The Launch of Regen Compass: A Game-Changer for Regenerative Agriculture

The European Alliance for Regenerative Agriculture (EARA) has introduced what it claims is the first comprehensive farmer-led evaluation of the fast-evolving regenerative agriculture landscape, focusing on frameworks, certifications, and claims.

This landmark initiative, unveiled during Regenerating Europe Week held in Brussels, presents Regen Compass – Volume 1.0. This tool is designed to assist farmers, buyers, and policymakers in navigating an increasingly commercialized and fragmented ecosystem.

Benchmarking the Existing MRV Systems

The Regen Compass evaluates 29 Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems. Its primary aim is to serve as a trusted, independent reference for stakeholders, rather than functioning as yet another set of standards or certifications. EARA emphasizes that this initiative is crucial for providing a clearer understanding of the current state of regenerative agriculture in Europe and identifying urgent areas for improvement.

A Compass, Not Another Certification

EARA is explicit in its intention that this Compass is not meant to designate “winners.” Instead, it is a strategic tool designed to map existing strengths while also exposing gaps in the current MRV approaches. Many existing models, according to EARA, have yet to equally consider ecological, social, and economic factors, a deficiency that could jeopardize the credibility of regenerative agriculture as it gains prominence among food businesses, investors, and policymakers.

Farmers Combatting Greenwashing Risks

The core message is simple yet crucial: farmers need a reliable tool to navigate and actively shape the emerging markets and regulations surrounding regenerative practices. EARA cautions that without strong, independent leadership from farmers, the regenerative agriculture movement risks being undermined by greenwashing, greenhushing, and corporate capture as numerous entities vie for “regenerative” labels.

To safeguard the integrity of regenerative agriculture, EARA advocates for well-founded MRV systems that are scientifically rigorous, locally adaptable, and collaboratively owned by farmers. Establishing such a foundation is essential for ensuring outcome-based verification and enabling the cost-effective scaling of regenerative practices across Europe.

Future Directions: Harmonization and Data Development

Looking ahead, EARA plans to collaborate with partners throughout Europe and beyond to refine the Compass further. Upcoming versions are expected to include more detailed data, enhanced evaluation criteria, and better clustering for continuous improvement.

“Without independent, farmer-led coordination, the regenerative agriculture movement lacks the strength to resist dilution through greenwashing and corporate influence,” stated Naomi Oakley, Founding Farmer of EARA. “For the first time, the Regen Compass provides a shared reference point, enabling us to clearly identify our position, understand what exists, and recognize where immediate improvements are necessary.”

EARA positions this first volume as the start of a collaborative journey aimed at transforming Europe’s regenerative agriculture landscape from fragmentation into a cohesive movement, ensuring that regeneration remains authentic, outcome-driven, and farmer-led.