From the soils of Brittany, where farmers are restoring fertility and reducing carbon emissions, to the rapeseed fields of England, where innovative practices are cutting fuel use and revitalizing supply chains, and the wheat farms of Poland, where a new generation of growers is embracing regenerative techniques—each project is a step toward a more sustainable agricultural future. Here’s a closer look at how these initiatives are making a difference on the ground.
France: soils of Brittany
Brittany is not only France’s leading agricultural region but also the third largest in Europe. While regenerative agriculture is still a niche practice in the country, its benefits are undeniable. A small group of visionary farmers first began experimenting with these methods 25 years ago, demonstrating that prioritizing soil health, biodiversity, and long-term economic sustainability can create a more resilient agricultural system.
Today, we are working alongside a strong public-private partnership to accelerate this transition. Together with the Regional Council of Brittany, the Regional Chamber of Agriculture, and the Sols d’Armorique Farmers’ Association, we are providing farmers with the resources and support they need to regenerate their soils while securing their farm’s future.
The impact is real and measurable:
- 100 farmers are now implementing regenerative practices across 11,000 hectares of farmland.
- Soil fertility is improving, with increased organic matter and healthier microbial life.
- Carbon emissions are being reduced through lower reliance on synthetic fertilizers and chemical inputs.
- Biodiversity is flourishing, strengthening natural pest control and ecosystem resilience.
- Farming is becoming less labour-intensive, improving the quality of life for farmers while ensuring long-term profitability.
By investing in soil health, reducing dependence on external inputs, and working in harmony with nature, these farmers are proving that regenerative agriculture is not just possible—it’s profitable and scalable. Their commitment is inspiring a shift across the country, proving that a different way of farming is within reach.
Farmer Testimonial:
“I was stuck in an exhausting production system with an excessive workload that was compromising the next generation’s ability to take over the farm. Thanks to the project’s twofold technical and financial support, I was able to make the transition and take the inherent risks, particularly when it came to choosing permanent cover crops for direct seeding. I’ve learnt to respect and feel my soil.”
At Livelihoods, we stand with farmers like Marc who are taking bold steps to reimagine the future of agriculture. Through collaboration, innovation, and long-term commitment, we are working together to scale regenerative practices and build a food system that thrives for generations to come.
UK: SCALING THE RAPESEED OIL PROJECT
In England, an ambitious initiative started in 2024 is driving the transition to regenerative rapeseed farming. In partnership with Unilever, the project provides direct financial support to farmers, helping them mitigate the risks associated with adopting new agricultural methods. By improving crop genetic diversity, reducing chemical inputs, and implementing minimum tillage, participating farmers are expected to see tangible benefits—not just for their land, but for their bottom line.
Anticipated impact includes:
- Lower carbon emissions resulting from reduced fuel consumption.
- Improved soil health and water quality through decrease in inorganic nitrogen use.
- Enhanced biodiversity and better soil structure are reinforcing long-term farm resilience.
The transition has not been without its challenges. The UK’s unpredictable growing conditions and a 70% decline in rapeseed cultivation area over recent years made farmer recruitment slower than anticipated in the first year. Additionally, some farmers found the data collection process complex, adding another layer of difficulty to an already demanding shift.
To address these challenges, the project evolved. A more user-friendly data management system was introduced, simplifying record-keeping for farmers. At the same time, an enhanced engagement strategy provided additional support, making the transition smoother.
With these improvements, the momentum has grown. Year 2 has just begun, with a boost in the number of farmers engaged in the program—a major step forward in scaling regenerative practices and ensuring a more sustainable future for rapeseed farming.
Beyond emission reductions and biodiversity gains, this initiative is also revitalizing interest in rapeseed as a key break crop. This shift is helping sustain the UK rapeseed supply chain while making regenerative farming more accessible and attractive.
Farmer Testimonial:
“Oil Seed Rape is useful for me to grow because it is a good break crop and useful for helping control grass weeds. In the last few years Oil Seed Rape has become a much more difficult crop to grow. Cabbage Stem Flea Beetle, pigeons and extreme weather have all made it much harder to establish. The Unilever project has given me confidence to keep the crop in my rotation and at the same time help with the cost of trying more sustainable growing practices.” – James Wallace, Rapeseed farmer, UK
POLAND: UNILEVER’S REGENERATIVE WHEAT PROGRAMME
In Poland, a new wave of regenerative farming is taking root. In partnership with Unilever and Gdańskie Młyny, the initiative is designed to improve soil health, strengthen farm resilience, and build a more sustainable wheat supply chain that benefits both farmers and consumers.
Transitioning to regenerative agriculture requires both knowledge and financial security, which is why the program provides participating farmers with direct incentives and technical support. The first group of pioneering farmers has already embarked on this journey, taking part in workshops and field study visits to learn how to implement regenerative techniques on their own land. These early adopters are setting the stage for broader adoption, demonstrating that farming in harmony with nature is not just possible, but beneficial.
The ambition is clear: by the end of 2025, the project aims to expand to 2,400 hectares, engaging more farmers and embedding regenerative agriculture at the heart of Poland’s wheat production.
As the program scales, it is not only restoring soil health but also reshaping the future of wheat farming in Poland—making it more resilient to climate variability, improving nutrient efficiency, and reducing dependence on synthetic inputs. By supporting farmers with the right tools, expertise, and financial backing, this initiative is laying the foundation for long-term, sustainable change in one of Europe’s key grain-producing regions.
Farmer Testimonial:
“The development of my farm is always an investment in maintaining the soil fertility and health to be more resistant to unfavourable weather conditions. I have used some aspects of regenerative agriculture before; however this project is giving me comprehensive support. The journey towards regenerative agriculture has begun and I am very curious what impact it will bring in the future.”