Understanding the phases and tensions of regenerative agriculture for better health outcomes for farmers

Abstract Australian farmers face an array of challenges impacting mental health, such as extreme climatic events, market uncertainties, technological dependence, regulatory demands, and social isolation. Regenerative agriculture (RA) has been suggested as a way for farmers to improve wellbeing by integrating natural systems, continuous evaluation, and adaptation—while benefitting from the socio-cultural aspects of farmer relations—for sustainable food production. This rapid review of the literature aims to synthesise evidence on the relationship between RA practices and farmer mental health and wellbeing. The review encompassed 9 databases (n = 13795 articles) and 3 sources of grey literature (n = 209 studies). The final 44 items included in the review demonstrated that regenerative agricultural practices have gained recognition for environmental benefits and that the impact on farmers’ mental health has started to be explored. Findings show underlying tensions in the transition process from conventional farming practices to RA—including notable phases of triggering, accepting alternatives, adopting, and adapting. Although evidence is still scarce and limited in its scope, tailored mental health intervention and prevention strategies need to consider farmers’ vulnerability during these RA transition phases. Importantly, farmers need different supports at different phases of the system.