Regenerative Agriculture_ Why Farmers Should Transition to Regenerative Agriculture

Transcription

[00:00:00] Intro

[00:00:36] Sharon Idahosa: Hey guys, welcome to another episode of our sustainability series.

[00:00:41] Sharon Idahosa: It’s really been an exciting and insightful time for me. I mean, I’ve been discussing with industry experts with a sustainability focus globally. Now, if this is your first time joining or listening, we’ve had about two episodes already, and you may want to go back and listen. [00:01:00] All of our episodes are available on letstalkagriculture. com

[00:01:03] Sharon Idahosa: Now, this episode is exclusively sponsored by FoodChainid. So for more information, please do well to visit foodchainid.com. My name is Sharon Idahosa and I am your host. Once again, welcome to the Let’s Talk Agriculture podcast show. Today, I will be discussing with two amazing personalities who will be sharing their perspective

[00:01:26] Sharon Idahosa: and the work that they do on the topic of regenerative agriculture. So friends, families join me welcome Charles of Virco Group and Dr. Rudolf of Food Chain ID. Hello, gentlemen, thank you so much for joining the show today. How are you doing?

[00:01:43] Ruud: Doing very fine. Thank you very much. And pleased to talk to you.

[00:01:47] Sharon Idahosa: Charles.

[00:01:48] Charles: I’m doing great, Sharon. Great. I’m doing great, Sharon. It’s great to be here. so

[00:01:51] Sharon Idahosa: Thank you so much. So I’m really excited about what we are going to learn today. And for us to get this ball rolling, I’m just going to need [00:02:00] to get your perspective on regenerative agriculture. What does it mean? What is, what is the idea behind regenerative agriculture?

[00:02:09] Sharon Idahosa: Charles, maybe you can go first and then Rudolf, you can take over from Charles.

[00:02:13] Charles: Okay. Thank you. Thank you for that. So over the years, um, quite recently, regenerative agriculture has become such a hot topic in the agricultural space, especially in this current times that there are issues with climate change and we’re seeing the effects on what climate change is doing for us.

[00:02:34] Charles: So to break it down to a simple term, regenerative agriculture from how I see it is all about farming or if you’re into grazing, while solely based on regenerating the topsoil and allowing farmers to maintain crop yields, improve water retention, plants uptake, but the bottom line is increasing farm profitability and especially with how the food production currently[00:03:00]

[00:03:00] Charles: is leaning towards in terms of trends, there’s a big importance on how people want to know food is being produced. So with this kind of situations, these are when regenerative agriculture comes into place because it puts a lot more focus, not just on crop, not just on crop yield, but more on strengthening the health and the vitality of the farm soil.

[00:03:22] Charles: Because at the end of today, You know, once you put in these activities into your planting, you know, it helps a lot in the long term. So it’s a, it’s a, it’s a, it’s a,  system that is being smiled upon now globally. And even with the issues with climate change that we are even experiencing here in Nigeria, you know, it’s become important that these are the methods that should be adopted.

[00:03:48] Charles: in the current day and time for farming, farming practices right now. So that’s it’s just a short, short, short idea on what we what we coined the term or [00:04:00] believe in the term; regenerative agriculture.

[00:04:02] Sharon Idahosa: Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I would have wanted to ask how well it’s really been adopted here in Nigeria, but maybe we’ll come to that briefly.

[00:04:12] Sharon Idahosa: Let me just hear from Rudolph. So, over to you. Yeah,

[00:04:17] Ruud: thank you very much. Yeah, so. I mean, if I, I mean, and by the way, I agree with, uh, what Charles is saying, but you know, if you really look at the principles of, uh, it’s actually regenerative agriculture is a philosophy. Yeah. And then, and that philosophy is actually translated in a set of agriculture practices.

[00:04:35] Ruud: And the aim of regenerative agriculture is to, is to reverse processes of natural, natural resource depletion. Yeah. So what we’re doing is we’re depleting our earth. That’s what is happening with a lot of conventional practices. And what we need to do is we have to reverse that process and following the principles of circularity and biodiversity.

