Regenerative Farming: A Sustainable Future at MWW
Regenerative farming is changing modern agriculture by focusing on sustainability, biodiversity, and soil health. At MWW, these principles are at the heart of our operations, driving us to produce healthy crops while caring for the environment. In this article, we will share our key practices of regenerative farming at our farms, showcasing our innovative agricultural techniques and commitment to the environment.
Regenerative farming goes beyond traditional methods by restoring and enhancing the ecosystem. It involves practices that improve soil health, boost biodiversity, and reduce carbon footprints, ensuring that our farming activities benefit the environment.
The Core Principles of Regenerative Farming include:
1. Soil Health: Enhancing soil organic matter and promoting microbial activity.
2. Biodiversity: Encouraging diverse plant and animal life within the farm ecosystem.
3. Water Management: Efficient use of water resources through conservation techniques.
4. Carbon Sequestration: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing carbon capture in soil and vegetation.
At MWW Farms, we use various regenerative farming techniques to help us meet our sustainability goals. Farm Manager Alex Baylis outlines some of the key practices that help us achieve these objectives.
Expansive Crop Rotation
“One of our main regenerative practices is crop rotation. By incorporating nitrogen-fixing crops, we reduce the need for artificial fertilisers. This method improves soil fertility and reduces weeds, pests, and diseases, lowering our reliance on chemical pesticides.”
Innovative Fertilisers
“In collaboration with Agrii, we developed Agrii Fortis OMF, an organic material-based fertiliser. Unlike conventional fertilisers, Agrii Fortis OMF has a lower carbon footprint and enriches the soil with organic matter, enhancing its structure and fertility.”
Foliar Liquid Nitrogen
“Switching to foliar liquid nitrogen application has cut our nitrogen usage by 40%. This technique ensures a more efficient nutrient uptake by crops, leading to healthier plants and reduced environmental impact from nitrogen runoff.”
Reduced Tillage
“We have changed our tillage techniques to minimise soil disturbance. Reduced tillage practices mean lower diesel consumption and decreased carbon released from the soil. This approach also promotes the accumulation of organic matter, improving soil health and resilience.”
Precision Farming
“Investing in precision farming technology has allowed us to optimize fertiliser application. For example, we have reduced fertiliser usage by 33% on Tenderstem® Broccoli, 50% on mixed squash, and 50% on dwarf beans. Precision farming enhances crop productivity and reduces environmental impact by minimising excess fertiliser application.”
Waste Reduction
“Over the past five years, we have dramatically cut waste on the farm. By switching to biodegradable mulch for marrows and mixed squash, we have reduced material waste. Our food waste has dropped to nearly zero through new product lines and partnerships with charitable organisations.”
Environmental Schemes and Biodiversity
“Increasing biodiversity is a key value in regenerative farming. At MWW Farms, 8% of our land is dedicated to environmental schemes that support beneficial insects and wildlife. These schemes include grass margins, winter bird feed mixes, and wildflower mixes.
“In recent years, we have planted extensive hedgerows—1 km in 2022 and an additional 750 meters in 2023. These efforts have significantly boosted biodiversity on our farm, as evidenced by our LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) audit. Proud LEAF members since 2022, we adhere to their principles of sustainable agriculture and environmental care.”
Implementing regenerative farming practices at MWW Farms has led to numerous positive outcomes. By focusing on soil health, biodiversity, and resource efficiency, we are producing high-quality crops and contributing to environmental sustainability.
Looking ahead, we are aiming to expand our regenerative farming initiatives. Our goals include increasing the area dedicated to environmental schemes and reducing chemical inputs and waste. We will continue to collaborate with research institutions and environmental organisations and work with our teams on education about regenerative practices.
Through innovative techniques and a steadfast commitment to sustainability, we are paving the way for a more resilient and eco-friendly future. As we continue to refine and expand our practices, we remain dedicated to leading the charge in regenerative agriculture, setting a benchmark for others to follow.
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