Regenerative agriculture enjoys overwhelming backing from food industry professionals, according to new research released ahead of British Regenerative Farming Week.
The survey of 150 UK-based food industry professionals, including representatives from bakeries, food manufacturers, millers and retailers, found that 100% of respondents considered regenerative farming important to the future of British agriculture.
Unanimous support, but limited understanding
Yet the findings also reveal a major disconnect between enthusiasm and understanding. Despite strong support, 42% admitted they did not fully understand the wider benefits regenerative farming can deliver for biodiversity, water retention and carbon reduction.
While 92% said regenerative agriculture was important to their own business, and half described it as “very important”, the results suggest industry awareness is developing faster than knowledge of the practical outcomes the approach can achieve.
Regenerative ingredients move into the mainstream
Interest in regenerative farming is already translating into commercial activity across the food supply chain.
Two-thirds (67%) of respondents said their businesses were already using ingredients produced through regenerative farming, while a further 17% were investigating their use. This means more than four in five businesses are either using regenerative ingredients or actively considering them.
The survey also found strong future demand for regenerative wheat and flour. Among respondents for whom the question was relevant, 82% said they expected to use regenerative wheat or flour either immediately, within the next year, or over the following two to three years.
Respondents described regenerative farming as “essential for our soil” and “the way forward and the future of farming in the UK”.
Price remains the biggest barrier
Despite growing momentum, businesses remain focused on commercial realities.
When asked what would most influence their decision to adopt regenerative wheat or flour, 75% cited competitive pricing, making it the single most important factor.
Proven environmental benefits came second at 50%, followed by improved traceability and product quality and performance, both at 42%.
The survey also highlighted several obstacles to wider adoption. A third of respondents identified availability, lack of knowledge and lack of consumer demand as barriers, while 25% said verifying environmental claims remained a challenge.
The findings indicate that businesses increasingly want evidence, transparency and clear standards alongside sustainability credentials.
Calls for better communication
Respondents repeatedly highlighted the need for greater education around regenerative agriculture.
Some called for a clearer understanding of how farmers are improving soil health, while others said more explanation was needed on the differences between regenerative and organic farming systems.
Consumer awareness also emerged as a significant issue. One-third of respondents said a lack of consumer demand was limiting adoption of regenerative ingredients.
However, 92% said information about soil health, biodiversity and farming practices would help them communicate the value of regenerative products to customers.
Building resilience
Jason Bull, managing director of Eurostar Commodities, said the research showed businesses are ready to engage with regenerative farming but need more support and information.
“The message coming through from this research is really encouraging. Businesses recognise that regenerative farming matters and they want to be part of its future,” he said.
“What is equally clear, however, is that we have much more work to do to explain why it matters and what it can achieve.”
Bull added that recent droughts, heatwaves and periods of heavy rainfall underline the need to build healthier, more resilient soils as British agriculture adapts to increasing climate pressures.
The findings are being released ahead of British Regenerative Farming Week, which runs from 12 to 19 September and aims to increase understanding of regenerative agriculture across farming, food manufacturing and the wider supply chain.
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Despite strong support, survey respondents admitted they did not fully understand the wider benefits regenerative farming can deliver for biodiversity, water retention and carbon reduction.
