A groundbreaking pan-European study has confirmed that regenerative farming systems, many of which are entirely plant-based, can produce yields comparable to or better than conventional agriculture while significantly reducing the use of synthetic inputs such as fertilisers and pesticides.
Covering 78 farms across 14 countries and more than 7,000 hectares, this is the largest farmer-led assessment of regenerative agriculture worldwide. The study introduced a novel Regenerating Full Productivity (RFP) index that evaluates ecological, climatic, and economic performance, providing a comprehensive view of farm productivity beyond simple yield measures.
On average, farms practicing regenerative agriculture achieved only 1% lower caloric and protein yields than conventional farms but reduced synthetic nitrogen fertiliser use by 62% and pesticide use by 76% per hectare. These regenerative farms also scored 27% higher on the RFP index, showing notable improvements in soil cover, plant diversity, photosynthetic activity, and cooling effects on fields during summer months.
One of the standout examples comes from Greece, where a pioneering farmer reported yields up to 280% higher than the regional average. This farm operates without synthetic fertilisers or pesticides and uses 78% less fuel, relying on syntropic agroforestry techniques that enhance biodiversity and improve water retention. These practices provide valuable benefits for climate resilience and illustrate a viable economic and ecological model for farmers.
Unlike many conventional European farming systems that depend on importing over 30% of livestock feed from outside the continent, the farms involved in the study achieved their yields without relying on imported feed or synthetic inputs. This highlights the potential of locally adapted, plant-based regenerative systems to meet productivity demands while increasing food system resilience.
The timing of this research is critical. The European Commission forecasts agricultural losses amounting to €60 billion by 2025, rising to over €90 billion by 2050, driven by climate instability, reliance on external inputs, and systemic vulnerabilities. Europe continues to be a net importer of calories and proteins, exposing its food systems to risks associated with global supply disruptions.
The findings position regenerative crop-based systems as a promising path towards greater agricultural autonomy and sustainability in Europe. They demonstrate that transitioning to regenerative practices is not only environmentally necessary but economically feasible, offering farmers a way to enhance both resilience and profitability.
The lead author of the study emphasized that this research provides hard evidence from real-world farms confirming that regenerative agriculture works and has a compelling business case. The transition towards regenerative farming is vital for securing food security and rural resilience in the face of mounting environmental and economic challenges.
This farmer-led initiative underscores the power of collaborative, ground-up approaches to agricultural innovation. By sharing knowledge and experience, regenerative farmers are helping to pave the way for a more sustainable, climate-adaptive European agri-food sector. Their success signals a bright future for farming across the continent, offering hope for a resilient food system capable of nourishing current and future generations while preserving natural resources.
In summary, the largest study of its kind shows that plant-based regenerative farming systems can nearly match conventional yields with drastically fewer chemical inputs, improve ecological health, and offer a viable model for sustainable agriculture. As climate pressures increase and input costs rise, regenerative agriculture emerges as a practical and necessary strategy for Europe’s agricultural future.
