“Why would a farmer pay more money to use something that’s not gonna give them anything back”: Identifying gaps and opportunities to promote regenerative agriculture in Alberta, Canada

Regenerative agriculture (RA) is increasing in popularity despite a lack of consensus on an agreed definition, creating challenges promoting the approach and developing policies to support its adoption. This paper highlights findings from a RA study in Alberta, Canada conducted to understand the opportunities for RA and to inform effective policy design and implementation. Data were gathered from 14 participants through in-depth semi-structured interviews who represented various stakeholder groups with diverse knowledge and experience related to RA in Alberta. Data from these interviews were coded and thematically analyzed to generate our findings. The findings reveal that defining RA requires a context-specific approach that considers regional conditions and individual farmer needs. Key barriers to the implementation of RA practices include Alberta's climate, short growing season and a lack of producer knowledge. Insufficient inclusion of diverse perspectives in agricultural policymaking, disincentives for early adopters of RA and the lack of incentives for farmer participation in policy discussions are identified as policy gaps requiring adjustments. The findings highlight the need for tailored policies that accommodate the diverse needs of farmers while promoting the principles of RA. This study provides valuable insights into how farmers perceive government policies related to RA, offering policy recommendations to help develop more effective strategies to overcome barriers and promote the expansion of RA in Alberta. • Data from 14 diverse stakeholders in Alberta were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed thematically. • Findings show RA must be defined contextually, reflecting local conditions and the specific needs of individual farmers. • Barriers to RA in Alberta include climate, short growing seasons, and limited producer knowledge. • Policy gaps include limited diverse input, disincentives for RA adopters, and few incentives for farmer engagement in policy. • Findings stress the need for tailored policies that support RA while addressing the diverse needs of farmers.