The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has called on the EU to scale up regenerative agriculture, saying it can help rebuild soil health, restore biodiversity, and protect food production from extreme weather events resulting from climate change.

In an own-initiative opinion adopted at its June plenary, the committee is the first EU institution to launch the discussion about the benefits of regenerative agriculture. It warned that current EU policy does not go far enough to promote regenerative forms of agriculture, despite their potential to improve farmer incomes, enhance productivity and yield resilience, support generational renewal and rural livelihoods, while contributing to climate and biodiversity objectives.

“We see regenerative agriculture as an opportunity to define a new positive narrative for European agriculture, one that is focused on what we are for: healthy soils, strong rural communities, and sustainable food systems” said rapporteur Stoyan Tchoukanov.

The EESC calls for a common, results-based definition of regenerative agriculture, focused on measurable outcomes like soil health, carbon storage, and rural well-being, rather than a rigid list of techniques. It also urges the EU to recognise soil as a public good and align key policies — from funding to regulation, to actively support regenerative practices.

“It is essential to put in place the right enabling environment to encourage a shift in mindset,” Tchoukanov said. “We must equip farmers with the tools, incentives, and knowledge to adopt regenerative practices, and ensure they are fairly rewarded for doing the environmental services that they produce.”

A shift already underway?

• While the term “regenerative agriculture” is not yet enshrined in any single EU law, its core principles are increasingly reflected in major EU policy initiatives.
• The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for 2023–2027 allows Member States to fund regenerative-style practices, such as soil cover, crop rotation, and reduced tillage through eco-schemes.
• The proposed EU Soil Health Law has opened the door towards soil health improvement and regenerative principles, with stakeholder consultations calling for their inclusion via measurable indicators.
• The Nature Restoration Law, adopted in 2024, sets legally binding targets for improving biodiversity and soil carbon, both of which are key outcomes of regenerative farming, even if not mentioned by name.

From margins to mainstream

The EESC sees regenerative farming not just as a set of environmental fixes, but as a path to revitalise the EU’s farming model , offering younger generations a more meaningful, resilient and sustainable way into agriculture.

As the EU looks ahead to reforming its agriculture, soil, and climate policies, the Committee’s message is clear: it’s time for regenerative forms of agriculture to move from the margins to the mainstream. (ks)