Science played a crucial role in 20th century agriculture, helping to increase farming yields and feed an increasing population affordably, in part by developing fertilisers and pesticides, but this came at a cost. Our current food systems are intensive, damage soils and emit around a third of global greenhouse gas emissions. Farmers are struggling with higher input costs, a changing climate, and some of the most extreme harvests on record.

We have to change, but when I speak to farmers and landowners, the conversation often turns to regenerative agriculture, which can mean different things to different people. To me, it describes a farming approach that enhances the health of soil and increases biodiversity, while still supporting farmers to have a viable livelihood. Where sustainable farming aims to minimise environmental harm, regenerative agriculture aims to actively reverse it.

What is all too often missed from the ‘regen’ discussion is science. There is a belief that regenerative practice and scientific innovation cannot be bedfellows. I understand the desire to get ‘back to nature’, but what many people do not realise is that science can help us do just that. The inner workings of nature are usually the key, and science reveals them. We must look to science to lead the way to a successful revolution in greener agriculture.

Norwich is an international epicentre of discovery science that benefits the health of plants, people and the planet. Together with our Norwich Research Park partners we are driving forward the development of nutritious, affordable food while boosting soil health and supporting farmers.

Our institute works to understand the significance of genes found in heritage crops, the natural diversity of which has been lost in today’s fields, to develop modern wheat: wheat that resists disease and drought, and is more nutritious, without sacrificing yield. We are studying the soil’s microbiome and how pests interact with plants, including finding varieties of crops that slugs and other pests naturally avoid.

We maximise nature’s potential. The breadth of our research is vast, and our discoveries are fundamental to the future of this planet. The quickest, most effective solution to many crises in agriculture is science. Working alongside farmers, plant breeders and landowners, science can offer bold solutions for a ‘regen’ movement that works for everyone.