Drivers and barriers to uptake of regenerative agriculture in southeast Queensland: a mental model study

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper identifies drivers and barriers to the uptake of regenerative agriculture (RA) as a grassroots innovation in the southeast Queensland context. It aims to identify opportunities for supporting RA as a viable pathway for sustainable food production. A mental model approach involving semi-structured interviews was used to recognize the important interconnected causal mechanisms at play within this grassroots agricultural system, as perceived by the study participants who have an interest in RA in the southeast Queensland context. It revealed two key interrelated themes driving uptake of RA in the region: economic viability of the approach and shifting values and priorities of consumers and producers. Inhibiting factors identified include limited access to local mentoring and advice, financial risk, and lack of supportive policies. We conclude that adopting RA in a given region provides an opportunity to explore its benefits and challenges in building resilient and sustainable food systems. Hence, facilitating grassroots experimentation should be seized as an opportunity for driving society’s sustainability agenda.