Regenerative agriculture: why technology and ecology must unite

Regenerative agriculture is gaining renewed attention as governments, investors and farmers look for ways to strengthen food systems against climate risks, according to an analysis by AgFunderNews. The debate centers on how farming can combine technological innovation with ecological limits to improve soil health, resilience and long-term productivity.

The discussion gained visibility after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on June 25 aimed at promoting regenerative agriculture and strengthening American farm resilience as part of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda.

The issue reflects a long-running debate described in Charles Mann’s book “The Wizard and the Prophet”, which contrasts two visions for agriculture’s future. One side represents Norman Borlaug, known as the “wizard,” who believed technology and scientific advances could continue expanding food production. The other represents William Vogt, the “prophet,” who warned that ecosystems have limits that cannot be ignored.

For decades, agricultural policies and investment strategies largely followed the technological approach. The Green Revolution relied on synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation and improved crop genetics to increase yields and feed a growing global population.

However, this model also created challenges, including soil degradation, biodiversity loss, excessive nutrient runoff and dependence on fossil fuel-based inputs.

According to AgFunderNews, Robert Appleby, founder and chief investment officer at Cibus Capital, argues that regenerative agriculture does not represent a rejection of technology. Instead, it seeks to use innovation to strengthen natural systems.

“Regenerative approaches, from crop rotations and cover crops to mob grazing, minimum till or no till seeding and biological inputs, are not about retreating from technology. They are about re-engineering our systems so that technology amplifies the work of living ecosystems instead of replacing it,” Appleby wrote.

The concept focuses on combining advanced tools with ecological principles. Supporters argue that the future of agriculture requires both technological development and respect for environmental boundaries.

Appleby highlighted that modern farming needs scientists and entrepreneurs who can develop better seeds, robotics, data systems and efficient supply chains, while also requiring approaches that measure success through indicators such as soil organic matter, water retention, nutrient density and farmer profitability.

Cibus Capital’s experience investing in food and agriculture companies has reinforced this perspective. The London-based private equity platform has made 34 investments across private equity, real assets and venture capital, identifying regenerative practices as a potential driver of long-term business value.

One example mentioned by Appleby is EarthOptics, a company focused on soil measurement and mapping technology. According to Cibus Capital, its tools help farmers understand soil conditions at field level, reducing costs and improving productivity.

The investment thesis behind regenerative agriculture is based on resilience. Healthier soils can retain more water during droughts and improve drainage during floods. Diversified agricultural systems can reduce vulnerability to pests and diseases, while lower dependence on volatile inputs can provide greater economic stability.

From a financial perspective, Appleby argues that resilience means lower risks and more predictable returns. From a social perspective, it means helping farmers remain economically viable and supporting healthier rural communities.

The broader argument goes beyond a single government policy. According to Appleby, agriculture has historically treated land primarily as a source of raw materials rather than as a living system with limits.

The emerging regenerative agriculture movement attempts to combine both visions: the scientific progress associated with technological innovation and the ecological awareness promoted by environmental advocates.

“Ultimately, the only companies truly worth more are the ones that sustain, rather than erode, the systems that keep us alive,” Appleby wrote, according to AgFunderNews.

As climate volatility, food security concerns and changing consumer expectations continue to reshape agriculture, regenerative practices are becoming a growing focus for policymakers, investors and companies seeking more resilient production models.