A survey undertaken by Agreena has found that a lack of education remains the top barrier to regenerative adoption.
Taken at the Groundswell event, 71% of attendees are either practicing or seriously considering regenerative farming practices.
While momentum is building around regenerative agriculture, many farmers say a mindset shift is still needed before widespread adoption can take place. “In the past five years, more and more farmers have shifted to regenerative agriculture, and events like Groundswell really showcase that,” one farmer said. Another added: “We adopt new regenerative practices every year”.
However, peer-to-peer education remains a challenge. As one participant put it, “The biggest problem in my neighbouring farms adopting regen practices is the lack of education.” Another noted, “There’s still a generation gap in farming, with a huge reluctance to change how practices are done.”
Roberta McDonald, head of programme at Agreena, commented: “Change for anybody is tough, so it’s important to help farmers get on the regenerative agriculture journey. Perhaps they just take on one new initiative in the first year, then the following year they take a second one because they’ve built up a bit of confidence. It is more common that farmers are doing conventional practices because that’s how people were trained. That does grow food. However, now that we know more, we realise there’s a different way to do things.”
Balancing profit with progress
Despite a desire for long-term sustainability, many said that short-term survival continues to drive decision-making. The survey found that 86% are concerned about farm ROI or actively looking to monetise. “It’s tough for us financially and profit has to be my number one consideration,” said one farmer. “If you’re not in profit, someone will always be ready to take your farm.”
Thomas Gent, regenerative farming lead at Agreena added: “The appetite for regenerative agriculture is real, but the roadblocks are just as clear: education, economics, and trust. Those who truly commit to regenerative agriculture don’t look back – they become more resilient, more confident, and happier in their work. At Agreena, we’re here to help them get through that first, hardest part of the journey turning uncertainty into opportunity with the support, tools, and trust they need to succeed.”
