Why is Regenerative Farming Important for the Leather Industry?

March 16, 2025

To fully understand why regenerative farming is important for the leather industry, we need to take a broader look at what has happened to farming in recent history.

Not so long ago (within the last 150 years to be more exact), regenerative farming was the only farming. Today, regenerative or sustainable farming is frequently labelled as “alternative” while intensive farming is now named conventional.

Also known as regenerative agriculture, this approach to farming holds potential answers to many dilemmas we are facing today about the health of humanity and the future of our planet.

To fully understand why regenerative farming is important for the leather industry, we need to take a broader look at what has happened to farming in recent history. In this article, we break this down in simple terms, shine a light on what regenerative farming is and how it impacts not just the food industry, but also other industries, including leather production.

From traditional farming to intensive farming

If we take a brief look at the history of farming in the last two hundred years, it’s evident that there is a correlation between a rapidly growing population and the industrialisation of farming. In 1800, the global population stood at around 1 billion people. By 2002, that had increased by more than six times to 6.5 billion.

Before the Industrial Revolution, farming was small-scale and labour-intensive. It relied on crop rotation, animal manure, and hand tools. Most farms practised subsistence agriculture – producing just enough for their family and local communities. Livestock grazed freely, and farming methods depended on natural cycles and seasonal changes.

Between the early 1800s and the 1950s, great strides in technological and scientific advancement underpinned the development of farming machinery, synthetic fertilisers, and pesticides. Alongside the discovery of antibiotics, vaccines, and vitamin supplements, which facilitated raising livestock in concentrated, controlled environments, these developments in farming led to boosted crop yields and livestock production.

By the 1950s, intensive farming became dominant, which saw an increase in productivity but reduced biodiversity and soil health. Global food production more than doubled between 1960 and 2000.

What is intensive farming?

Intensive arable farming uses mechanisation, chemical fertilisers, and pesticides to maximise yields, prioritising efficiency, and productivity for high output. The same can be said for intensive livestock or factory farming where animals are raised in confined spaces to maximise efficiency. It relies on high-energy feed, antibiotics, and rapid growth methods.

Advantages of intensive farming	Disadvantages of intensive farming
Production of large quantities of food can meet increasing global demandMaximises yield per acre on individual farm basisMass production keeps food prices more affordableConsistent food availability	Environmental damage – soil degradation, water pollution, and loss of biodiversityUnnatural levels of livestock per farm as it relies on ‘ghost acres’ from other farmsOvercrowding and unnatural conditions cause stress and disease in livestockDepletes natural resources, relying heavily on chemical inputs and intensive land use

This list isn’t exhaustive and these are just a few of the main advantages and disadvantages of intensive farming. It is a highly contentious topic that attracts discussion commercially, politically, and socially for many reasons, including food security, animal welfare, environmental concerns, and the effects of large scale agribusiness.

Intensive farming & biodiversity

One of the disadvantages of intensive farming is its effect on biodiversity. For anyone unsure of what biodiversity means, it refers to the variety of life on Earth, encompassing all species, ecosystems, and genetic diversity. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), intensive agriculture and land conversion are responsible for nearly 60% of global biodiversity loss. Reduction of this variety leads to weaker resilience to climate change, and increased disease risks. For humans, it threatens food security, clean water, and medicinal resources, while animals lose habitats and essential food sources. In the most extreme scenario, continued reduction in biodiversity means humans and animals will face extinction.

What is regenerative farming?

Regenerative farming, also known as regenerative agriculture, is a sustainable approach that focuses on improving soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and restoring ecosystems. This is achieved, in brief, by applying practices such as cover cropping, crop rotation, and reduced chemical inputs to create a self-sustaining and resilient farming system. Regenerative agriculture can also include livestock. When managed properly, livestock can enhance soil health.

Advantages of regenerative farming	Disadvantages of regenerative farming
Improves soil health – enhances fertility, water retention, and carbon sequestration through natural processesBoosts biodiversity – supports diverse plant, insect, and animal life, creating healthier ecosystemsSupports animal welfare – encourages natural grazing and healthier livestock management practices	Longer transition period – soil improvement and ecosystem restoration take time, delaying immediate financial returnsHigher initial costs – requires investment in new practices, training, and infrastructureLower short-term yields – early transition stages may produce less compared to intensive farming methods.

Even with minimal research, it’s easy to see that regenerative farming is a longer term but far more sustainable agricultural system. With the main focus of this approach on the conservation and repair of biodiversity and therefore the health of the entire planet, regenerative farming potentially holds the key to the future of farming and global food security.

Regenerative livestock farming in particular can benefit biodiversity. When regenerative livestock production maintains grassland habitats that host a unique pool of wild species (insects or birds for example), this allows coexistence and provides key ecosystem services. Shifting from negative to positive impacts often depends on the production system, context, and practices.

Which industries does regenerative farming positively impact?

As well as the undeniable facts and research supporting the long term benefits of regenerative farming, there is evidence of its positive impact on multiple industries by promoting sustainability, resource efficiency, and high quality products.

Food & beverage

The industry most obviously and directly affected. Higher-quality, nutrient-rich ingredients support healthier products, provide longer term health benefits to humans and ethical sourcing is more widely available

Fashion & textiles

Sustainable materials and fibres reduce environmental impact in clothing and accessories.

Beauty & skincare

Naturally grown and organic botanicals enhance eco-friendly product formulations, increase the bioavailability of nutrients when absorbed, and a reduction in allergens.

Tourism & hospitality

Smaller communities can support themselves more effectively through regenerative farming, increasing local wealth and investment in hospitality and attractions to increase diversification of tourism in lesser known areas. Agritourism flourishes as consumers seek eco-conscious experiences and the regenerative farms support healthier ecosystems for tourists to become immersed.

Carbon markets

Companies and individuals can use carbon credits to achieve net-zero goals, comply with regulations, or enhance sustainability efforts. Consumers are increasingly looking for these credentials when shopping or investing.

Regenerative farming & leather production

Regenerative farming will play a crucial part if we want to have a sustainable and ethical leather industry. Currently sourcing leather and hides can be tied to deforestation, pollution, and frequently, exploitation. It is also largely untraceable, meaning that designers, retailers, and consumers are unaware of the journey their leather has been on to get to them and therefore the carbon footprint it has left in its wake.

As outlined above, raising livestock on regeneratively managed farms means that grazing practices restore ecosystems, improve soil health and carbon capture, and reduce land degradation. In turn, this creates higher-quality hides, untainted from the environmental damage linked to intensive farming. Unlike what has become conventional leather production, regenerative leather supports a circular economy or closed-loop system and eco-friendly supply chains.

Brands would be able to embrace traceable, regenerative leather and meet growing consumer demand for sustainable fashion, helping to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint while promoting responsible, eco-positive practices.

Parnassus Leather

Regenerative farming has the potential to transform the leather industry. If you choose traceable, regeneratively sourced leather, you invest in a future where fashion and nature live in harmony.

The Lake District landscape has evolved with grazing animals and is able to produce high quality meat from the fells. As Parnassus Leather only sources the hides from farmers that are having a positive, regenerative impact on the Lake District, the leather industry and farming can work together to continuously improve our landscape.

Parnassus Leather helps you make that choice with our range of beautiful leather products. To love now and forever.

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