Nancy Trent is a writer and speaker, a lifelong health advocate, a globe-trotting trend watcher and the founder and president of Trent & Company, a New York-based public relations and marketing communications firm. Trent & Company has a client roster of text book case studies of products, venues, books, films and experts in healthy lifestyles spanning traditional and alternative disciplines for wellness, beauty, fitness, nutrition and the environment.
Expert Panel Explores the Future of Regenerative Farmed Foods
Insights from leaders driving change in agriculture, sustainability, and consumer awareness.
Riding the momentum of Sustainability Week, top voices in food and sustainability gathered for a high-impact virtual conversation on the rise of regenerative farmed foods and wines, sharing insights on how regenerative practices can reshape agriculture, enhance nutrition, and influence consumer behavior. The event, moderated by Nancy Trent, Founder and President of Trent & Company, brought together leaders from across the food industry, including Evan Harrison, CEO of Kiss The Ground; Keith Bearden, CEO of Alter Eco; Rachel Newman, SVP Marketing of Bonterra Organic Estates; and Ric Scalzo, Founder of Kokora Life.
Trent opened the session by framing regenerative agriculture as more than a trend, emphasizing that “we’re living in an exciting time for food and agriculture—consumers are demanding transparency, sustainability, and innovation, and regenerative farming is at the heart of that shift.”
Leading experts discuss how regenerative practices can reshape agriculture, enhance nutrition, and influence consumer behavior.The panel began by defining regenerative farming and its significance. Scalzo highlighted the role of soil health and carbon sequestration, noting that regenerative practices can dramatically improve crop yields and nutrient density. He shared results from Costa Rica, where biomass increased fivefold in just one year and soil nutrient density improved significantly. Harrison emphasized the urgency of expanding awareness, comparing regenerative adoption to the early days of organic farming, and advocating for clear, relatable messaging that focuses on health benefits rather than complex agricultural concepts.
Consumer awareness was another major topic. Newman shared insights from a survey of 1,400 consumers, revealing that two-thirds of respondents would choose organic wine and that 76% of younger consumers want more access to regenerative organic products. She explained, “Consumers are increasingly motivated by perceptions of quality and health benefits—they want to understand how regenerative practices impact both their food and the environment.”
Panelists agreed that education and engagement are key to driving adoption, with Trent emphasizing that retailers play a critical role by prominently supporting brands practicing regenerative farming.
Innovations in Regenerative Agriculture
The conversation also explored innovations in regenerative agriculture. Scalzo discussed biofermentation techniques using forest materials and molasses to enrich soil microbiomes, while Bearden highlighted agroforestry projects in Ecuador and the Dominican Republic as examples of scalable regenerative practices. Harrison noted that technology can help small and medium-sized farmers implement these practices efficiently, while also simplifying complex concepts for consumers.
Looking to the future of regenerative agriculture
The panelists shared their vision for the next 5-10 years of regenerative agriculture. Harrison predicted rapid consumer adoption, drawing parallels to shifts in the music industry, while Scalzo described national initiatives in El Salvador to convert all agriculture to regenerative organic practices. The group agreed on the need for harmonization across certifications and the development of strong markets for regeneratively produced foods, noting that informed consumers and committed brands are essential for accelerating change.
Practical advice for individuals looking to make regenerative choices at home included:
Growing small amounts of food
Selecting products from regenerative brands
Supporting sustainable retailers.
The panelists stressed that while regenerative farming may carry higher upfront costs, the long-term benefits include healthier food, more resilient ecosystems, and stronger communities.
The discussion concluded with a consensus: Regenerative farming is not just a production method—it’s a movement touching every part of the food system, from soil to plate. As Trent summarized, “The stories we tell about what we eat are just as important as the practices themselves, and it’s up to all of us—brands, farmers, and consumers—to drive this movement forward.”
This panel underscores the growing momentum around regenerative agriculture, highlighting both the opportunities and responsibilities facing food brands, retailers, and consumers as they navigate a rapidly evolving industry.
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Leading experts discuss how regenerative practices can reshape agriculture, enhance nutrition, and influence consumer behavior.The panel began by defining regenerative farming and its significance. Scalzo highlighted the role of soil health and carbon sequestration, noting that regenerative practices can dramatically improve crop yields and nutrient density. He shared results from Costa Rica, where biomass increased fivefold in just one year and soil nutrient density improved significantly. Harrison emphasized the urgency of expanding awareness, comparing regenerative adoption to the early days of organic farming, and advocating for clear, relatable messaging that focuses on health benefits rather than complex agricultural concepts.
