Today, I want to revisit a topic close to my heart: how we can empower farmers around the world – not just by upgrading their tools, but by revitalizing the soil that they rely on to grow our food.
We often overlook the fact that soil is alive. Beneath our feet lies a rich ecosystem full of microorganisms that directly contribute to the nutrients we consume in our food. However, over time, harmful chemical usage has devastated this vital resource, a practice that we now know is unsustainable. Soil contaminated with chemicals will eventually affect the food we grow, harming the population as well as the farmers who use it.
We have a choice: either look back to ancient traditions or move forward with new solutions. In the past, farmers understood the importance of soil health and they treated soil with respect and care. Techniques such as crop rotation, composting, and the use of organic matter were all integral to maintaining the health of the soil. Today, we are rediscovering those principles, blending them with modern regenerative practices like no-till farming and cover crops.
The best way forward however would be to combine the old and the new to get better results suited for our times. The key lies not in extracting as much as possible from nature, but in giving back more than we take.
Fortunately, many pioneers are already working to do just that. Sir Gordon Conway, in his book The Doubly Green Revolution, advocates for scientists and farmers to work together, to develop sustainable farming systems. Vandana Shiva, a passionate voice for regenerative agriculture, champions farming practices that heal the soil, promote biodiversity, and protect farmers’ livelihoods. The Rodale Institute has proven that organic and regenerative farming can not only restore soil health but also help combat climate change.
There’s a saying, “you reap what you sow,” but I believe it goes deeper than that. It’s also about the soil into which you sow the seed.
Nature’s laws are immutable, and everything comes full circle. The effects of our actions are not immediate, but they manifest nonetheless. This is the law of nature. With that in mind, I’m both eager and excited about what lies ahead, as we begin to take responsibility for our choices—individually and as a collective.
