Regenerative farming is agriculture designed to restore ecological processes while producing food. Permaculture is a broader design approach that organizes farms and settlements to imitate diverse, self-regulating natural ecosystems.
This is HL-only content in IB ESS subtopic 5.2, Agriculture and food. Both approaches aim to improve long-term environmental, social and economic sustainability, but they are not identical.
| Approach | Main purpose and methods | ESS systems outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Regenerative farming | Restores degraded agricultural land through mixed farming, crop rotation, cover crops, composting, reduced tillage and managed grazing. Animals such as chickens or pigs may clear vegetation, fertilize soil and disturb the ground. | Increases soil organic matter, nutrient cycling, water infiltration, carbon storage and biodiversity while reducing erosion and dependence on synthetic inputs. |
| Permaculture | Designs an integrated system in which crops, animals, water, energy and people support one another. Methods include polycultures, food forests, rainwater collection, composting and matching land use to local conditions. | Reduces waste and external inputs by creating connected storages and flows and recycling matter within the system. |
For example, Zaytuna Farm in Australia applies permaculture through water-harvesting swales, tree crops, livestock and diverse food production. These components perform several functions, which can increase system resilience and strengthen stabilizing negative feedback.
A common misconception is that these approaches are automatically sustainable. Their success depends on local climate, soil, farmer knowledge, labour, market access and productivity. Some methods may restore ecosystems but initially produce lower yields or require investment that poorer farmers cannot access, creating an environmental justice issue.
In an IB exam, distinguish the concepts before evaluating them. For an evaluate or discuss question, balance ecological benefits against economic and social limitations, use a named example, and finish with a supported conclusion about whether the approach can provide sufficient food sustainably in that context.