[00:04:58] Ruud: Yeah, because [00:05:00] regenerative agriculture really aims to ensure that there are healthy soils, that there is increased biodiversity and we restore the balance of ecosystems while mitigating climate change. The outcome is mitigating climate change with doing this. And, uh, basically what you, what you try to do is you, for example, you want to minimize mechanical operations, uh, and, and the use of inputs like fertilizer, too much fertilizer or too much pesticides or wrong pesticides that may cause the damage to soil, organic matter and living organisms.

[00:05:35] Ruud: And that is really the basics of regenerative agriculture.

[00:05:38] Sharon Idahosa: Thank you for sharing.

[00:05:40] Ruud: Yeah, maybe I can add a little bit to that, Sharon. And there are really six fundamental principles in, in, um, regenerative agriculture. One is, as I said before, the balancing the soil nutrients, um, you always have to cover soil, uh, but with weeds or decay in plant material to be able to have good type biodiversity, minimize the intervention, [00:06:00] as I said, so of the soil, Uh, really increase the biodiversity of all organisms, plants, animals,

[00:06:07] Ruud: also microorganisms, uh, including like bacteria and so on, uh, that would increase the performance and then integration and proper management of animals like insects, birds on the farm, etc. And then really outcome is to increase organic matter. And immobilizing, um, let’s say carbon dioxide in the soil. And that’s basically the, the principle of reducing climate impact.

[00:06:33] Ruud: So increasing CO2, basically, uh, having that in the, getting that in the soil and growing plants from CO2, the principles of life.

[00:06:42] Sharon Idahosa: Thank you for that. Thank you for that. I know that the whole idea of us having this conversation, I mean, talking about regenerative agriculture is more about creating awareness and helping to guide farmers to, you know, transition to regenerative practices.

[00:06:57] Sharon Idahosa: And I believe that you have been doing amazingly well [00:07:00] in terms of guiding our farmers through the process. So before I even get to my Um, question or let me just get to my question right away. So from a country level, how successful has that been now? The reason why I’m asking this is mainly because it is very, um, difficult to, you know, get our farmers who have been, you know, very much focused or strong headed on the traditional methods of farming right from the beginning.

[00:07:28] Sharon Idahosa: And all of this new, um, solutions coming into the picture and then trying to sway them to, you know, go into a better direction. They may not see it that way, but can you give me a few examples of farmers who have benefited from combating to, um, regenerative practices? How successful has that been really?

[00:07:49] Sharon Idahosa: Over to you, Rudolph.

[00:07:50] Ruud: Well, thank you very much for the question. You know, at the end, one of the philosophies that we have is that if you want to work and support climate change, [00:08:00] the only way to do that is using farmers. The best way to do that is using farmers. And help them implement these systems that are better for our earth.

[00:08:09] Ruud: And I would say there are three principles that are important. You know, it has to make sense for the planet. It has to make sense for the people, which is also social impact is very important. And then there has to be made profit. Why would anyone do it? If you can’t make money, if you can’t support your life and well being in your, uh, as, as a farmer, but also for your community.

[00:08:28] Ruud: So one of the things that we are working on with different partners and We’re also working with Charles, who’s actually in Nigeria, but I’ll give you an example that is published in Brazil, which is, uh, uh, you know, where we have indigenous farmers and they are actually implementing regenerative practice in their country, uh, maintaining, first of all, the rainforest, which is very important.

[00:08:50] Ruud: Uh, if you, if you deplete the rainforest, we actually release more CO2 and actually have a, we have more more negative [00:09:00] impact on climate change. So you have to incentivize the farmers. to maintain the rainforest, maintain vegetation, and at the same time incentivize them to incorporate, uh, these new, better regenerative practice, which actually will help them to increase their, uh, their yields, make better products.

[00:09:19] Ruud: And, and, and, and increase the value of the product. So what we’re doing there is supporting farmers and we try, we’re going to do the same thing in Nigeria, supporting the farmers to, uh, using carbon incentives. So CO2 carbon credit incentives to make the necessary investments to, to get them that move.

[00:09:38] Ruud: That is already working in Brazil and we have multiple projects on the way where we incentivize the farmers to maintain the forest and at the same time incorporate regenerative practices so that they make better products, that they have higher yields, that there are more resistance against pests that actually can destroy.

[00:09:59] Ruud: or even [00:10:00] microorganisms that can destroy the yields that they have on the farms.

