Regenerative agriculture is presented as an effective and sustainable solution, which improves soil health and biodiversity, contributes to carbon sequestration and brings additional economic benefits, but requires a significant initial effort in cultural and regulatory adaptation.

BRIEFING REPORT TO THE ASSEMBLY ON REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE

I. PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES

• Vegetable Covers:
  • They increase biodiversity, provide organic matter and compost.
  • Strategic management with livestock (sheep, rabbits), using manure and perujo.
  • Funds available for seeds and mulch, prioritising compost and seeds to enrich the soil with nitrogen.
  • Micro-organisms (mycorrhizae) increase nutrient uptake, favouring polyphenols.
• Landscape Structure:
  • Landscape scale coordination with permanent structures (aromatic hedges).
  • Alvelal's regenerative model based on a decade of experience.

II. NEEDS AND CHALLENGES

• Transformation of Traditional Agriculture:
  • Weeding preferable to the use of herbicides, even if it involves a greater workload.
  • Recovery of biodiversity affected by traditional practices, such as the channelling of irrigation ditches.
• Impact of Chemicals:
  • Scientific studies (Dr. Nicolás Olea) show the presence of pesticides and endocrine disruptors in children, related to hormonal effects and cancer.
  • Clear alternatives through organic farming or controlled integrated farming.

III. REGENERATIVE PRACTICES

• Alternatives to Pesticide Use:
  • Crop rotation and crop rotation to reduce pests, although this entails additional costs and work.
• Land Cover and Soil Management:
  • Implementation adapted to local and climatic conditions.
  • Innovative techniques (dry irrigation) to conserve moisture, using dust to reduce evaporation.
  • Use of perpendicular strips on slopes greater than 10% to reduce erosion and comply with subsidies.
  • Permanent canopies, cutting the grass under the tree canopy, favouring rich ecosystems.

IV. BENEFITS OF REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE

• Circular Economy and Carbon:
  • Carbon sequestration in the soil by maintaining vegetation covers.
  • Importance of regulating the management of surplus biomass and potential for EU-backed carbon sequestration revenues and carbon market.
• Biodiversity and Soil Health:
  • Improved water infiltration and reduced erosion.
  • Increased soil biodiversity with direct benefits for plant health.

V. TRANSITION TO REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE

• Change of Mentality in Labranza:
  • Gradual transition to permanent vegetation cover.
  • Benefits in pest reduction through increased biodiversity.
  • Overcoming the traditional idea of annual ploughing, recognising the long time frame required to establish effective cover.
• Overall Assessment and Evaluation:
  • Positive assessment of the ecological and productive benefits, offsetting initial labour costs.
  • Recommendation for farm pooling to facilitate carbon market negotiations.

VI. LEGAL AND REGULATORY CONDITIONALITY

• Compliance with Royal Decree 1049/2022 on regenerative agriculture.
• Landscape management and mandatory erosion prevention according to regulations.

VII. ADDITIONAL RELEVANT ASPECTS

• Public Health Impact:
  • Proven risks from pesticides to children's health and the general population.
  • Potential of regenerative agriculture to improve quality of life and environmental health.

VIII. RECOMMENDATIONS AND OBSERVATIONS OF THE ASSEMBLY

• Strong promotion of compost and specific seeds to optimise soil fertility.
• Explicit recommendation to incorporate livestock in organic waste management.
• Need to clarify and improve regulation on biomass and usable plant residues.
• Importance of educating in the cultural transition towards sustainable regenerative practices.