Regenerative agriculture: Beyond organic farming

Northern Marianas College Cooperative Research, Extension, and Education Services interim dean and State Nutrition and Health Program leader Patty Coleman provided a conceptual overview of regenerative agriculture as a guest speaker during the Rotary Club of Saipan meeting yesterday at the Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan.

In Coleman’s presentation, she mentioned that the cultural heritage of Pacific and Indigenous people provides insights into traditional food-growing practices. Regenerative agriculture, according to Coleman, contributes to soil fertility, water retention, and biodiversity. It focuses on the ecosystem health and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The regenerative approach aims to restore and build the health of the ecosystem and human health.

Conceptual approaches to regenerative agriculture include food security, nutrition security, and regenerative security. It involves restoring and enhancing the health of the ecosystem that produces food.

A video presentation of some of their works was presented. In the video, Georenda Satoshi talked about how growing their own food is important for self-sustenance and monitoring, and that it is a practice that she can pass on to her kids for a healthier future.

Coleman added that as NMC-CREES works with diverse groups in regenerative agriculture, including businesses, farmers, wholesalers, and retailers, their perspective allows them to consider all aspects of the food system. One of the unintended outcomes of their workshops is that people often seek to foster connections with the community.

Coleman’s group continues to explore connections between culture, land, oceans, people, and traditional values in regenerative agriculture, examining examples of regenerative agriculture practices from neighboring regions, and understanding the perspectives of children on what a farm looks like.

Coleman also shared general knowledge about agroforestry being passed down through generations in the Pacific. She mentioned the case of forests in Samoa that are over 2,000 years old—adding that Pacific people are the real masters of agroforestry.

Coleman announced a plan to publish a 150-page regenerative agroforestry workbook. The workbook can be specifically used in the CNMI and is expected to be published in the fall season.

Coleman ended her presentation by encouraging the cultivation of nutritious food using indigenous methods that restore the environment and empower individuals and invited the Rotary Club to collaborate in the green growth movement.

Rotarians asked several questions, including tangan tangan, and Coleman explained the importance of mulching and cutting tangan tangan to incorporate organic matter like leaves and wood. She emphasized that the wood attracts fungi, which is crucial for creating the right growing conditions. Coleman mentioned that they usually leave the wood unless there’s a significant issue due to the access to organic matter, and highlights the lack of organic matter in places like Tinian and the importance of incorporating it into the soil.

Marie Javier shared her experience with leasing land in As Gonno and the difficulty in obtaining seedlings from the Philippines. Coleman acknowledges the administrative challenges farmers face in procuring seeds and recommends planting perennial plants.

Javier inquired about procuring seeds locally and mentions the fertile soil on Saipan. Coleman reiterates that they help farmers source seeds and emphasize the use of no pesticides, herbicides, or insecticides in their installation. She described regenerative farming as being above organic because it builds soil density and ensures long-term ecosystem health.

Brian Clayton asked about zoning issues with large gardening or farming on residential properties. Coleman mentioned a client, James Montenegro, who has a successful agroforestry operation and no zoning issues. She also discussed the possibility of night-time farming due to heat sensitivity.

David M. Sablan suggested establishing a farmers’ association to coordinate agricultural efforts and market consumption.

Glenn Perez asked about obtaining topsoil and mentioned the degradation of their plot. Coleman explains the process of getting topsoil to re-inoculate the soil with microorganisms.

Rotary president Joann Aquino presented a Paul Harris pin to Coleman as an appreciation for serving as their guest speaker.