[00:10:03] Sharon Idahosa: Thank you for sharing. But Charles, I mean, as a partner working with them already, about helping farmers to transition to regenerative practices, how effective has that been? Can you tell me your own experience? working with farmers in Nigeria?

[00:10:19] Charles: Okay, thank you. That was a good question. But I mean, um, in terms of working with food chain right now on regenerative agriculture is actually something that is ongoing at the moment, working in the middle of that now. But I can give an industrial example what’s currently happening now and how some farmers that actually practice regenerative agriculture were not accepted the issue.

[00:10:46] Charles: So right now in Nigeria, In the ginger value chain, this particular season, when I say this season, that’s the 2023 to 2024 season, because it takes 10 months, 10 to 12 months for the full cycle of harvest. [00:11:00] So the ginger that was planted last year was harvested earlier this year. And this particular year, there was a big problem with our ginger production.

[00:11:09] Charles: We had a bacteria and a fungi outbreak, which had wiped out over 80 to 85% of our output of ginger, of which has made the price skyrocket by over 250%. But now what’s interesting is that there are couple of farmers, some of them, which I know quite commercial farm farms or farmers that practiced organic farming. This particular scenario

[00:11:35] Charles: and they were not affected. So this year, based on this issue that has happened currently right now, the federal government of Nigeria has put together a task force for this issue that happened to the ginger and one of the things that is going to happen is that, there is going to be model farms being set up this year to show farmers better Agro practices in order to [00:12:00] help mitigate these kind of issues

[00:12:01] Charles: that might happen in the future. So it’s a current problem that is actually going on now. And it’s a simple, very good example on how regenerative agriculture, if that was already massively in play, that helped with this issue. So that’s even one of the ways in which I even met food chain, because as a, as a business, we previously used to be involved in the rice value chain for about six, seven years ago, or about. Recently,

[00:12:26] Charles: we’ve diversified into the difference value chain, which wants to be exporting, but to be able to tap into the premium market, as I would call it, there’s so many specifications that need to be done. And even in terms of production wise, a lot of other countries have already gone far ahead of Nigeria in terms of practice, just as Dr. Ruud

[00:12:45] Charles:  said in Brazil, we already have something ongoing already but in Nigeria, at the moment, we don’t have this in mass, in mass yet. Also going forward, I mean, these are one of the things that we’re hoping things will change over time because I mean, [00:13:00] we’re going to be one of the players to showcase the positive sides of this practice. Thank you.

[00:13:05] Sharon Idahosa: Thank you for sharing that. I really, really hope that, um, this is something that the government will really puts their hands into and not just, um, say it because trust me, we’ve heard so many initiatives that, uh,

[00:13:17] Charles: I know. I agree. I know you’re so right. Yeah.

[00:13:24] Sharon Idahosa: Yes. Go ahead.

[00:13:24] Charles: Currently, Nigeria is about where we rank at number three in terms of ginger production worldwide.

[00:13:31] Charles: And even in terms of the non oil export receipts presently for agriculture in particular, I mean, ginger is one of the top five crops that brings Nigeria foreign revenue. So with this issue that happened, I mean, it’s a matter of, if we don’t, if we don’t Converts after adopting better Agro practices, this can lead to the collapse of this setting value chain as an export product to Nigeria.

[00:13:56] Charles: So just to reiterate what you said, I really hope they will do what they’re [00:14:00] supposed to do. But to be on our end, this is what we’re going to be practicing on the privacy, on the private sector side. You know, to show the possibilities of yes, you know, you can also practice. regenerative agriculture and also be profitable, just as

[00:14:13] Charles: Dr. Rudd has mentioned.

[00:14:15] Sharon Idahosa: Well, I really commend this partnership. I mean, because we don’t, we don’t really have to leave everything to the government because we all have a role to play. I’m just going to keep emphasizing that we have a role to play because we are all stakeholders in the agriculture space. So it’s really important that we come together to contribute one way or the other, even without the intervention of the government.

[00:14:38] Sharon Idahosa: So I really appreciate partnership going on between your companies to see how, um, educate more farmers and help them, you know, adopt some of those regenerative practices to, to ensure that We increase productivity and a lot more. So just like I mentioned earlier, it is very difficult [00:15:00] for, um, farmers to, you know, adopt some initiatives, especially something that they are not used to.

