As regenerative agriculture continues to gain momentum across sectors and borders, the Global Farmer Network® (GFN®) is proud to announce that over 1,000 farmers and agricultural leaders from more than 60 countries have signed onto the Regenerative Agriculture: A Farmers’ Declaration, a global declaration created by farmers, for farmers. This milestone represents just the beginning, as the GFN continues its efforts to engage many more farmers, partners, and agricultural stakeholders in endorsing the declaration in the months ahead.
A Farmer-Centered Framework
The declaration emphasizes outcome-based farming that prioritizes:
- Soil health, water quality, and biodiversity
- Dignity and prosperity for rural communities
- Inclusion of science and technology in both traditional knowledge and modern practices ● Intergenerational leadership and peer-to-peer learning
Rather than a one-size-fits-all framework, the declaration recognizes regenerative agriculture as a living practice, shaped by geography, crop systems, innovation, and community. It invites global farmers to align around regenerative values, regardless of label, certification, or market access.
“This declaration reminds us that regeneration is not a step backward, it’s a leap forward,” said Jorge Lopez Menendez of Argentina. “We are redefining what the future of agriculture looks like, starting with farmers themselves.”
Unlike other regenerative frameworks driven by policymakers or supply chains, this declaration originates from the soil up, crafted by eight farmers, from eight countries, across five continents, united by shared principles. The declaration, developed during a three-day convening, is not a prescriptive definition. Instead, it affirms shared principles that reflect the diversity of global agricultural systems, while reclaiming the regenerative narrative from narrowly defined interests.
“Regenerative agriculture is not a brand. It is a commitment to restore, nourish, and lead with the land in mind,” said Sarah Singla, French farmer and founding signatory. “It’s time the world hears that message directly from farmers.”
Over three days, eight operationally diverse farmers from eight different countries collaborated to create, not another definition, but a Farmers’ Declaration for Regenerative Agriculture. Those eight GFN members included:
- Jorge Lopez Menendez, Argentina
- Antonio Cabrera, Brazil
- Knud Bay Smidt, Denmark
- Sarah Singla, France
- Shekhar Bhadsavle, India
- Dave Okech, Kenya
- Judith de Vor, the Netherlands
- Jennie Schmidt, USA
These founding authors represent a cross-section of geographies, practices, and scales, from no-till systems in Argentina and aquaculture models in Kenya, to livestock rotation in the Netherlands and row cropping in the United States. Their work was hosted at a farm in Maryland in April 2025, with support from the Global Farmer Network.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Everyone is encouraged to review, sign, and amplify the declaration as a shared tool for dialogue, visibility, and engagement on the future of regenerative agriculture.
To read and sign the declaration, please visit: https://bit.ly/regenagcampaign
GFN members will be active participants in these conversations, so look for us, connect, and add your voice to the dialogue shaping the future of regenerative agriculture.
Released During GFN’s 25th Anniversary Year
The announcement comes as the Global Farmer Network marks 25 years of empowering farmers to lead the dialogue on access to trade and agricultural technology. While internal discussions have acknowledged that the declaration reflects compromise, the growing support demonstrates the urgency and appetite for a global, grassroots expression of regenerative principles.
“It is powerful,” said GFN CEO Mary Boote. “This declaration brings unity at a time when the conversation around regeneration is becoming increasingly fractured. It centers those who are closest to the soil and have the most at stake—farmers.”
Established in 2000, the Global Farmer Network® (GFN®) amplifies farmers’ voices in promoting trade, technology, sustainable farming, economic growth, and food security. Currently with 292 members, representing 6 continents, and 69 countries, the Global Farmer Network identifies, engages and supports strong farmer leaders from around the world who can work with others to innovate, encourage and lead as full stakeholders in the work that is being done to close the world’s food and nutrition security gap in a sustainable manner.
Global Farmer Network: Connecting farmers and amplifying our voices.
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