The ripple effect of regenerative farming: healthier soil, healthier people

Regenerative agriculture is more than a farming method - it’s a movement to restore soil health, rebuild ecosystems, and re-empower farmers. But for many, it’s still a vague buzzword. That’s where Regenified comes in: a pioneering organisation co-founded by regenerative farmers and innovators Gabe Brown, Dr. Allen Williams, Doug Peterson, and Salar Shemirani that is creating the world’s first independent certification and standard for regenerative farming.

At the heart of this mission are people like John Gregson, Regional General Manager for the UK & ROI, and Kitty Grubb, Farmer Success Manager, two individuals whose personal journeys reflect the soul of the movement. From growing up on family farms to careers in agribusiness and sustainability, they’re now helping farmers navigate the transition to regenerative practices with clarity, integrity and purpose. I interviewed them to understand how they’re working to make “regenerative” not just a hopeful idea, but a verified, scalable reality.

What first drew you to regenerative agriculture?

Kitty: I grew up on a farm with four siblings. My brother was the tractor fanatic—I just loved being outdoors. That early connection gave me a deep sense of stewardship over the land.

I started out working as a headhunter in the City, but my work kept drawing me back to agriculture. Even when I was recruiting directors in forestry or agribusiness, it always felt like home. One day, chatting to a former colleague, I realised my dream job would be working with farmers up and down the UK to help them farm more sustainably.

I joined Regenified in January, and I genuinely wake up excited every day. My role is about bringing clarity to the term “regenerative” and helping both farmers and supply chains make meaningful, traceable change.

John: I was raised on a small tenant farm in Lancashire. My dad refused to compromise on animal welfare to chase bigger profits, which meant the farm struggled financially. I helped pay off the debt from my first wages.

Later, I worked in journalism, then moved into corporate roles and ended up at Waitrose, focusing on animal welfare standards. That journey eventually took me to a master’s degree in agriculture, where I discovered permaculture. Years later, I invited Gabe Brown to speak at our farming conference. That’s where I met both Gabe and Salar, which led to me joining Regenified.

What keeps me going is the hope this work brings. Farming can feel like a lonely place, especially when times are tough. If regenerative agriculture helps even one farmer avoid despair, that’s worth everything.

What does regenerative farming actually mean? It’s a term we’re hearing more and more; how do you define it?

John: To me, regenerative farming means restoring natural systems, improving soil, and putting power back in the hands of farmers. It’s not about buying a fancy no-till drill and calling it a day. It’s a holistic system.

At Regenified, we use a set of six soil health principles and our 6-3-4 standards: six principles, three rules, and four ecosystem processes. When followed, these can help farmers dramatically reduce their reliance on synthetic inputs.

It’s a mindset shift. Instead of constantly chasing high yields, you focus on managing costs, margins, and the long-term health of your land.

Kitty: I think of regenerative farming as a transition—one that supports renewal of land, community and even individual wellbeing. It’s about solving problems with what you’ve got and creating something that thrives.

Farmers who adopt regenerative practices often report mental health improvements - by as much as 23% in some studies as it promotes certain bacteria that increase the human brain's natural production of serotonin. That’s powerful. It’s not just about soil. It’s about people too.

Why does certification matter in regenerative agriculture?

Kitty: Because we’re seeing so much greenwashing. I recently attended a panel on regenerative agriculture where not one panellist was a farmer. That says everything.

Regenified offers an independent verification system that’s built on trust and rigour. It’s not a tick-box. It’s soil sampling, on-farm audits, and measurable outcomes so farmers and brands can stand behind every claim they make. Farmers are often doing the hard work already - they deserve recognition, and supply chains need assurance.

John: The certification was designed to protect the integrity of the movement. Gabe Brown co-founded Regenified to ensure that when someone says “regenerative,” it actually means something.

Brands are increasingly using the word, but without verification, there’s no accountability. Certification gives farmers and food producers a way to prove their efforts and gives consumers something they can trust.

How does regenerative agriculture relate to human health?

John: We’re working with the University of Utah and Maker’s Mark to research the nutrient density of regeneratively farmed food. Early results in the US show higher levels of phytochemicals, better Omega 6:3 ratios in beef, and generally more nourishing food.

Our aim is to bring that research to the UK. If we can prove food from regenerative systems is genuinely healthier, that could influence everything from NHS outcomes to public procurement policies.

Kitty: It’s a ripple effect. Healthier soil grows stronger plants. That leads to better forage and feed, which supports healthier animals and ultimately, healthier humans. This is how ‘food as medicine’ becomes more than just a slogan.

Is regenerative farming scalable? Or is it just for small, niche farms?

John: Absolutely it’s scalable. We already grow enough food globally the challenge is waste and distribution. Regen farming isn’t a middle-class hobby. It’s a practical, profitable approach that reduces input costs and builds long-term resilience.

But we do need a cultural shift. People have to start valuing food again. Right now, cheap food often comes at the cost of soil health, farm viability, and nutritional quality.

Kitty: We’re already working with over 1.7 million acres of land. This isn’t theoretical. The key is that transformation happens one field, one farm at a time.

Farmers don’t need to overhaul everything overnight. It’s a journey and one we walk with them.

What role does policy play in supporting regenerative farming?

John: Policy alignment is vital. We’re actively working to connect Regenified standards with government frameworks like the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI). There’s real intent in government—but we need pace and clarity.

Education also needs a revamp. When I was in agricultural college, no one went to the soil science lecture. Now we understand soil is a living system absolutely central to farming and climate resilience. We need to reflect that in training.

Kitty: And retailers need to walk the talk. Don’t just say you support regenerative farming; show us. Prove how you’re rewarding farmers for taking this approach. Certification gives you a way to do that transparently.

What gives you hope in this work?

John: Regenerative agriculture isn’t easy. It takes time and commitment. But it’s work worth doing. I’ve seen farmers rediscover their purpose. I’ve seen land come back to life. That gives me hope.

We’re building something that’s good for the soil, the farmer, the consumer and the planet. What’s not to be hopeful about?

Kitty: Farming is tough especially for tenant or contract farmers, who often feel like they’re at the mercy of the system. Regen gives them a path to take back control.

It’s exciting. It’s essential. And we’re just getting started.

Learn more about Regenified here and follow them on Instagram.