Does Regenerative Agriculture Represent the Future, or Is It Just a Fad?
(Room 24 AB)
10 Apr 26
1:30 PM
-
2:45 PM
This session will address the emerging field of regenerative agriculture (or simply “regen ag”) and explore the perspectives of both producers and roasters who have embraced the movement. Although relatively new to specialty coffee compared to the organic and fair trade movements, regen ag is taking the industry by storm. More producers – many of whom already carry one or more certifications – are implementing regen ag practices that can benefit soil health, biodiversity, water conservation and retention, etc. Since this model is by nature holistic and lacks a universal definition, however, it can be open to interpretation.
In the meantime, regen ag is gaining steam among consumers, especially since it can apply to a host of food products. Roasters are increasingly sourcing regen ag coffees and promoting them to their customers, yet the absence of a single certification or standard may generate confusion or greenwashing. How should regen ag be communicated to end consumers, and does it need to be standardized under one certification?
*This lecture is an amalgamation of two panels that were part of the educational program at the three-day “Let’s Talk Coffee” event, which took place in late September 2025 in Lima, Peru.