The Julius Kühn Institute (JKI) studies plant health and develops crop varieties adapted to no-till and conservation systems. ZALF (Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research) in Brandenburg runs experimental sites testing no-till systems and gathering long-term data on soil and yield outcomes.
BÖLN, while not a research institution itself, funds a wide range of projects supporting cover crop integration and low-input systems. Additionally, universities such as Hohenheim, Humboldt (Berlin), and Göttingen contribute significantly through research in agroecology, soil science, and sustainable crop production.

Israel

Israel is actively promoting regenerative farming practices among wine producers through a combination of innovative agricultural techniques, research initiatives, and the establishment of supportive organizations.
Israeli vintners are transforming arid regions into hubs of sustainable viticulture by blending ancient grape cultivars and traditional farming methods with groundbreaking technologies. Techniques such as drip irrigation and climate monitoring are employed to craft a sustainable future for viticulture in arid lands.
In the Negev Desert, modern vineyards have been established using innovative computerized irrigation methods. Wineries like Carmel, Tishbi, and Barkan have planted vineyards in this region, demonstrating the feasibility of viticulture in arid conditions.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev are studying the evolution of ancient grape cultivars and examining historic dryland viticulture practices. Their work offers insights into how the wine industry can bolster its resilience to climate adversity through a deeper understanding of historic dryland viticulture.
The Israel Hub for Land Regeneration, accredited by the Savory Institute in 2023, is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the transition of Israel and the region to regenerative agriculture. By training and assisting farmers, ranchers, and authorities in holistic management, the hub plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable practices within the wine industry.

Spain

In the heart of Spain’s wine country, a quiet revolution is taking place—one that places soil health, biodiversity, and climate action at the forefront of vineyard management. Leading the charge is the Asociación de Viticultura Regenerativa (Regenerative Viticulture Association), founded in 2021 with a mission to transform how wine is grown in a rapidly changing world. By focusing on the carbon cycle and holistic land stewardship, the association promotes farming practices that regenerate soils, curb erosion, and foster thriving ecosystems—while helping vintners future-proof their vineyards against the effects of climate change.
More than just a think tank, the association serves as a vibrant network connecting winegrowers, winemakers, researchers, educators, and sustainability-minded companies. Together, they share knowledge and hands-on experiences to build a new standard for viticulture rooted in regeneration rather than extraction.
Complementing this movement is AgroAssessor, a forward-thinking agricultural consultancy working closely with growers to implement regenerative methods across Spain’s vineyard landscape. Their work is aimed squarely at creating resilient, ecologically sound growing systems that also deliver on wine quality and long-term profitability.
To give credibility and structure to these efforts, the association has launched the Regenerative Viticulture Alliance (RVA) certification in partnership with Ecocert, one of the world’s leading sustainability certification bodies. Best known for its Organic Farming, Fair Trade, and Sustainable Agriculture certifications, Ecocert brings global recognition and rigor to the RVA program. The certification process begins with an initial site visit, followed by a three-year cycle of self-assessment and eventual third-party auditing—offering both transparency and accountability for producers committed to real change.

United States

In the United States, the US Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program (USDA NOP) sets standards for organic farming, including viticulture. These standards emphasize natural processes, biodiversity, and the exclusion of synthetic chemicals. Wineries adhering to these guidelines can achieve organic certification, which aligns with regenerative principles.
In California, the “Lodi Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing” provide a certification program that emphasizes sustainable practices in viticulture. These rules aim to improve ecosystem health and wine quality through guidelines that include reduced pesticide use and soil conservation, aligning with regenerative agriculture principles.

South America

In South America, several governments are actively promoting regenerative agriculture among wine producers, recognizing its potential to enhance sustainability and combat climate change.
Brazil is witnessing significant innovation in regenerative farming. Farmers are implementing practices such as no-till farming, crop rotation, and the use of biological products alongside modern chemicals to regenerate soil health. These efforts are part of a broader movement to enhance farmland productivity and sustainability.
Argentina has emerged as a leader in sustainable viticulture, with over 75 certified organic wineries. The nation’s commitment to pioneering sustainable agricultural practices underscores its dedication to environmental stewardship in the wine industry.

A Perfect Example

In Argentina Domaine Bousquet Reserve Chardonnay 2023 is crafted from 100% certified organic grapes and is produced using regenerative farming practices.

Organic Certification

Domaine Bousquet has been committed to organic viticulture since its inception in 1997. The Reserve Chardonnay is made from estate-grown grapes cultivated in the high-altitude vineyards of Alto Gualtallary, Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina. These vineyards are certified organic by ECOCERT, ensuring that no synthetic chemicals are used in the cultivation process.

Regenerative Organic Certification

In 2022, Domaine Bousquet became the first winery outside the United States to achieve Regenerative Organic Certified™ (ROC) status, awarded by the Regenerative Organic Alliance. This certification encompasses three core pillars: soil health and land management, animal welfare, and fairness for farmers and workers.
As part of their regenerative practices, Domaine Bousquet employs methods such as composting, cover cropping, reduced tillage, and rotational grazing. These practices aim to enhance soil fertility, promote biodiversity, and improve carbon sequestration, all of which contribute to a more sustainable and resilient vineyard ecosystem.
Beyond organic and regenerative certifications, Domaine Bousquet has also achieved Demeter certification for biodynamic farming on select vineyard plots and holds B Corp certification, reflecting their commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
The Domaine Bousquet Reserve Chardonnay 2023 not only offers a high-quality wine experience but also aligns with environmentally conscious and socially responsible farming practices.