Fragile Foundations
Healthy soil is the backbone of our global food system.
We all rely on fruit and vegetables grown in regions that are increasingly affected by extreme weather and resource stress. Some projections suggest that if current practices continue, global agricultural productivity could fall by up to 30% by 2050. Crops that provide around 70% of the world’s calories, could see average yield drops of over 10% [1].
It is clear that current farming models are no longer viable, and we need to build a new one that works for both people and planet.
The Support Gap
Research from the European Alliance for Regenerative Agriculture (EARA) found that regenerative farms produce comparable yields to conventional ones, while using 62% less synthetic nitrogen fertiliser and 76% fewer pesticides[2]. These are meaningful improvements that reduce environmental impact and cut input costs for farmers.
But switching to regenerative methods is not without complications. It comes with costs, new risks, and the need for new skills. Farmers need clear incentives, access to advice and long-term financial support for the transition to succeed.
Whilst progress has been made, there remains a lack of options to help commercial farmers de-risk and adopt lower GHG emission inputs. There are not enough resources to ensure the commercial change needed for the future of sustainable farming.
Creating Models to Accelerate Change
That’s why we launched our Farmer Innovation Fund, a scalable model designed to help our ingredient suppliers transition to regenerative practices. It provides tailored, financial support for projects addressing key agricultural challenges, including soil health, water efficiency, biodiversity, crop resilience, and carbon reduction.
We funded projects including SVZ, who are expanding its use of the HIDRIX on-demand irrigation system to optimise water use and reduce emissions, research into orange tree carbon sequestration in Brazil, and Agrarias Manchegas’ transition to becoming a fully functioning smart farm.
From Projects to Landscapes
This transition is bigger than any single company or farm, and everyone has a part to play in safeguarding the future supply of fruit and vegetables. To scale regenerative agriculture, we need a collaborative approach. That means bringing together farmers, NGOs, policymakers, industry, and companies to build a framework fit for purpose.
We need to think in terms of regions and ecosystems, not just farm-by-farm interventions. Taking a landscape-level approach helps align goals, consolidate impact, and support long-term resilience at scale.
Legislating for Progress
Policy frameworks are key to developing environmental stewardship, and regulatory landscapes are evolving rapidly. Our fund supports both business resilience and political engagement, and we use our experience to participate in EU agricultural policy discussions and engage political stakeholders.
Key conversations are taking place among EU lawmakers that will shape the future of agriculture in Europe. It is crucial to ensure that future standards are practical and deliver the greatest impact to addressing agriculture’s challenges.
The Strategic Imperative
Regenerative agriculture is not just a climate solution, it is a resilience strategy. It allows us to secure supply, reduce risk, and protect the ecosystems we depend on.
At innocent, we are committed to doing our part. But the real opportunity lies in working together. By investing in the land, in farmers, and in the systems that connect us all, we can build a food system that is fit for the future.
Estelle Gayout is the Impact & Engagement Lead at Innocent Drinks.