[00:15:08] Sharon Idahosa: I mean, they’re quite, I wouldn’t want to use the word slow, but it’s very difficult for them because they believe in that, um, in that traditional way of doing agriculture. is still better. They believe that it is still better. So how do you convince a Nigerian farmer about the benefits of regenerative agriculture?

[00:15:29] Sharon Idahosa: This is more like asking you to, you know, just lay out the benefits of regenerative agriculture so people can really, um, understand and see the best ways that they can tap into it. So this is just me asking, what are the benefits of, um, regenerative agriculture, Charles.

[00:15:46] Charles: Okay. Thank you. I will use certain examples to get my answer, but I mean, one of the main improvements in terms of your, in terms of your production process, being improved tremendously, I mean, in [00:16:00] terms of your soil quality, the main thing here is your soil quality having positive impacts and that happening increases your yield as a farmer, because you’re assuming the person here is a farmer and with any farmer, the main benefit you want is to have good yield which ensures good profits.

[00:16:16] Charles: So on some, on some crops. Even domestically, it will help you access a certain level of off takers. Now, I can be specific. Let me use Nestle as an example. I mean, they’re one of the biggest food manufacturers in Nigeria. One of the things they look out for, even in identifying or picking suppliers, in this case, that’s farmers for products, is, you know, practices.

[00:16:40] Charles: What kind of, what kind of agronomic practices do you employ in your production? I mean, they have a, they have a pact to source products that are sustainably produced. So you, as a farmer practicing regenerative agriculture, it gives you added benefits to access to these kind of [00:17:00] premium markets, of course, which you pay a lot more than what an average buyer would pay for, that’s domestically.

[00:17:07] Charles: Then on the export side, one of the issues we have here in Nigeria, I mean, which is known is reject of our products in the EU markets or North American markets, which are the most premium market. And it’s essentially because we don’t produce to meet the specification in terms of micro toxin level, aflatoxin level, minimum.

[00:17:27] Charles: Level we don’t. Now, alot of all these practices like organic for the organic beb for North America or BD for European market, once you’re certified, I mean, certification means that yes, you’ve done everything you’re supposed to do and you’re producing in this matter the price of your product, you’ll command a premium.

[00:17:47] Charles: So yet again, as a farmer, we value and more, more profit for product as well. Plus, still adhering to practices that are helping with climate [00:18:00] change. Then, there are even other benefits. I mean, presently, myself and Dr. Rudolf are working on, so I’ll leave you more to speak on carbon credits and how that aspect also comes into play.

[00:18:12] Charles: So yeah, so I’ll say these are the, some of the benefits that a Nigerian farmer practicing regenerative, regenerative agriculture can benefit

[00:18:22] Sharon Idahosa: from. I think that’s really a good, um, a good example to really help them understand why they need to practice regenerative agriculture. You know, so many people might just, um, do their own, their own, um, um, practice and just feel like, It’s fine and there is really nothing that is going to happen.

[00:18:42] Sharon Idahosa: But when you decide to then go into a big market and then you start seeing all of this, um, uh, what’s this, what was the word now to use? You start seeing them doing due diligence and seeing that, okay, you, you actually used

[00:18:57] Charles: Asking for, asking for [00:19:00] exactly, even asking for more requirements like certification.

[00:19:02] Charles: And right now I’m sure Dr. Ruud will speak more on this, but I mean, over the next years, it should become not even more of, of, not even more of premium, but more of a mandate, more mandatory to have certain certifications before it can export to certain markets. It’s just the way the, it’s just the way the food, the, the food system is just changing.

[00:19:23] Charles: You know, there’s more, there’s consumers, I mean, B2B on the little end, on the industrial end. You know, they’re interested in more sustainable production methods, which what’s happening now across board.

[00:19:37] Sharon Idahosa: I think that’s really important. And, um, it’s really going to keep a whole lot of farmers on their toes.

[00:19:44] Sharon Idahosa: And I really hope that they are ready for that. I really hope we are ready for that. And people are not being stuck. Well, that’s the reason why we’re having this conversation. And, um, creating awareness around this so people can start adopting because that is where we are [00:20:00] headed at this point. So it’s just like, um, of the farmers that are not adopting blockchain technology, and then people are complaining about their jobs being taken from them and you have to keep up with the trend.

