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Time to Rethink the Term “Regenerative Agriculture”

In April 2025, Friends of the Earth (FoE) released the analytical report Rethinking No-Till: The toxic impact of conventional no-till agriculture on soil, biodiversity, and human health. (Rethinking No-Till: Toxic Impacts of Conventional No-Till Agriculture on Soil, Biodiversity, and Human Health) 


In May 2025, Rodale Institute confirmed the FoE report conclusions.


1. Key Findings from Friends of the Earth

The report thoroughly analyzes the toxic impacts of conventional no-till farming in the United States:

  • One-third of all pesticide use in the U.S. is linked to no-till production of corn and soy

  • 93% of these acres rely on toxic herbicides that harm soil life, biodiversity, and human health

  • Glyphosate was found in over 70% of rainwater samples and in the urine of more than 80% of Americans tested

  • The chemicals used in no-till systems are linked to cancer, infertility, gut microbiome disruption, hormone imbalance, and other serious risks

The report warns against labeling conventional no-till systems as “regenerative,” as they actively contribute to environmental degradation and human health threats.



2. Rodale Institute Response: True Regeneration Means No Chemicals

In May 2025, the Rodale Institute responded, confirming FoE’s findings with over four decades of research from its Farming Systems Trial—the longest-running side-by-side comparison of organic and conventional farming in North America.



  • After 10 years, no-till farming showed no improvement in soil health, but instead led to greater soil compaction.

  • Organic systems had 18–92% more soil organic carbon than conventional no-till systems, despite moderate tillage

  • Ecologically managed plots showed better microbial activity, active carbon levels, and water-stable soil structure

  • Organic systems had lower total costs.


Rodale warns that applying the term “regenerative” to chemical-dependent no-till farming is misleading. True regenerative agriculture improves soil, water, air, biodiversity, and human health—without synthetic pesticides.


The term regenerative must not be misused for systems that pollute ecosystems and endanger public health. It is time to support truly regenerative organic agriculture that delivers real solutions for farmers, ecosystems, and society.




 
 
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