The funding from Regenified, a verification and product certification programme that champions regenerative agriculture, will allow the RCF to deliver three free-to-access workshops for a pilot group of Herefordshire farmers, to help them adopt more regenerative farming practises, benefitting their businesses and the environment. The programme will be delivered with the support of the Herefordshire Rural Hub.

Regenerative agriculture involves restoring the health of the entire ecosystem, promoting biodiversity, soil health, water conservation, and climate resilience. The participating Herefordshire farmers will focus on producing nutritious and high-quality food, while also contributing to the overall well-being of the environment and the local ecosystem.

The participating farmers will also look at how a more regenerative approach could boost their business. Research from Regenified in the US, has shown that over half (56%) of values-based shoppers are willing to pay more for regenerative farmed food, and the study also emphasised the importance of clear certification and labelling for consumers. In the UK, research from Savills has found that after six years the margins of a regenerative farming system could exceed those of a conventional system by 31%.

The new programme was announced at an RCF regenerative farming event, held at Somerset House. After the event the RCF’s Royal Founding Patron, His Majesty The King, met with farmers from Herefordshire who are participating in the pilot programme.

Keith Halstead, Executive Director, The Royal Countryside Fund, said: “As a charity we’re committed to supporting family farms, to secure their viability now and for generations to come. The long-term future of farming and food production is inextricably tied to the health of our soils. That’s why we want to support farmers to find new ways to engage in productive agriculture in harmony with nature. We’ve seen high demand from farmers for such support, particularly as it also reduces input costs, and this partnership with Regenified is an important next step in expanding the support we offer.”

Salar Shemirani, CEO and Co-Founder of Regenified, said: “Regenerative agriculture has the power to positively transform the lives of farmers, rebuild resilient rural communities and restore depleted nature; farming regeneratively is truly a powerful act of transformation. The whole Regenified team is so proud and excited to be involved with The Royal Countryside Fund and this wonderful and progressive group of farmers in this incredible initiative.”