At Hadlow we are proud to educate farmers of the future on regenerative farming and horticulture, but that begs a question or two…
What exactly is regenerative farming and horticulture? And why is it so important?
What Is Regenerative Farming and Horticulture?
In simple terms, regenerative farming and horticulture is a way of growing food and raising animals that considers the long-term health of the environment, society, and economy.
In other words, we are meeting our current needs without affecting the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
So in regenerative farming and horticulture, practices are used that minimize harm to the environment.
This could include using natural methods to control pests, reducing the use of harmful chemicals and synthetic fertilizers, and conserving water and soil. Additionally, regenerative farmers work to protect biodiversity, ensuring a variety of plants and animals can thrive.
At the heart of regenerative farming and horticulture is creating a more resilient and sustainable food system that will benefit the world for decades and centuries to come.
Why is Regenerative Farming and Horticulture Important?
In short, regenerative farming and horticulture is important to safeguard the future of this planet.
It is estimated that by 2050 we will need to grow 40 percent more food, using less land, optimising yields and emitting fewer greenhouse gases.
This means we need to change the way we treat our land, grow our crops and produce our food.
Here are just a few statistics that show the impact regenerative farming and horticulture can have:
- Regenerative farming reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50% compared to conventional agriculture. (Source: Food and Agriculture Organization - FAO)
- Increased water efficiency can result in 20% to 50% less water usage per unit. (Source: FAO)
- Regenerative farming preserves biodiversity, with organic farms supporting up to 50% more plant, insect, and bird species. (Source: Proceedings of the Royal Society B)
- Regenerative farming methods can improve soil health, leading to 10-20% higher crop yields. (Source: FAO)
- Regenerative farming reduces reliance on chemical pesticides by 70-90%. (Source: Nature Plants)
- Regenerative agriculture can increase farmer incomes by 10-35% due to lower input costs and better market access. (Source: FAO)
- The organic food market has grown at an average rate of 10-15% annually, outpacing conventional food sales. (Source: Research Institute of Organic Agriculture - FiBL)
The benefits of regenerative farming and horticulture are numerous, and that is why it is vital that we, as a leading rural and land-based college, ensure that our students are aware of how important regenerative farming methods are.
What Are We Doing at Hadlow College?
We have already joined forces with numerous education providers from around the world to take a stand against climate change by signing the UN’s ‘Race to Zero’ campaign.
This commits us to three actions:
- Mobilising more resources for action-oriented climate change research and skills creation;
- Pledge to reach net-zero by 2030, or 2050 at the very latest,
- Increasing the delivery of environmental and sustainability education across curriculum, campus and community outreach programmes
A big step towards this came in 2022 with the creation of a new ‘robotic orchard and vineyard’ here a Hadlow.
This two-hectare area, will showcase the latest technology including automated AI management systems, a state of the art irrigation, fertigation and frost protection system and automated fruit picking.
The crops will be grown with sustainability in mind at all times. Drones will be used to monitor bud set, predict yields and monitor the growth of the crop allowing precise applications of nutrition, pest and disease control methods to be used.
Sensors will be installed throughout the orchard to monitor amongst other things moisture, relative humidity, PAR, rain fall plus other exciting sensors which are currently being developed.
It is hugely exciting and will ensure our students are at the forefront of the regenerative farming industry.
Along with Kent’s Further Education Colleges and the Chamber of Commerce, we are part of a collaborative project looking at decarbonisation and skills shortages in identified industry sectors.
Everything we do at Hadlow College is with regeneration and sustainability in mind.
Come and Join Us
We are Kent’s only rural and land-based college and as such we offer a huge number of courses at our beautiful campus set in 265 acres of prime arable land.
Our courses cover: Agriculture (livestock, arable, fruit and vegetables), Horticulture (glasshouse production, fruit and vegetables, viticulture, greenkeeping and ornamental production), Gardening, Agricultural Engineering, Aquaculture & Fisheries Management, Land and Wildlife Management, Equine, Animal Management, and Floristry.
Our history dates back over 100 years, and the College is a warm and welcoming community.
Take a look at the subject list page on our website to find out in more detail about all the courses we offer.
Alternatively come along to one of our open events.