Regenerative farming has now outgrown its previous niche status. Farmers, policymakers and environmentalists throughout the UK are embracing regenerative agriculture as the way of the future for sustainable farming. But for those working within it, the field is developing all the time. Whether you are considering a career in farming or are already in the industry, this guide explores some of the skills and qualifications pathways for working in regenerative agriculture, while elaborating on the timeliness of engaging in regenerative farming now.
What is Regenerative Farming?
Regenerative farming encourages healthier soils, biodiversity and resilience in agriculture. It is farming with nature rather than against it. In contrast to organic farming, which restricts synthetic inputs, regenerative farming seeks outcomes - healthier soils, water retention, improved structure - through practices such as cover cropping, mob grazing and minimising tillage. A recent report from the British Ecological Society found robust evidence to suggest that practices, such as minimal bare soils and integrating livestock, could increase biodiversity and improve soil functionality. Regulatory drivers and environmental rationale are leading large estates and small producers across the UK to adopt these methods.
Why There is Increasing Interest
Government reforms under the Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS) are beginning to reward practices that adhere to long-term land health. For example, DEFRA’s Sustainable Farming Incentive promotes practices, such as cover cropping and diverse rotations etc. Furthermore, larger landowners, e.g. the National Trust are experimenting with tenancy models that align with regenerative practices. Eating food produced with climate and biodiversity in mind is also being requested more here in the UK.
Groundswell, the UK’s flagship regenerative agriculture event, has seen attendance increase from 450 in 2016 to over 8,000 in 2024. Many are young people or mid-career changers, signifying shifting cultural attitudes to farming and has been termed a generational shift.
Common career pathways in regenerative agriculture
Regenerative agriculture is not a single job but an ecosystem of work across practical farming, consultancy, research, technology and policy. Here are some of the highest-demand areas:
Regenerative Farm Manager (or equivalent)
Oversees all operations of a regenerative farm, possibly using (for example) mob grazing, no-till, composting, companion planting, or other regenerative methods. Generally requires five years of experience or relevant course of study or a combination of both in agricultural science.
Soil Health Technician
Undertaking biological soil testing, nutrient management and applying organic amendments, compost, biochar etc. Having a relevant scientific background is advantageous.
Grazing and Livestock Specialist
Oversees and implements considerations such as pasture recovery, rotational grazing plans and animal health considerations. This role often involves some brand of native or heritage livestock.
Agroecology Advisor
Working with farms, estates or cooperatives, guiding them to transition to regenerative systems. Most are from an academic or policy-oriented background.
Agri-Tech Data Analyst
Operates with tech platforms, looking and reporting on soil health, carbon sequestration or livestock performance. Regionally, it is a burgeoning area as there is a shift to data-first directed sustainable land management techniques.
Sustainable Supply Chains Consultant
Links a farm to a retailer or food brand that wants traceable, regeneratively produced ingredients/food. Knowledge is needed in business and sustainability.
Education and Training Pathways
A traditional agricultural qualification can prove useful, but regenerative farming often appreciates certain on-farm skills and knowledge rather than qualifications. Fortunately, training options are emerging fast in the UK.
Entry Level and Vocational Options
Level 3 Diploma in Regenerative Land Based Systems - offered by the Crossfields Institute, highlighting practical skills; soil care, ecosystem thinking and whole farm designs.
Skills Bootcamps and Traineeships - The Apricot Centre and Real Food Garden offer practical training courses, mainly dealing with composting, ecological cropping systems and grazing systems.
Henbant Permaculture - Henbant Permaculture offers a 9-month blended learning programme called 'Becoming a Regenerative Farmer'.
Perfect for school leavers or people wanting to change careers and want to gain experience as quickly possible.
University Degrees and Postgraduate Study
ARU Writtle (BSc Agriculture: Regenerative Systems) - The UK's first undergraduate degree focusing on regenerative systems, combining solid field experiences with theory.
Royal Agricultural University (PgCert Regenerative Farming) - The new postgraduate course begins in 2025 will cover teaching domains of soil science, biodiversity and systems thinking.
Also, SRUC and Landex colleges have courses in agroecology, livestock husbandry and land-based sciences.
Online and flexible learning
BASIS Reg Online - A basic training covering regenerative principles.
ACS distance learning offer a 100-hour course in regenerative agriculture and is self-paced.
Roots to Regeneration - A two-year educational programme for someone wanting a deep and immersive experience.
Who's Hiring? Employers searching for regenerative agriculture skills:
Independent Farms: A huge number of small and medium farms are converting to regenerative and need employees with related experience.
Large Estates and Landowners: Establishments such as the Duchy of Cornwall looking at regenerative land stewardship.
Research Organisations: Organisations such as James Hutton Institute and Rothamsed are conducting regenerative trials.
Environmental NGOs: Organisations such as Soil Association and Pasture for Life offer employment roles in advisory and training.
Government and Policy bodies: DEFRA and Natural England are increasingly appointing specialists to advise on SFI and ELMS schemes.
Sustainable Food Start-Ups: Organisations involved in exploring and developing traceability, food systems, and agri-tech are appointing people to roles in data, consulting and operations.
An Expanding Career Opportunity
As of mid-2024, there are about 285,000 people employed in agriculture in England, with only 15 per cent under 45 years of age. Regenerative farming gives a distinctly unique opportunity to capture new talent and new ideas and to address potential issues in food and farming. Whilst there will continue to be roles that start with traditional, farm-based experience, all types of roles, especially science, business or sustainability-related, are rapidly emerging.
Developments in funding models, public incentives, private investment and awareness of the importance of soil and ecosystems are also changing the sector landscape. Today, maps of the UK are increasingly demonstrating soil and ecosystem health. Therefore, regenerative agriculture has the potential to be a key element of the agri-food future of the UK.
How Agricultural Recruitment Specialists Can Help
Whether you are starting out on your career or seeking to change careers, Agricultural Recruitment Specialists will work with you to connect you to farms, research organisations and sectors that are committed to regenerative agricultural practice. We are working with employers across the UK, where they are actively seeking out people who have the knowledge, enthusiasm and mindset to work in this space.
If you want to take the next step in your career, contact the team or view our latest job vacancies. The future of farming will be regenerative and it needs professionals like you.
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