Global Application of Regenerative Agriculture: A Review of Definitions and Assessment Approaches

Abstract

Regenerative agriculture (RA) is an approach to farming pursued globally for sustaining agricultural production and improving ecosystem services and environmental benefits. However, the lack of a standardized definition and limited bioeconomic assessments hinder the understanding and application of RA more broadly. An initial systematic review revealed a wide range of definitions for regenerative agriculture, although it is generally understood as a framework consisting of principles, practices, or outcomes aimed at improving soil health, biodiversity, climate resilience, and ecosystem function. To address existing gaps, we propose a working definition that integrates socioeconomic outcomes and acknowledges the significance of local knowledge and context to complement established scientific knowledge. A second systematic review identified indicators, tools, and models for assessing biophysical and economic aspects of RA. Additionally, a third literature review aimed to identify the potential integration of advanced analytical methods into future assessments, including artificial intelligence and machine learning. Finally, as a case study, we developed a conceptual framework for the evaluation of the bioeconomic outcomes of RA in the mixed farming setting in Australia. This framework advocates a transdisciplinary approach, promoting a comprehensive assessment of RA outcomes through collaboration, integrated data, holistic frameworks, and stakeholder engagement. By defining, evaluating assessment methods, and proposing a pragmatic framework, this review advances the understanding of RA and guides future research to assess the fit of RA practices to defined contexts.