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Regenerative Farming and Sustainable Diets (2025) explores transformative approaches to creating sustainable food systems that benefit humans, animals, and the planet. Edited by Joyce D’Silva and Carol McKenna, this anthology features insights from experts on regenerative agriculture, plant-based diets, biodiversity, and ethical farming, offering actionable pathways for global change

Barcus, Leslie

Hansch, Steve

Jan 04, 2025 Regenerative Farming andSustainable Diets: Human, Animal and PlanetaryHealthBy Leslie Barcus and Steven HanschThe anthology. resulting from a conference organized by Compassion in WorldFarming, Regenerative Farming and Sustainable Diets (2025, Routledge Press) andedited by Joyce D’Silva and Carol McKenna, includes thirty-four chaptersaddressing how society could produce, distribute and consume food for the well-being of humans, animals and the environment. To develop a sustainable foodsystem, the various authors call for substantial changes in farming and foodconsumption. The book, which Jane Goodall recommends as a “must read,”promotes a transition to regenerative farming as a means to foster sustainable,healthy and secure diets while protecting the welfare of animals. Chaptersdiscuss broadly ranging issues from climate change and biodiversityconservation to animal sentience and intensive farming to the role of  nancialmarkets and food businesses. The book concludes with chapters discussingpotential routes in policy and practice to transform the global food system andachieve real-world change.1/9/25, 8:56 AM Regenerative Farming and Sustainable Dietshttps://wellbeingintl.org/regenerative-farming-sustainable-diets/ 1/4The authors make the case for shifting away from industrial animal agricultureto nature-friendly, regenerative farming approaches, reducing meat consumption,and promoting plant-based diets. They articulate a path toward rewilding soil byreturning animals to the land as part of mixed rotational farms.The well-established authors associate food systems with key global problems,including deforestation, soil degradation, water pollution and habitat loss forwildlife. Henry Dimbleby, founder of the Sustainable Restaurant Association,explains that whereas 12,000 years ago, humans were a tiny proportion ofbiomass compared to wild animals, now the combined weight of animals bredfor food dwarfs that of the combined weight of all wild mammals and birds.Further, he explains that “Globally, the food system is the second‑biggest emitterof greenhouse gases (after the fuel industry), and the primary cause ofdeforestation, drought, freshwater pollution, biodiversity loss and the collapse ofaquatic wildlife.”The book has several thematic sections, each with a different focus on aspectsof the transformation of food systems. In the “Global Agreement on Food,Climate, and Animal Welfare” section, Philip Lymbery argues for an internationalagreement integrating food production with climate action and animal welfare toensure a sustainable future for the next generations. In “Soil Regeneration forClimate Security,” Rattan Lal explores regenerative soil management as a criticalstrategy for minimizing extinction risks and ensuring climate resilience. ShireenKassam articulates how plant-based diets improve human health outcomes andreduce the environmental footprint of food production. Shireen’s sister, Laila, andfather, Amirali, argue that “regenerative agriculture does not require theintegration of farmed animals or their products for soil health, climatesequestration or any other ecologically based reason. We highlight thedestructive nature of the dominant tillage‑based agriculture paradigm and putforward an alternative paradigm of Conservation.”Meanwhile, the book argues for regenerative farming practices, such as reducedor no-tillage, composting, and crop rotation, to help maintain and improve soilhealth by fostering a rich diversity of microorganisms. These microorganisms1/9/25, 8:56 AM Regenerative Farming and Sustainable Dietshttps://wellbeingintl.org/regenerative-farming-sustainable-diets/ 2/4play a crucial role in nutrient cycling, pest control, and overall ecosystemresilience. By avoiding synthetic chemicals and disturbing the soil lessfrequently, regenerative farming creates a more hospitable environment forbene cial microbes, fungi, and insects that contribute to soil fertility and planthealth. One chapter by University of Winchester professor Andrew Knightaddresses the environmental bene ts of vegan pet food, reducing the demandfor animal-sourced products to feed several billion pets.In “Sentience and Farming Practices,” animal welfare scientists Donald Broomand John Webster explore the ethical implications of animal sentience,advocating for farming practices that respect animal welfare while promotingsustainable agriculture. Ecologist Carl Sa na examines how sentient minds caninform conservation efforts and improve animal welfare in farming systems. In“Agroecology’s Role in Climate Mitigation,” Janet Maro builds on a case fromTanzania where agroecological practices allow communities to adapt to climatechange while improving their local food security. In a chapter about the reform of nancial architecture. Jennifer Clapp recommends countering corporateconcentration in the global food system by shifting  nancial investments awayfrom industrial agriculture toward more sustainable models. She notes, “Only six rms control 80% of the global agricultural chemical market and 60% of the globalseed market. Just four  rms control the global grain trade – Archer DanielsMidland, Bunge, Cargill and Louis Dreyfus. Collectively, they account for 50%–70%of the international trade in staple grains.”Regenerative agriculture encourages the use of polyculture (growing multiplecrops together) and crop rotation, which increases plant diversity on farms. Thisdiversity helps prevent the build-up of pests and diseases that target speci ccrops, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Diverse plant species alsoprovide a wider range of habitats and food sources for various animals, insects,and pollinators, contributing to a more balanced ecosystem.1/9/25, 8:56 AM Regenerative Farming and Sustainable Dietshttps://wellbeingintl.org/regenerative-farming-sustainable-diets/ 3/4Leslie Barcus is a member of WBI’s Board and the CEO of Nuzzles and Co, ananimal shelter in Park City, Utah. Steven Hansch is a humanitarian aid specialistwith extensive  eld, management, and evaluation experience. He teaches atseveral universities and serves on several nonpro t boards involved in humandevelopment and humanitarian aid.Book Available at: https://www.routledge.com/Regenerative-Farming-and-Sustainable-Diets-Human-Animal-and-Planetary-Health/DSilva-McKenna/p/book/9781032684321.Open Access Download Link: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/oa-edit/10.4324/9781032684369/regenerative-farming-sustainable-diets-joyce-silva-carol-mckenna1/9/25, 8:56 AM Regenerative Farming and Sustainable Dietshttps://wellbeingintl.org/regenerative-farming-sustainable-diets/ 4/4

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Book Review | Regenerative Farming and Sustainable Diets: Human, Animal and Planetary Health

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