Regenerative Study Group

At the Canberra City Farm we embrace ‘principles and methods and ethics of regenerative agriculture’. These are the bold words of our new Strategic Plan, but what does ‘regenerative’ actually mean? While ‘organic’ is clearly defined, ‘regenerative’ is not defined at all. We have used it in relation to gardening and agriculture, but it also has a much broader application when used to describe societies and cultures. The purpose of this study group is to explore the meaning of ‘regenerative’ and gain a clearer idea of what can and cannot be described as regenerative.

Our exploration will be divided into two parts. During the first part we will explore characteristics of various regenerative cultures, as well as critiques of our dominant Western culture. We will consider how these may inform the transformations necessary within our society to live more harmoniously within our environment. The second part will have a practical focus. We will be experimenting with food-growing methods which regenerate the soil microbiological ecosystems as well as broader landscape ecosystems.

The study group will be collaborative and self-directed, meeting once a month (last Sunday of the month) to explore a particular ‘regenerative’ topic. Our inquiry will be led by the participants themselves who are invited to suggest readings, videos, podcasts or other media. An aspirational list of topics for Part One include:
• Getting started - world views
• Regenerative culture
• Economy
• Local futures
• Simplicity
• Relating to the natural world
• The metacrisis
• Natural farming

The duration of each session will be between two and three hours and will include a shared lunch or afternoon tea. For those who wish to participate in this group it would be advantageous to attend the first session, if possible, as this will be "setting the scene" and establishing the guide rails for future discussions.

Where: Canberra City Farm in the LESS
When: 2 pm, 23 February.