MARKETING AND ECONOMIC VIEW ON REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE IN CONDITION OF THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC

Abstract

Regenerative agriculture is an approach that aims to improve soil health and fertility, as well as protect water resources and biodiversity. Healthier soils are able to sequester more carbon from the atmosphere, are more resilient to the impacts of climate change, have better water retention capacity and can increase agricultural productivity, which helps to increase profits and also improve food security. The aim is to protect and enhance biodiversity above and below ground. Plant growth can be supported by more diversified crops, including cover crops or intercrops, while supporting better life for insects, soil organisms, birds and other animals. The aim of the paper is to characterize regenerative agriculture, to define the differences between conventional and regenerative agriculture and to point out situation of this system of agriculture in Slovakia. Evaluation and resolution of differences will be from economic point of view. Many researchers prevail that lower yields are achieved with regenerative agriculture. In the first years of the transition from conventional to regenerative agriculture, lower yields are achieved as the soil gradually transforms (especially its humus part). After five years, however, it can be observed that even in regenerative agriculture, comparable yields are achieved. Regenerative agriculture, on the other hand, achieves much lower costs, as some machine operations are not performed (e.g. plowing). The article shows that in regenerative agricultural production can farmers achieved positive economic results in Slovakia.