[00:20:12] Sharon Idahosa: You have to follow the trend to, you know, stay relevant. And it still applies to this. If you’re not keeping up with, um, sustainable agricultural practices, it’s just going to, you’re just going to be left behind. So I’m really glad that this is coming up and we are putting it out there for people to know and see ways they can start tapping into this for the future.

[00:20:32] Sharon Idahosa: Because we are looking out for a sustainable future. So maybe, um, Dr. Ruud can just, you know, tell us a bit more on how Food Chain ID is supporting the industry and, um, regenerative practices, regenerative agriculture.

[00:20:46] Ruud: Yeah. Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity. I very much liked what, uh, what Charles was saying.

[00:20:51] Ruud: One of the things that, uh, that I was really stunned to hear is that, uh, close to 40%, uh, actually 40 million [00:21:00] farmers, uh, smallholder farms in, in Nigeria produce like 90% of your food. Yeah. Uh, so there’s a lot of smaller farms, uh, in Nigeria, and if I look at that and I’m, and how actually all of the world works.

[00:21:15] Ruud: Um, you know, you need to enable those farmers that it comes down to and enabling has two aspects. One is obviously, and that’s where we working with, uh, with Charles, for example, is that the farmers need to be educated how to produce better, more regenerative, uh, crop. So, but then someone needs to show that that actually happens.

[00:21:36] Ruud: And we, as a company are the verifier. Yeah. So food chain ID is the verifier. And. Uh, if, if, if people know our, our, our company, you know, we, we certify more than a hundred thousand farms around the world against organic, uh, or non GMO or other practices that are sustainable, more sustainable than, uh, than other types of farming and [00:22:00] that kind of certification actually adds value to a product and adding value to the product means that first of all, the customer demands.

[00:22:08] Ruud: But secondarily, as a farmer, you can also get more value for your product, meaning it increases your income. And so certification is, is actually providing evidence to the buyer for the farmer that the product has a higher value at. And that’s really what we are involved with. And the other thing that we’re involved with is verifying the sustainable practices.

[00:22:30] Ruud: Allowing the issuance of carbon credits and we working that with partners. One of the partners that is very active together in with us in is a receipt. They also have a an agreement with the Center for Renewable Energy and Action on climate change in Nigeria. And that is a program that allows to fund

[00:22:51] Ruud: the conversion of farmers to more regenerative practices, enabling the issuance of carbon credits, which ultimately increases the [00:23:00] income of the farmer. And I can tell you, we have already have evidence in these projects in Brazil. And I think It should be the same in Nigeria that we have seen income generation of more income of 40 to 60 percent of the farmer doing this.

[00:23:14] Ruud: So just imagine that every farmer that signs up has the outcome that they can generate more income. That is a massive impact. And then on top of that, having a product that is more regenerative, that is better for earth, you know, has, has, has potential positive impact on climate change. And the buyers value that that is really for the farmer, the, the outcome that they design.

[00:23:38] Ruud: That’s how we are supporting as a company, as the verifier of practices to verify the validator, the supporter of these initiatives, working with local people, uh, and, and, and, and advocates like like Charles. I hope that helps you.

[00:23:51] Sharon Idahosa: Yes, that actually helps. But I’m just wondering, um, getting access to these, um, certifications, does it come with, [00:24:00] um, its cost?

[00:24:01] Sharon Idahosa: Is this something that is affordable for farmers or do they have to go through, um, a different organization entirely to get that? I’m just trying to, I’m just trying to get familiar with it.

[00:24:12] Ruud: It’s a, that’s a good question. And of course there is cost associated with certifications, but if we do the programs as an integrated program where carbon credits will be generated from verification, those credits will go back to the farmer and pay for all of the costs and more.

[00:24:30] Ruud: Yeah. So in principle, if you gauge in these programs that we’re working on with Crayac and, and, and, and Charles and, and local, uh, stakeholders, making sure that the farmers convert that these are the verification in the field, the verification of data of practices. Will generate just solely income from carbon credits and these carbon credits are sufficient to one supplement the income of the farmer and two [00:25:00] pay for all of the certification and the consulting and education in the field.

[00:25:04] Sharon Idahosa: Okay, so what if the, what if the famer doesn’t go through your own program, but still wants to, you know, get access to the whole certification and the rest.

