“Regenerative agriculture therefore implies more than just sustaining something but rather an active rebuilding or regeneration of existing systems towards full health. It also implies an open-ended process of ongoing improvement and positive transformation. This can encompass the rebuilding or regeneration of soil itself, and of biodiversity more widely; the reduction of toxins and pollutants; the recharging of aquifers; the production of healthier food, clean water and air; the replacement of external inputs; and the enhancement of social capital and ecological knowledge.” – Charles Massy
Our October Regen Reads recommendation is “Call of the Reed Warbler” by Charles Massy.
If you have been feeling an emotional drain that stems from the deteriorating health of the Earth and all the global climate events that seem to get worse every year, you are not alone. People all around the world are searching for ways to reduce their carbon footprint, grow more ecologically, and protect the future of the planet. But there are certain barriers that folks face when aiming to do their best in the face of greed and power, and Charles Massy does a fantastic job of illustrating this in his book, “Call of the Reed Warbler”.
Massy is a fifth-generation Australian farmer who farmed under conventional practices most of his young farming life. However, everything changed after a massive drought plagued the land in the 1980s. After a food shortage, Massy knew he needed to change his management and focus on more ecologically-based practices to regenerate his soil’s health and increase its defense against unpredictable climate events.
In light of his transition from conventional farming to ecological and regenerative farming, Massy wrote the book “Call of the Reed Warbler”. This book is an inspiring story of experiencing change, building resilience, and returning soil back to its original productive state. Massy demonstrates that it is not too late to reverse climate change, and he shares his amazing experience as a regenerative farmer who has improved his soil’s fertility and function. He calls on regenerative farmers all over to continue fighting the good fight and healing the land for the future of farming and the future of the world.
Purchase your copy of “Call of the Reed Warbler” here!
For more information about Charles Massy, check out this article by CBC featuring Massy and his ecological-based farm in Australia.
Regen Reads is COG’s monthly regenerative agriculture reading list. 📖