EARA’s Landmark Research Project: World's Largest Pioneering Regenerative Agriculture Research Study
Farmer-Led Research Shows the Realities of Producing More and Better with Less: Place-Based Innovation for the Economy, the Society and the Environment.
European farmers can produce significantly more food for less by transition to regenerative agriculture, compared to average conventional practices, a new landmark study launched today by the European Alliance for Regenerative Agriculture (EARA) shows. This proof-of-concept study is funded by EIT Food – the world’s largest agrifood innovation network.
The European Alliance for Regenerative Agriculture (EARA) is a farmer-led organization advocating for ecological, economic, and social regeneration in Europe’s agrifood systems.
This program aims to address the challenges of conventional agricultural models and promote sustainable practices.
Key Findings from the Study
Higher Productivity: Regenerating farms delivered 33% higher Regenerating Full Productivity (RFP) on average.
Agroecological Advantage: 25% higher photosynthesis, 24% higher soil cover, and 16% higher plant diversity compared to conventional farms.
Yield Parity: Achieved similar yields with 61% less synthetic nitrogen, 75% less pesticides, and 20% higher gross margins per hectare.
Regional Food Sovereignty: Pioneering farmers produced similar yields using feed exclusively from within Europe, reducing dependency on imports.
Climate and Ecosystem Benefits
Regenerating farms recorded surface temperatures 0.3°C cooler during summer months, contributing to climate resilience.
Adoption of regenerative practices could mitigate up to 513 Mt CO₂e/year, potentially making the EU agricultural sector net carbon negative.
Strategic Indicators for Regeneration
The study introduced the Regenerating Full Productivity (RFP) index, measuring agronomic, ecological, and economic outcomes.
Key indicators include whole-year photosynthesis, soil cover, and soil organic carbon.
Policy and Transition Frameworks
Proposed public-private frameworks to incentivize regenerative farming through tiered Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems.
Recommendations for integrating RFP indicators into CAP payments, climate subsidies, and private investment strategies.
Farmers are already achieving regeneration against all odds. Scaling these practices is vital for food security, rural resilience, and climate adaptation.
EARA’s Regenerating Europe Tour is fostering collaboration across Europe to drive systemic change in agriculture.
Phase 2 of the research will expand farmer participation, refine metrics, and integrate new indicators like nutrient density.
EARA is working with policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society to implement result-based agrifood policies.
Healing our soils means healing our history, our present, and our future." –
Valiana Akejandra Aguilar Hernández, Mayan farmer and beekeeper.
Visit www.eara.farm to learn more and get involved.