West farmers leading the way with new certification
REGENERATIVE farms spanning four continents, including in the Westcountry, have been enlisted to take part in the pilot of a trailblazing new certification scheme.
Following the recent reveal of its newest label, Certified Regenerative, non-profit certifier A Greener World (AGW) has selected over 50 farmers to join the programme’s trial phase.
The certification will provide a whole-farm assurance of sustainability – measuring benefits for soil, water, air, biodiversity, infrastructure, animal welfare and social responsibility.
Building on AGW’s growing family of trusted labels, which includes Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW and Certified Grassfed by AGW, the first fully Certified Regenerative by AGW farms and products are expected to be announced later this year.
Wayne Copp, executive director of AGW UK / Europe, said: “The term ‘regenerative’ is already being thrown around like ‘sustainable’ was a decade ago, and is being used to ‘greenwash’ products or make them sound more environmentally sustainable than they are. Our new Certified Regenerative programme seeks to protect farmers and consumers by establishing clearer standards and a label that farmers and consumers can fully trust to deliver a genuinely positive outcome: on the farm, at the table, and for the planet.”
Interest in the programme has been “overwhelming”, added Mr Copp, who farms in Woolacombe, North Devon. “The excellent applications made for a difficult selection process, but we are thrilled with the results.”
The principal feature of Certified Regenerative by AGW is a five-year ‘Regenerative Plan’, whereby farmers and experts assess risks, set goals and track progress towards meaningful milestones. Experienced agricultural advisors at the UK’s Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) will also be providing training and support in the development of regenerative plans.
Pilot farms were selected based on a variety of factors including agricultural experience, regenerative principles, their market or educational impact and geographical diversity. Covering the UK, America, Australia, Canada, Namibia and South Africa, the cohort of farms will partner AGW over the coming year to evaluate standards, plans and audit procedures – allowing the programme to be trialled in a range of climates and environments.
Among the pilot participants is AGW-certified farmer and National Trust tenant, Amelia Millman, who farms in Devon alongside her partner, Jason Greenway. She said: “As young farmers, we are pleased to be part of the Certified Regenerative by AGW pilot, working in close partnership with the National Trust’s Killerton Estate in Devon towards achieving both the National Trust’s and our own regenerative farming aspirations.
“As one of the new generation of British farmers, we want to promote high welfare and sustainable farming practices as much as possible. Working with the National Trust and being part of A Greener World’s pilot regenerative certification will help us to reach that full potential and protect the estate for future generations to enjoy.”