Regenerative Agriculture in Sustainable Cane Sugar Production

Progressive farmers, large food corporations, global sustainable standards, and most recently, the USDA are not only talking about regenerative agriculture but putting significant investments to encourage the use of “old but new” practices.

What is RA?

Regenerative agriculture is an approach to farming that focuses on creating a positive impact on nature, as opposed to simply avoiding harm. There are many definitions and approaches but put simply RA is “an outcome-based farming approach that protects and improves soil health, biodiversity, climate and water resources while supporting farming business development.”

These practices stand in contrast to many farm practices that require the extensive use of agrochemicals for fertilization and pest management. 

Soil health

Soil health is crucial for farming productivity and climate resilience. For example, instead of burning sugarcane residue, which degrades soil health and releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, some producers shred the waste on the fields – helping the soil retain its moisture, suppress weeds and promote beneficial microorganisms and nutrients.

Healthy soils retain more water, which further supports the build-up of soil organic matter – improving both soil fertility and sugarcane crop yield.

Water efficiency

Regenerative agriculture emphasizes efficient water use through techniques like drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting. These methods reduce water consumption, prevent aquifer depletion, and minimize runoff.

Biodiversity

Maintaining natural habitats and encouraging crop diversity can help to restore local ecosystems. Sugarcane farming often relies on pesticides, herbicides and fungicides, all of which are harmful to biodiversity. Using natural pest control methods helps to reduce chemical use, mitigate risks to wildlife and plant diversity and create a healthier ecosystem.

Climate resilience

Improving soil health, increasing soil cover and reducing the need for inputs can all help to make farmers more resilient to the impacts of climate change, while also sequestering carbon and reducing emissions. This can move the sugarcane sector from being part of the problem to part of the solution to climate change.  

Global Sustainability Standards Align with RA Principles

The Bonsucro Production Standard outlines multiple regenerative agriculture practices that aim to rejuvenate natural resources. Adopting these practices can have significant benefits for sugarcane producers by reducing input costs and encouraging higher crop yields as well as preventing challenges like soil erosion, water overuse, and high GHG emissions. 

Bonsucro is currently accepting proposals to access funds from the Bonsucro Impact Fund. Grants up to 150,000 euro are available for cane sugar farming projects that support RA practices that are measurable and scalable.  Visit www.Bonsucro.com to learn more.

USDA Launches New Regenerative Pilot Program

And just last week, the USDA announced that $700 million will be available to farmers for RA projects in support of making our food supply healthier and more resilient.

“Protecting and improving the health of our soil is critical not only for the future viability of farmland, but to the future success of American farmers. In order to continue to be the most productive and efficient growers in the world, we must protect our topsoil from unnecessary erosion and improve soil health and land stewardship. Today’s announcement encourages these priorities while supporting farmers who choose to transition to regenerative agriculture.”

This initiative aligns with the MAHA goal of removing potentially harmful chemicals from our food supply and protecting our environment.

Companies interested in partnering with USDA NRCS in the Regenerative Pilot Program can email regenerative@usda.gov for more information.

CSC Sugaright understands that access to an abundant and sustainably sourced raw cane sugar supply is critical to our business and yours.  We applaud these creative solutions for long-term impact.

Changing the way you think about sugar.