South African farmers are embracing a new wave of regenerative agriculture, spurred by both international pressure and a desire for long-term resilience. As global buyers tighten sustainability standards, particularly for export crops, producers across the country are shifting away from conventional methods toward practices that restore soil health, reduce chemical use, and bolster the land's ability to withstand climate shocks. This trend mirrors a broader global movement, as highlighted by recent corporate assessments and watchdog reports, underscoring the urgent need for transparency and measurable progress in sustainable farming.
Regenerative farming, at its heart, works with nature rather than against it. It’s about more than just swapping out chemicals for compost; it’s a holistic approach that aims to rebuild the very foundation of agriculture: the soil. According to the World Economic Forum, transitioning just 40% of global cropland to regenerative methods could slash 600 million tons of emissions—roughly equal to the carbon footprint of a small country. That’s no small feat, and it’s a target that’s gaining traction in South Africa, especially among those who grow for the world’s tables.
Arno Abeln, managing director at Agrimark, a leading agricultural retailer, sees the shift accelerating. "We’re seeing major investment in these practices among wine, citrus and table grape producers, also in apple and pear production, because export markets are demanding it. It’s less advanced in the grain sector, but we’re starting to see more interest as producers explore ways to improve soil health over the long term," Abeln told SyndiGate Media Inc. This push is largely market-driven, as international buyers increasingly require proof of sustainable methods before signing contracts.
But there’s another factor at play: South African farmers don’t benefit from the government subsidies common in other countries. As Abeln points out, "South African farmers don’t benefit from the government subsidies common in other countries. They’ve had to find innovative and efficient ways to farm to stay viable. Regenerative practices together with precision agriculture are playing a bigger role, especially as export markets adopt stricter sustainability standards." In other words, necessity has become the mother of invention, forcing local producers to think outside the box and adopt smarter, more sustainable strategies.
Some of these strategies aren’t entirely new. In the Swartland region, for example, crop rotation and integrated grazing have been staples for years. A typical cycle might see 500 hectares of wheat one year, followed by canola the next, each crop nourishing the soil differently. After harvest, sheep are brought in to graze the fields, their manure naturally fertilizing the land. It’s a system that’s both holistic and scientific, blending tradition with innovation to keep the land productive year after year.
International studies back up the benefits. By moving away from synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, farmers can potentially reduce input costs by 25-50% over time. That’s a big deal in an industry where margins are often razor-thin. And the advantages don’t stop at the farm gate. Healthier soils mean better yields and, in many cases, higher-quality produce—something that’s increasingly important as consumers become more discerning about what ends up on their plates.
There’s a generational shift happening, too. Younger farmers, often more tech-savvy and open to new ideas, are driving a mindset change. "There’s definitely a long-term view emerging – especially around soil health and resilience," Abeln notes. This new perspective is about more than just surviving the next drought or market downturn; it’s about building a legacy that can sustain communities for generations to come.
Data is at the center of this transformation. As Abeln puts it, "Many farmers are still using the same fertiliser mix they relied on ten years ago. We help them move to smarter, insight-driven decisions that can improve yield and profitability." Agrimark partners with suppliers, plant diagnostics specialists, and input providers to deliver tailored solutions. "It’s about replacing guesswork with data. When a farmer faces an issue, we don’t just sell a product; we work with him on-site to understand the problem and coordinate the right expertise." In regions like the Northern Cape, where soil degradation is a looming threat, these science-backed interventions are critical. "If we want to keep farming and feeding people, we have to prioritise soil health," Abeln adds.
South Africa’s experience is part of a global reckoning. Just this week, the nonprofit As You Sow released a corporate assessment (as reported by The New Lede) grading 20 major food companies on their regenerative agriculture programs. The findings? Several giants, including W.K. Kellogg Co. and B&G Foods, received near-failing "D" grades for their support of sustainable farming. In contrast, PepsiCo, McCain Foods, and Lamb Weston earned top marks. More than half of the companies assessed have regenerative agriculture programs with measurable goals and financial incentives for farmers. But the report also revealed a critical gap: most companies aren’t aggregating field-level data from suppliers, hampering efforts to track real progress.
Transparency is still the exception, not the rule. Only Lamb Weston and Conagra currently collect and publicly share data on their suppliers’ pesticide use. This openness, according to the assessment, sets "a standard for peers to follow." Without such transparency, it’s tough for consumers—or anyone else—to know whether companies are truly walking the talk on sustainability.
The stakes are high. As industrial farming continues to heat up the planet, pollute water, and degrade soil, the need for regenerative practices has never been clearer. These methods—reducing pesticide use, diversifying crops, adding livestock, and prioritizing soil health—help store carbon, protect water, and produce healthier food. Yet, as Montana farmer Nate Powell-Palm pointed out during an As You Sow webinar, "What I found was that mostly the word 'regenerative' became synonymous with 'no-till' systems." While no-till can help prevent soil erosion, it sometimes leads to increased weedkiller use, raising questions about whether all so-called "regenerative" practices are created equal.
Governments are starting to take note. In the United States, the White House’s Make America Healthy Again initiative has made regenerative farming a top priority. With large food companies controlling vast supply chains, their policies have an outsized impact on millions of acres of farmland. Consumers, too, have a role to play—by choosing brands with strong sustainability commitments, buying directly from local regenerative farmers, and pushing companies for greater transparency about their farming methods.
The road ahead is long, and the challenges are real. But as South African farmers and global companies alike are discovering, the rewards—healthier soils, stronger yields, and a more resilient food system—are well worth the effort. In the end, the soil beneath our feet may hold the key to feeding the world, fighting climate change, and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
