Farmer’s Footprint
Author: Sam Golden
The Problem:
In the United States, as in other countries, the farming and agriculture industries are dominated by large-scale industrial farms that prioritise high short-term profits and yields over long-term food security and sustainability.
By relying on chemical fertilisers and harmful pesticides, so-called “big agriculture” not only wreaks havoc on ecosystems and biodiversity, but also produces poor-quality, nutrient-void produce that contains harmful toxins and chemicals. Another harmful aspect of large-scale agriculture is monocropping—the cultivation of a single crop over vast areas—which strips nutrients from the soil, leaving it less fertile and more prone to erosion.
Beyond environmental damage, industrial agriculture also presents significant social challenges. In the 1930s, the U.S. had 7 million farmers. Today, that number has dropped to just 2 million. In the past five years alone, the U.S. has lost 4% of its dairy farms, 9% of its hog farms, and 7% of its beef cattle farms. Yet, the total number of livestock has remained roughly the same. In other words, farms are now fewer in number but much larger and more concentrated in the hands of large industrial farms. This also means that agricultural profits, rather than being distributed among many smaller farmers, are concentrated in the hands of a select few.
The Solution:
Regenerative agriculture represents a promising alternative to the destructive practices of industrial farming. Rather than focusing solely on maximising yields, regenerative practices work in harmony with nature. In doing so, they help to rebuild soil health, improve biodiversity, and optimise the use of natural resources. One organisation that is helping to make regenerative farming the norm is the American nonprofit, Farmer's Footprint.
Farmer's Footprint provides farmers with education, resources, and support tailored to the unique challenges of transitioning to these sustainable practices. Here are some of the main features and methods that Farmer's Footprint is using to achieve its goals:
It encourages broader engagement with regenerative agriculture through internships and scholarships, all of which aim to inspire the next generation of responsible land stewards.
It has built an active and engaged community of activists, researchers, indigenous communities, and regenerative experts that serves to create a vital support system for farmers.
Their storytelling initiatives, including partnerships with writers, photographers, and filmmakers, raise awareness for regenerative farming.
ReNourish Studio is essentially a regenerative farming think tank that Farmer's Footprint uses to inform and guide their focus and initiatives.
The Nest is a service that helps regenerative farmers to build their online presence through marketing, storytelling, and design services. For every paid service, they donate a similar service to farmers who can't afford it. So far, they have provided over $120,000 in free services to farmers.
Impact & Lessons
Farmer's Footprint now boasts a community of over 8,000 members. It has gathered more than 150,000 signatures on a petition to ban glyphosate and has generated over 2 million impressions on social media. In recent years, they have expanded their services and initiatives to Australia and the UK.
By helping small, environmentally conscious producers reach a wider audience, Farmer's Footprint is helping to shape consumer preferences and create demand within markets for sustainable and environmentally conscious produce. Fortunately, this process is already starting to happen! A recent survey found that 72% of U.S. consumers support regenerative agriculture programs and healthy soil initiatives (Bord Bia, 2024). No doubt this is in part thanks to Farmer's Footprint!
While there is still a long way to go, the future of regenerative farming looks bright. After all, farmers are not new to the challenge of growing something from the ground up!