Regenerative agriculture pioneer Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA) has announced the launch of “Groundwork: AEA Agronomic Consulting,” a comprehensive service designed to assist farmers from diverse backgrounds in transitioning to regenerative farming. This new offering provides customized agronomic consulting packages, helping growers create resilient farm systems through strategic planning and hands-on support. By addressing the significant knowledge and mentorship gaps often encountered by both new and experienced regenerative farmers, AEA aims to facilitate more widespread adoption of sustainable farming methods.
One of AEA’s earliest adopters of the Groundwork program is Alexandre Family Farm, the first certified regenerative farm in the United States specializing in grass-pastured organic A2/A2 dairy production. The collaboration between AEA and Alexandre Family Farm is an example of how the program seeks to provide targeted guidance for farms looking to improve soil health, optimize nutrient management, and enhance overall farm productivity.
Since its establishment in 2006, AEA has collaborated with over 10,000 growers across more than four million acres, helping them implement regenerative agricultural systems in a variety of challenging environments. Agronomic The company has long been recognized for its commitment to reducing or eliminating synthetic inputs while improving both yields and profitability. The launch of Groundwork marks an expansion of AEA’s mission, making its consulting services accessible beyond those who purchase AEA products.
Historically, agronomic consulting has been tied to agricultural product sales, with input purchases subsidizing advisory services. AEA is working to shift this model. “The familiar model of ag retail is that product sales subsidize consulting, which creates incentives for product sales,” explains John Kempf, AEA founder and chief vision officer. “The goal of regenerative agriculture is to reduce the need for inputs over the long-term. We are creating a consulting framework that incentivizes the best possible agronomic recommendations for growers as their need for inputs decreases. We consider it of foundational importance to develop long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with our growers that prioritize their financial success.”
The Groundwork program is tailored to meet a grower’s unique crop performance objectives while emphasizing return on investment and overall economic performance. The program utilizes a data-driven approach, which has been central to AEA’s success. Agronomic This methodology includes an in-depth assessment of soil mineral and biological profiles, analysis of crop disease and insect challenges, evaluation of crop nutrient absorption, examination of plant nutritional integrity, and study of phenological plant expression. Based on these findings, AEA formulates a set of recommendations that may include cultural management practices, soil amendments, microbial inoculants, cover crops, data collection strategies, and crop nutrition management plans.
AEA Launches Agronomic Consulting for Regenerative Farmers
A notable example of Groundwork’s application is the partnership with Alexandre Family Farm, based in Crescent City, California. As the nation’s first certified regenerative dairy farm producing grass-pastured organic A2/A2 milk, Alexandre Family Farm has long been committed to sustainable agricultural practices. However, as they continue to expand and improve their operations, they sought additional expertise to enhance their soil health strategies. By working with AEA’s agronomy team, Alexandre Family Farm aims to accelerate soil improvement across its hay ranches and newly acquired farmland.
Blake Alexandre, a fourth-generation dairy farmer and co-owner of Alexandre Family Farm, spoke about the partnership: “We are clearly aware of the principles of regenerative agriculture and working in harmony with God’s plan for soil and plant growth. Agronomic We also see value in working with AEA for additional knowledge, fresh thinking, and their well-recognized regenerative agronomic expertise. Not only does AEA share our values of stewarding the land, but we also trust that our work together will help us more quickly improve all our land.”
Regenerative agriculture is gaining traction as farmers recognize the economic and environmental benefits of sustainable land management. By focusing on soil health and ecosystem balance, regenerative farming methods help improve water retention, reduce dependency on synthetic fertilizers, and enhance biodiversity. However, the transition to regenerative agriculture is not always straightforward. Many farmers face significant barriers, including lack of access to reliable information, financial constraints, and the challenge of adapting existing farm operations to new methodologies.
Groundwork seeks to address these challenges by offering a structured, science-based approach that aligns with each farm’s specific needs. AEA’s hands-on consulting services go beyond theoretical knowledge by providing real-world implementation strategies, ensuring that farmers can effectively integrate regenerative practices into their daily operations. The service is designed to support farms of all sizes, from small family-owned operations to large-scale commercial enterprises.
In addition to its direct impact on individual farms, Agronomic the broader adoption of regenerative agriculture has far-reaching implications for global food systems. Healthier soils lead to more nutritious crops, increased resilience against climate change, and greater carbon sequestration, contributing to overall environmental sustainability. By equipping farmers with the tools and expertise needed to succeed in regenerative agriculture, AEA is playing a crucial role in driving the future of sustainable farming.
As more farmers embrace regenerative practices, partnerships like the one between AEA and Alexandre Family Farm highlight the value of expert guidance in making the transition smoother and more effective. With the launch of Groundwork, AEA is reinforcing its commitment to empowering growers with the knowledge and support necessary to thrive in an ever-changing agricultural landscape.
By bridging the gap between scientific research and practical application, AEA’s consulting services provide a crucial link in the ongoing shift toward a more regenerative and resilient food system. As the movement continues to grow, initiatives like Groundwork will be instrumental in helping farmers navigate the complexities of sustainable agriculture, ensuring long-term success for both growers and the planet.