[00:25:14] Ruud: That isn’t. Yeah, so the key is actually obviously we need to work with local stakeholders because we need to have people that speak the language that understand the culture that understand the farmers in country.

[00:25:28] Ruud: So we need to work with the local advocates like Charles and and have the basically the push and the funding the initial funding from the Center for Renewable Energy and Action on Climate Change. By the way, offsetting also the footprint of the whole country of Nigeria, uh, which has obviously a negative carbon footprint, but they could be carbon positive if they implement in farmers.

[00:25:52] Ruud: Uh, that the key is actually is that we engage with those local stakeholders that engage them with the farmers. in country [00:26:00] and sign up for these programs as fast as possible. And for us then to, to help, uh, to, to achieve the outcomes that we all need as a people on the earth.

[00:26:10] Sharon Idahosa: Thank you so much for sharing that.

[00:26:11] Sharon Idahosa: I just like to be on the farmer’s side. A lot more so I can know this is a program. So I’m really happy to know that, um, there’s a program for this and this is something that he can register and benefit from. So thank you so much for the work that you are doing. I’m looking forward to seeing this happen in real time.

[00:26:32] Sharon Idahosa: Um, kicking off fully here in Nigeria, because I believe that this is something that will benefit a whole lot of farmers. Earlier today I was, I was going through a tweet and I came across a post that um, the the the tweet was talking about how Nigeria is not ready for the whole climate change thing.

[00:26:52] Sharon Idahosa: And then they’re talking about carbon credits. And I was like, okay, so this is a, this is a topic that I’m [00:27:00] discussing today on the podcast. So I really want to get the views from Emily and in the next few hours, actually. Which is actually funny, a whole lot of people here in Nigeria are not so pleased with the whole climate change, the focus on climate change or carbon credits, but I really hope that farmers can really see the benefits and move over to more sustainable agricultural practices.

[00:27:27] Sharon Idahosa: I really hope so. I really, really, really do. So, but I’m right here open to amplify the message of regenerative agricultural practices and help farmers to, you know, get involved and see the best ways that they can increase their revenue because just like Charles mentioned, we have about 90 percent farmers or that are produced, that are smallholder farmers producing food and they need to be equipped they needs to be empowered.

[00:27:54] Sharon Idahosa: They need to increase their income. And I believe that this is the best way for them to, um, get [00:28:00] started. So I’m really excited about this initiative and I’m really, really looking forward to it myself. Thank you so much.

[00:28:07] Ruud: Thank you for creating awareness, Sharon. I really, uh, enjoy talking today and. I really look forward to working closely further with Charles on helping you in country and all the farmers, the almost 40 million farmers that you have in country, which is a massive amount, obviously, and to make sure that there is not just, uh, you know, regenerative farming, but there is also continuing to be.

[00:28:30] Ruud: safe and better food for everyone, uh, you know, better nutritious food and maintaining the, uh, maintaining our earth, which is important for my kids and for their kids later on. Thank you very much.

[00:28:43] Sharon Idahosa: Thank you.

[00:28:44] Charles: Thank you so much Sharon. You are doing well.

[00:28:45] Sharon Idahosa: Thank you so much. Yes, it’s a pleasure to have you here, and we’ve come to the end of today’s episode.

[00:28:52] Sharon Idahosa: Once again, this episode is sponsored by FoodchainID, your trusted provider, yes, of tailored technology, [00:29:00] insight, and expertise. So do well to visit The Foodchainid.com to learn more on how to get started with the programs here in Nigeria, in Brazil across Africa and other Countries as well. I believe they’re also present in various countries that you can benefit as well. So thank you so much for joining this show do well to subscribe do well to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin And subscribe on your favorite listening platforms.

[00:29:23] Sharon Idahosa: We’re on Apple, we’re on Spotify, we’re on Google, we’re on Amazon and so much more. So do well to subscribe because we have more interesting topics, episodes coming your way. Once again, my name is Sharon Idahosa and I am your host. Do have a lovely time. Cheers!!!

End of Transcript

This podcast is sponsored by FOODCHAINID; FoodChainID is your trusted provider of tailored technology, insights and expertise. Over 30,000 food, beverage, ingredient, dietary supplement and cosmetic companies across the global supply chain rely on FoodChainID as their trusted partner for integrated food safety, quality and sustainability services. Know More.