NRDC Launches Regenerative Agriculture Program with Award-Winning Chefs to Protect, Build Healthy Soils

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In celebration of World Soil Day, NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is launching the Chefs for Healthy Soils program alongside 30 diverse chefs from across the country. The program underscores the importance of protecting soil to support food systems and builds public awareness around regenerative agriculture–a philosophy and approach to land management that can restore soil and ecosystem health; address inequity; and leave land, water, and climate in better shape for future generations.

“Food is inextricably connected to soil health, water quality and climate change,” said Lara Bryant, Deputy Director, Water & Agriculture at NRDC. “As Congress considers the upcoming Farm Bill, it’s critical to educate decision-makers about the value of healthy soil and regenerative agriculture, and the chefs on our roster have a unique voice and story about the importance of transforming our agricultural and food systems for the better.”

The program centers soil as the foundation for a healthy food system that does more than grow food for consumption. Healthy soil filters and replenishes water systems, stores and cycles carbon, and feeds the fungi and microbes that make produce flavorful and nutritious.

By volunteering to be a part of the program, chefs have the opportunity to support environmentally-conscious policies and speak directly to lawmakers and their customers about the importance of healthy soil for growing food.

“Collectively, we have the power to transform our food systems to be more equitable, healthy, and climate-friendly,” said Adrian Lipscombe, Chef and Founder of the 40 Acres Project. “Being a part of the Chefs for Healthy Soils program is an opportunity to connect with like-minded chefs who want to celebrate and protect our communities and local ecosystems.”

The launch of the Chefs for Healthy Soils program follows the publication of NRDC’s Regenerative Agriculture: Farm Policy For The 21st Century report, which includes insights from years of research and testimonies from over a hundred farmers and ranchers who are building healthy soils and growing climate-resilient communities across the country. The report details policy recommendations to inform the upcoming Farm BIll, the nation’s largest package of agricultural-related legislation to support our food systems and the producers who make it possible. 

Visit the Chefs for Healthy Soils landing page for more information on the program, regenerative agriculture, and ways to get involved.

Additional Resources:

●      Chefs for Healthy Soil Launches for World Soil Day (2022)

●      Regenerative Agriculture: Farm Policy For The 21st Century (2022)

●      Regenerative Agriculture 101 (2021)

●      Brewers for Clean Water (2013) Chefs for Healthy Soil Launches for World Soil Day

NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Since 1970, our lawyers, scientists, and other environmental specialists have worked to protect the world's natural resources, public health, and the environment. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Bozeman, MT, and Beijing. Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.