Regenerative Agriculture

Building a Sustainable Future

ISCC EU and PLUS certified farms and plantations will soon be able to obtain an ISCC certification for their regenerative agriculture practices. Provided as a voluntary add-on, this certification focuses on four key areas: soil health, water health, biodiversity and carbon sequestration. By integrating regenerative agriculture techniques, we can create an agricultural system that is sustainable, resilient and beneficial for both people and the planet.

Soil Health

The ISCC Regenerative Agriculture add-on includes practices that improve soil fertility and structure and boost microbial diversity. Healthy soils are maintained by minimising soil disturbance, increasing organic matter and using cover crops and crop rotation. This not only leads to higher and more consistent yields, but also makes the soil more resilient to the impacts of climate change.

Water Health

Efficient irrigation and drainage systems, minimising runoff, and preserving natural waterways are some examples of regenerative agricultural practices. By optimising water use and reducing waste water, regenerative agriculture helps to ensure the long-term viability of agriculture, even in water-scarce regions.

Biodiversity

Biodiversity is important for agriculture because it improves crop resilience, protects soil health, and increases the number of pollinator species, all of which contribute to sustainable and productive farming systems. The ISCC Regenerative Agriculture add-on includes techniques that preserve natural habitats, reduce the use of chemicals and promote diverse crops, ultimately leading to an increased biodiversity, better pollination, pest control and farm productivity.

Carbon Sequestration

Capturing and storing carbon in soils is an important part of the ISCC Regenerative Agriculture add-on. Practices like agroforestry, cover cropping, and reduced tillage turn agricultural lands into carbon sinks, reducing greenhouse gases while enhancing soil health and productivity.