“Nature is my tacit partner”: professional partnership in decision-making between Finnish regenerative farmers and nature

A growing body of research highlights the need for a socio-ecologically sustainable approach to all human activities, particularly those related to agri-food systems. This study aims to enhance our understanding of the relationship between humans and nature in the context of Regenerative Agriculture (RA) and Regenerative Farmers (RFs) and contribute to our knowledge of the transformational adaptation to social and environmental changes and processes among those who practice RA as their livelihood. This study employs a regenerative approach from a planetary perspective based on relational systems thinking. Using qualitative methodology, it explores the perceptions and experiences of 86 Finnish RFs regarding their decision-making processes and interactions with nature. The results indicate that nature plays a vital role in the decision-making of RFs, as they engage in a cooperative relationship characterized by observation and intuition. The primary contribution of this research is the development of the Regenerative Professional Partnership (RPP) framework, which encompasses three components: the connection and relationship between RFs and nature, the agency and roles of RFs and nature, and the interaction between RFs and nature. This holistic approach to decision-making has the potential to transform farming practices by making them more socio-economically sustainable.