Seen and Heard 3 : The Regenerative Co-operative?

The science behind climate change and sustainability is complicated but it is important that the critical facts and the best information currently available enters the public arena. Veterinarians play a very significant role in discussing evidence based science with their clients, and the general public. The media to which the general public is exposed, is often guilty of playing ‘fast and loose’ with the facts. In this series, we will examine the evidence behind some of the statements and articles that have appeared and attempt to equip VetSalus members with simple summaries, which they may use when discussing some of the more misleading or potentially contentious statements.

At least once a week I drive past a bold sign standing outside a local milk factory that states “First Milk: the Regenerative Co-operative.” While many folk will just drive on by, ignoring the proclamation,  I have often wondered what the company intends by this message?  What does the word "regenerative" actually mean in this context?

First Milk are, of course, a significant U.K. dairy co-operative with over 700 members and three main production sites in west Wales, the Lake District and Dorset and their members regeneratively farm nearly 90,000 hectares. It took only a few clicks to find  their businesses web site where, under a prominent tab “regenerative”, I read, 

“Regenerative farming is about farming with nature, nurturing healthy soils, reducing and locking away carbon, working to protect rivers and streams, and strengthening the communities at the heart of our co‑operative. 

It’s a commitment to continual improvement; doing better every day for the land we farm, the animals we care for, and the people we work alongside.^[1]”

This is very laudable and well meaning. A deeper exploration of the site reveals summaries of policies in a number of critical areas including First’s three pillars of regeneration: animals, planet and people and some more detailed information on carbon, water, nature and animals. Under the animal section further details emerge:

“Our members have committed to a set of shared pledges. These include treating all animals with care and respect, providing access to pasture for a minimum of 120 days per year, implementing vet-approved Animal Health and Welfare Plans, and recording, monitoring and sharing antibiotic data.” 

Once again some praiseworthy intent is on display.

But how can we be sure? Many cynics will dismiss statements such as these as ‘greenwashing’, i.e.making public statements that are not backed up by actions.

As veterinarians, in close contact with the daily operations of many dairy farms, do we have a degree of responsibility to support initiatives like these, and even call them out if found wanting? 

What should a regenerative dairy farm look like anyway? VetSalus course material defines regenerative agriculture as an approach to farming that seeks to continue to improve (or restore) soil quality, biodiversity, water quality and ecosystem health. The key themes here are a broad perspective and a commitment to steady improvement. Other common principles involve integration of livestock, pasture and land management and an outcome based approach that looks for steady improvement rather than achieving a prescribed standard. In this regard, Regenerative farming can appear a little light, lacking the more vigorously applied standards of other groups such as “organic” producers.^[2]

But once again, the need to back the introductory statement up with evidence is necessary to avoid the greenwashing charges. First Milk advises on its opening web page that it is proud to be a “B Corp Certified business”. B Corp is a not for profit organisation that is involved in the independent certification of businesses. Their web site states:

“When you certify as a B Corp, it signals to stakeholders—customers, employees, and investors—that your company is committed to responsible business practices that benefit people and the planet, not just shareholders.”^[3]

First Milk being certified by B Corp adds considerable credibility to their regenerative claim. B Corp has now been established for over twenty years and their latest standards list climate action and environmental stewardship among their seven ‘impact topics.’^[4] Their certification process is based on third party certification; B Corp does not audit businesses directly.

First Milk measures its farm’s performance annually and provides incentives and rewards for improvements in performance as the cooperative works towards a net zero position in 2040.

Ultimately how you personally respond to an all embracing statement like “the Regenerative Cooperative” may well depend on your local experiences. First Milk have been involved in supporting trials on dung beetles and anthelmintics in west Wales^[5], which provides at least one example of their commitment in action. They report other trial activities including direct measurement of carbon retention under regenerative systems.^[6] Their latest annual report provides further evidence of the regenerative approach in that it reports on carbon sequestration and CO2e intensity.^[7]

Veterinary consultants work with a wide range of agricultural systems and are exposed to statements and positions that are sometimes controversial. It is important that we take our roles as advocates and educators seriously and become adept at filtering out the greenwash and supporting the more scientifically valid approaches. The next time you see a regenerative claim, what factors will help you decide its validity?

This article has used A.I. resources to search for references but these were reviewed before use and the articles have been written and edited by a human brain.

If you are interested in the work of VetSalus, you will find a wider range of articles and educational material on our web site: www.vetsalus.com