The Crisis
America faces a dual crisis: our food is increasingly contaminated with toxins while simultaneously becoming less nutritious. Industrial agriculture has depleted our topsoil, destroyed soil microbiology, and saturated farmland with synthetic chemicals.
Glyphosate — the active ingredient in Roundup — is toxic to the beneficial soil microbes that make nutrients available to plants. It acts as a chelator, binding essential minerals like manganese, zinc, and iron so plants cannot absorb them. The result is food that looks normal but is nutritionally hollow.
Studies show that the mineral content of fruits and vegetables has declined by 20–40% since the 1950s. We are growing more food than ever while nourishing people less than ever.
The Solution
Regenerative organic farming rebuilds soil health from the ground up. By using cover crops, composting, crop rotation, and eliminating synthetic chemicals, farmers can restore the soil microbiome that makes nutrient-dense food possible.
Healthy soil is alive — a single teaspoon contains more microorganisms than there are people on Earth. These beneficial bacteria and fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, delivering minerals and protecting against disease.
Regenerative practices also sequester carbon, improve water retention, reduce erosion, and rebuild topsoil. Farms that transition to regenerative methods often see yields match or exceed conventional farming within 3–5 years while dramatically reducing input costs.
Beware of Greenwashing
Be aware that Bayer (which acquired Monsanto) has co-opted the term “Regenerative Farming” in its marketing materials. Their version still relies on synthetic chemicals and genetically engineered seeds — it is regenerative in name only.
True regenerative agriculture eliminates synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers entirely. Look for certifications like Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC), which requires soil health testing, fair labor practices, and animal welfare standards.
Support farmers and brands that are transparent about their practices. Ask questions, visit farms, and look beyond marketing claims to understand how your food is actually grown.
Tools & Solutions
Greenfield Robotics builds autonomous robots that mechanically remove weeds between crop rows, eliminating the need for herbicides like glyphosate. Their technology makes chemical-free farming scalable for large operations.
Contact Organics offers a USDA-approved bioherbicide made from plant-based fatty acids that kills weeds on contact without synthetic chemicals.
Weed Zapper uses electrical weed control technology that sends current through weeds to kill them at the root — no residue, no soil disruption.
Glyphosate Remediation Resources
Research and field studies on how glyphosate affects the soil, and how living soil can break it back down.
GMOs, Glyphosate & Tomorrow
PDFDon Huber, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Purdue University
Acres U.S.A. interview with plant pathologist Don Huber on the growing, multi-faceted problems glyphosate and glyphosate-tolerant crops create for soil biology, plant health, and nutrition.
Download PDFGlyphosate and Transgenic Crops: Impacts on Soil Biology, Ecology and the Environment
PDFRobert J. Kremer, University of Missouri
How glyphosate and glyphosate-resistant crops alter soil microbial communities, nutrient cycling, and plant health.
Download PDFSoil and Environmental Health after Twenty Years of Intensive Use of Glyphosate
PDFRobert J. Kremer (Advances in Plants & Agriculture Research, 2017)
A review of glyphosate and AMPA residues in soil and water and their effects on soil microbial diversity after two decades of intensive use.
Download PDFDynamics of Glyphosate in the Rhizosphere: A Possible Threat to Crop Plants?
PDFVolker Römheld, University of Hohenheim
Symposium research on how glyphosate behaves in the root zone, why waiting times matter, and how root uptake makes it a possible threat to crop plants.
Download PDF100% of Top 20 Fast Food Brands Positive for Glyphosate, 76% Positive for Harmful Pesticides
PDFMoms Across America (2023)
MAA's independent testing found glyphosate in every one of the top 20 fast food brands and harmful pesticides in 76%, across 42 samples screened for 236 agrochemicals, heavy metals, PFAS, and more.
Download PDFPaleoPower: Put the Heartbeat Back Into Your Soil (Vegetables)
PDFAncient Organics
Multi-year independent yield trials of a beneficial-bacteria soil inoculant across vegetable crops.
Download PDFPaleoPower: Put the Heartbeat Back Into Your Soil (Grapes & Cotton)
PDFAncient Organics
Field results for the PaleoPower soil inoculant on grapes and cotton.
Download PDFPaleoPower Cotton Soils Study: Glyphosate and Soil Health Analysis
PDFSeed2Shirt Climate Beneficial Program, Bridgeforth Cotton
Soil microbiome analysis of glyphosate's impact and microbial remediation on a working cotton farm.
Download PDFPaleoPower Microbial Inoculants Overview
PDFAncient Organics
How Ancient Organics' OMRI-listed microbial guilds are designed to break down glyphosate and restore living, self-sustaining soil.
Download PDFMicrobial Needs: A Glyphosate Degrader
PDFMartha Carlin
One-page overview of a microbial approach to breaking down glyphosate in the soil.
Download PDFGlyphosate Research Roundup (December 2024)
PDFField research summary
A working summary of key studies on glyphosate's effects on plant health, the rhizosphere, and soil biology, with pointers to the underlying research.
Download PDFTrusted Resources
Organizations leading the movement for regenerative agriculture and healthy soil.
Kiss the Ground
Award-winning documentary and nonprofit organization inspiring participation in regenerative agriculture and soil restoration.
Regeneration International
Global network promoting regenerative food, farming, and land management practices to reverse climate change and restore public health.
Farmer’s Footprint
Documentary and advocacy organization supporting farmers in their transition from conventional to regenerative agriculture.
Rodale Institute
Pioneer in organic agriculture research with over 75 years of data proving that regenerative organic farming outperforms conventional methods.
BiotiQuest
Probiotic and soil health solutions developed by microbiome scientists to restore gut and soil biology damaged by industrial agriculture.
Contact Organics
USDA-approved bioherbicide made from plant-based fatty acids for chemical-free weed control.
Greenfield Robotics
Autonomous weeding robots that eliminate herbicide use, making chemical-free farming scalable for large agricultural operations.
Take Action
Start regenerating soil health in your home and community today.
Start composting at home to build healthy soil in your own garden and reduce food waste
Support local organic and regenerative farmers by buying directly at farmers markets and through CSA programs
Ask your child’s school to source organic, regeneratively grown food for school lunch programs
Petition your city or county to stop using glyphosate and synthetic pesticides on public parks, playgrounds, and roadsides
Healthy Soil, Healthy Families
Share this information with farmers, gardeners, and community leaders. The health of our food starts with the health of our soil.