
Regenerative agriculture may be a new term to many people. In a recent survey, operators in the U.S. were not very familiar with it, but once introduced, most felt it was an important farming approach.1
It also resonates well with consumers 2, so taking time to educate them is worth your while. As one of the people at the heart of the food industry, you can become a thought leader in this area, helping guests, coworkers, and suppliers understand how regenerative agriculture could support the ongoing supply of ingredients.
Here are a few conversation starters that could make regenerative agriculture feel more relevant to your team, your suppliers, and your customers:
1. Appeal to people’s senses. Highlight dishes made with ingredients grown with these practices on your daily specials board, using descriptive words to build an appetizing story.
2. Use an emotional tone rather than lecturing. The goal is to have meaningful conversations around values you share and help other people learn alongside of you.
3. Educate your team. Share what you know with your employees, offering resources to support their learning and build a better understanding of the farms that grow our food.
4. Ask your suppliers what they know. Try asking if they’ve heard of regenerative agriculture or buy from farmers who use these methods. Let them know you’re interested in growers who use this approach.
5. Start with something familiar. Choose a topic that guests may already recognize, such as soil health, sustainability, or biodiversity, and discuss how regenerative agriculture can work toward those goals.
6. Shout it out. If one of your suppliers is implementing regenerative agriculture practices, ask for some specific facts that you can share with your customers. Ingredients may vary throughout the year, so keep in touch with your suppliers, and update communication materials regularly.
“Over the past five years, there have been significant shifts in consumer habits, concerns, and perceptions of responsibility regarding sustainability and environmental issues. Consumers are increasingly seeking sustainable options, but they often struggle to make informed decisions due to a lack of expertise and understanding of sustainability concepts.”1