University of Georgia Hosts Regenerative Farming Panel
Experts discuss soil health and sustainable food production after a screening of the documentary film Groundswell.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Organic Food
Live Poll
Do you believe farmers should transition to regenerative agriculture methods to improve food production sustainability?
The University of Georgia hosted a panel discussion and a screening of the documentary film Groundswell to examine regenerative agriculture. The event focused on how these farming practices can support environmental health and sustainable food production.
Why it matters
Panelists highlighted regenerative agriculture as a potential solution for both food security and environmental conservation. The discussion also addressed how federal farm policy impacts the adoption of these land management strategies across the nation.
White Oak Pastures in Bluffton has utilized regenerative practices for 25 years. The farm raises a diverse range of livestock including cattle, hogs, goats, rabbits, sheep, and poultry.
The players
Will Harris
He is the owner of White Oak Pastures in Bluffton, Georgia.
Jamila Norman
She is the founder of Patchwork City Farms in Atlanta.
Jodi Benoit
She participated as a featured panelist during the agricultural discussion.
Laura Turner Seydel
She served as a panelist sharing insights on environmental health and food production.
The details
Regenerative agriculture focuses on improving soil health by reducing soil disturbance, growing diverse plant species together, and ensuring living roots remain in the ground. The documentary Groundswell, the third film in a series about soil health, served as the basis for the experts to share their experiences.
Timeline
The event took place on October 15, 2026.
Culture Shift
The transition toward regenerative agriculture represents a departure from industrial farming models that have dominated for decades. This shift emphasizes long-term soil health over short-term yield maximization as defined by federal farm bill support structures.
Residents in Athens can learn more about how food is grown and the environmental implications of their purchasing decisions. Adopting an interest in regenerative products can influence the demand for locally sourced, soil-conscious goods at regional markets.
The takeaway
Regenerative farming provides a potential pathway for improving soil quality through natural ecosystem integration. Consumers can support these environmental efforts by prioritizing produce and meat sourced from farms that utilize restorative land practices.
Further reading
For more information on sustainable land management, see the Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Rough Draft Atlanta.
Live Poll
Do you believe farmers should transition to regenerative agriculture methods to improve food production sustainability?
