What is New Foundation Farms?
New Foundation Farms is all about regeneration as the new foundation for farming and food systems. Picture landscapes bursting with life and ecological abundance, whether farmed or left wild. Imagine a food system that delivers nutrient-dense produce at everyday supermarket prices. Sounds great, right? Well, this project is making that vision a reality. It’s about growing food that’s nutrient-rich, seasonal, and local—everywhere. And here’s the kicker: the farming system actually improves over time, storing carbon for generations to come. This isn’t just a dream; it’s happening now.
The Main Benefit: Transforming Food and Land Health
At its core, New Foundation Farms tackles the big challenge of being better stewards of nature. It works with natural systems’ ability to regenerate themselves, not against them. The project introduces “The Keystone” — a single number that measures the ecological health of land compared to its full potential. This number isn’t just a score; it’s a guide for how to improve.
- 9 million hectares of UK farmland produce half the food we eat.
- Most of the food needed can be grown on just half that land.
- The Keystone helps farmers, citizens, retailers, bankers, and investors make smarter decisions.
- It supports markets for ecosystem services like carbon capture, biodiversity, and water management.
- Focuses on healthy food, people, nature, and resilient farming systems everywhere.
Understanding the Challenge
Human flourishing depends on being better stewards of nature. That means working with the land’s natural ability to heal and regenerate itself. But how do you know if the land is getting better or worse? New Foundation Farms boils it down to four simple questions: Is this land degenerating or regenerating? How much better could it be? What are the options? And what do we do next? These questions guide farmers, conservationists, and citizens alike to make informed decisions that benefit everyone.
The Role of The Keystone
The Keystone is more than just a number—it’s a revolutionary guidance system. It uses modern science to restore humanity’s ancient role as custodians of the planet. By assessing ecological health and providing actionable management info, it transforms the food system from an ecological problem into a solution. Think healthy, affordable, real food grown in resilient natural systems that capture carbon, restore biodiversity, and improve water systems. It’s a game-changer for how food is produced and consumed.
Building New Foundations for the Future
The project’s challenge is clear: lay down new foundations for all our futures. Foundations that are radically natural. This means creating food systems and farming practices that don’t just sustain but improve the environment over time. It’s about shifting from exploitation to regeneration, ensuring that the land we rely on today remains healthy and productive for generations to come. It’s a bold vision, but one that’s grounded in science and practical action.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger – promoting nutrient-dense, affordable food.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – guiding sustainable food choices.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – storing carbon and improving land health.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – restoring biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – enhancing water systems through better land management.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Food and Farming
New Foundation Farms is setting the stage for a future where food systems are part of the solution, not the problem. By combining science, stewardship, and community action, it’s creating a resilient, healthy, and affordable food supply that benefits people and the planet alike. The Keystone provides a clear path forward, empowering everyone—from farmers to consumers—to play a role in this transformation. It’s about making sure that the land we depend on today is thriving tomorrow… and beyond.
