Wildfarmed
Author: Sam Golden
The Problem:
Globally, three staple crops—wheat, maize, and rice—supply nearly 60% of the world’s caloric intake. However, these crops are predominantly cultivated using industrial farming methods, which degrade soil health and undermine long-term food security.
In the EU alone, soil degradation now affects 61% to 73% of agricultural land, leading to annual losses of approximately 3 million tonnes of wheat. On a global scale, around 12 million hectares of farmland—an area roughly the size of Greece—are lost each year to soil degradation.
Industrial farming practices also contribute to environmental damage through the extensive use of synthetic chemicals, such as fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. While these inputs boost crop yields, they deplete beneficial soil organisms and present risks to human health. For instance, a 2019 study found pesticide residues in 83% of Europe’s agricultural soils, and the WHO has identified pesticides as a known health hazard.
The environmental impacts extend to biodiversity as well. Agriculture is the leading threat to 86% of species currently at risk of extinction, with pollinators particularly affected. In 2022, the U.S. reported a 48% decline in its honeybee population, jeopardizing the 75% of food crops that rely on animal pollination.
For more information about the harms of industrial farming, check out Sam Golden’s Mangrove Profile on Farmers Footprint.
The Solution:
Wildfarmed, a British company, has created a farming model that produces nutrient-rich food while restoring ecosystems and reducing dependency on harmful chemicals. Specifically, they focus on the sustainable and regenerative production of grains, primarily wheat.
Wildfarmed partners with a network of farmers, providing them with training and resources to adopt regenerative practices. This collaborative approach enables the organisation to scale its impact across different regions without owning large tracts of land.
Their farmers use cover crops throughout the year to protect the soil, improve water retention, and promote biodiversity. This system naturally replenishes soil nutrients, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilisers and pesticides.
They grow wheat in polycultures, intercropping with other plant species to enhance soil health and natural pest resistance, which allows them to avoid using chemical inputs.
Emphasizing soil health, Wildfarmed farmers employ no-till or low-till methods that foster microbial life, increase resilience, and even sequester carbon, contributing to carbon reduction efforts.
Wildfarmed have also developed a transparent supply chain, working with farmers, millers, and financers to localise production, ensuring that economic benefits are retained within communities. At scale, this promotes the growth and development of responsible, regional food systems.
And finally, through creative and effective marketing, Wildfarmed raises consumer awareness about sustainable food production, helping to drive demand for regenerative products. Long term, this will be crucial for encouraging wide-spread adoption of environmentally friendly farming practices.
Impact & Lessons:
Since its establishment in 2018, Wildfarmed has become a pioneering force in the regenerative agriculture movement, offering a viable alternative to industrial farming.
By partnering with over 100 farmers across the UK and France, Wildfarmed supports diverse food production methods that supply everything from artisanal sourdough bread to pizza dough. Through partnerships with major retail chains like M&S and Waitrose and 391 bakeries and restaurants, Wildfarmed has expanded access to sustainable, chemical-free grain products.
Wildfarmed’s model demonstrates that regenerative agriculture can be both financially and ecologically beneficial. By providing farmers with knowledge, technology, and support, Wildfarmed enables gradual adoption of sustainable practices. Their approach shows that small, scalable steps toward sustainability can produce meaningful change, making regenerative farming accessible for farms of all sizes.
For the industry, Wildfarmed’s success underscores the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable agriculture, offering a blueprint for integrating soil health, chemical reduction, and biodiversity into profitable food production.