The Future of Soil and Land Stewardship - An exploration of stewardship in three scenarios

the remainder. Or we can adopt low-intensity, circular agroecological
practices on the current farmland, supported by the latest monitoring
technologies. Which system can both supply the growing food demand, and
be sustainable in the long term?
“Many initiatives focus on human-exclusive nature conservation, but in South-
America I saw how much human-inclusive agroforestry can contribute to the
rainforest.”
Soil stewards tend toward the latter and help farmers to make the transition
from conventional to regenerative agriculture. Together they observe fields,
analyse data, compare techniques, experiment with forgotten varieties and
refine processes until organic yields exceed those of conventional farming.
Finally, farmers-stewards also receive solid European funding to measure
and ‘prove’ their agroecological successes.
“I love adapting ideas from around the globe to our local agro-environment,
in dialogue with my colleagues. Nothing is more appealing to a farmer’s eye
than what he observes in his neighbour’s field. I think that every farmer
should be supported to dedicate, each year, some time, energy and land to
wild agroecological experiments.”
“Regenerative agriculture grows topsoil, sequesters carbon, increases
biodiversity and makes profit. It works with nature. Leaves, branches and
roots provide carbon for compost, chicken mobiles activate the soil, eat and
fertilize the compost, turning it into food for vegetables and trees.”
Transitional farms evolve into lively learning places, reaching both local
residents and the world through social media. Aimed at both thinkers and
doers, nature and culture, they invite citizens, artists, scientists, designers,
other farmers and chefs. They give courses on permaculture, ecophilosophy,
systems thinking and holistic farm management. Local sales points,
visibility, appealing stories, loyal supporters and name recognition are key to
spreading their products and philosophy.
3 Operation Soil p. 47