Rewind #6 - Regenerative agriculture: farmers become the solution, not the problem! [Chuck de Liedekerke]

In this special rewind episode, we revisit one of the most inspiring conversations from the past year—our chat with Chuck de Liedekerke, founder of Soil Capital. Dive into Chuck’s compelling vision for transitioning global agriculture to regenerative farming, a solution not just for farmers but for our planet’s future.

Chuck shares how regenerative agriculture rebuilds soil health, enhances resilience against climate change, and creates thriving ecosystems, all while boosting profitability for farmers. From transforming drought-stricken vineyards in South Africa to scaling regenerative practices worldwide, this conversation reveals why farmers are central to solving some of today’s most pressing environmental challenges.

“The costs of doing nothing are far greater than the costs of change,” Chuck emphasizes. Join us to learn how empowering farmers with tools, incentives, and recognition can transform agriculture into a solution for climate change and food security.

📌 Don’t miss this episode if you care about farming, the environment, or creating a healthier planet for future generations.

EPISODE CHAPTERS:

Defining Regenerative Agriculture (0:01:30–0:02:44)

• Chuck explains regenerative agriculture by contrasting it with extractive agriculture.

• Historical context of soil degradation and the significance of reversing this trend.

The Business Case for Regenerative Farming (0:02:44–0:06:39)

• Chuck shares examples of profitability and resilience in regenerative farming, including a case study of grape farming in drought-stricken South Africa.

• The pivotal realization that regenerative farming can outcompete conventional methods during climate stress.

The Biggest Barrier: Changing Farmers’ Mindsets (0:06:39–0:08:10)

• Challenges in convincing farmers to adopt regenerative practices.

• The deep respect Chuck has for farmers and their connection to their land.

Three Key Challenges to Adoption (0:08:10–0:10:02)

• Lack of technical knowledge.

• Fear of economic loss.

• Absence of clear financial incentives.

The Role of Financial Incentives (0:10:02–0:12:39)

• The importance of economic motivations to drive adoption.

• Parallels drawn to organic farming and its reliance on price premiums.

Scaling Regenerative Agriculture Through Soil Capital (0:13:36–0:19:12)

• Soil Capital’s approach to measuring and certifying carbon and regenerative practices.

• How the program integrates food system stakeholders to make regenerative practices attractive for farmers.

Why This Matters: Climate Change and Food Security (0:19:12–0:20:48)

• The critical role of regenerative farming in addressing food security amidst climate stress.

• The urgent need to scale regenerative practices to avoid supply chain disruptions.

Can We Transition All Land to Regenerative Farming? (0:20:48–0:22:16)

• Chuck’s belief that transitioning all farmland is not optional but necessary.

• How regenerative agriculture flips the narrative for farmers from being blamed for environmental degradation to being climate heroes.

Closing Thoughts: Farmers at the Center (0:22:16–0:23:21)

• Summary of Soil Capital’s mission to reward farmers for regenerative practices.

• A call to action for listeners to support the podcast and its mission.

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• Email - raphael@deepseed.eu

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