Bio
Thompson Farm, managed by Michael Kavanagh, is a leading example of regenerative agriculture in the UK.
Situated at Church Farm in Boningale, near Wolverhampton, this 688-hectare estate is part of the Green Farm Collective—a network of British farmers dedicated to sustainable and nature-enhancing practices.
Under Kavanagh's stewardship, Thompson Farm has transitioned from conventional methods to a regenerative model focusing on soil health, biodiversity, and reduced chemical inputs. Key practices include:
Minimal Tillage: Adoption of direct drilling techniques has improved soil structure and reduced fuel consumption.
Cover Cropping: Utilization of diverse cover crop mixtures to enhance soil fertility and provide forage for livestock.
Biological Inputs: Application of composts and biostimulants to support microbial activity and plant health.
These strategies have led to an increase in soil organic matter from below 2.5% to 3.25% over six years, enhancing water retention and resilience against drought.
As a founding member of the Green Farm Collective, Thompson Farm collaborates with other like-minded farmers to promote regenerative agriculture. The collective facilitates knowledge sharing, supports natural capital trading, and engages with businesses seeking to invest in sustainable farming practices .
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Sven Bruchfeld & Gonzalo Muñoz
Established in 2002 by winemakers Sven Bruchfeld and Gonzalo Muñoz, Polkura focuses on producing high-quality Syrah wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. The name "Polkura" means "yellow stone" in the Mapuche language, referencing the area's yellow granite soils. These decomposed granite soils, combined with clay, contribute to the wines' minerality, body, and structure.
Situated approximately 30 kilometers from the Pacific Ocean, the vineyard benefits from a Mediterranean climate with significant marine influence, moderated by the coastal mountain range.
Since 2009, Polkura has implemented a dry farming project known as "Secano," cultivating 2 hectares without irrigation, later expanding to 5 hectares. This approach emphasizes minimal intervention, relying solely on natural rainfall to express the purest form of the terroir.
To optimize water retention, vines are planted on flat terrain with clay-rich soils and at a lower density of 2,500 plants per hectare. The Gobelet training system is employed, with shoots tied to individual stakes to protect the fragile Syrah vines from breakage.
Alfonso Chico de Guzmán
La Junquera is a pioneering regenerative farm located in the Altiplano region of Murcia, southeastern Spain.
Spanning approximately 1,100 hectares, it stands as one of Europe’s largest regenerative agriculture projects, operating in one of the most desertified areas of the Iberian Peninsula. La Junquera transitioned to organic farming in 2010 and adopted regenerative practices in 2015. The farm's methods focus on restoring soil health, enhancing water retention, and boosting biodiversity. Key practices include:
Soil Regeneration: Utilizing cover crops, vermicomposting, and minimal tillage to improve soil fertility.
Water Management: Constructing swales, ponds, and sediment traps to capture and distribute rainfall efficiently.
Biodiversity Enhancement: Planting native species, establishing wildlife corridors, and integrating livestock like the endangered Murcian-Levantine cow to promote ecosystem balance.
These efforts have led to a significant increase in soil organic matter, from 2% to 6%, and the restoration of 2,500 hectares of degraded land.
Besides their farming efforts, La Junquera hosts the Regeneration Academy, led by Yanniek Schoonhoven, offering educational programs in agroecology, soil conservation, and sustainable farming.
Joost de Willebois
Joost de Willebois is the founder and owner of Domaine J. de Villebois, a family-run winery in France's Loire Valley.
Originally from the Netherlands, Joost descends from a French lineage dating back to 1180. In 2004, he and his wife, Miguela, acquired a 10-hectare vineyard in Mareuil-sur-Cher, marking the beginning of their winemaking journey.
They focused on producing Sauvignon Blanc, aiming to become specialists in this varietal within the Loire region. Over the years, the domaine expanded its reach across key appellations like Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, and Menetou-Salon.
Joost transitioned from a career in finance to dedicate himself fully to winemaking, emphasizing sustainable practices. Today, Domaine J. de Villebois is recognized for its high-quality Sauvignon Blancs and commitment to environmental management.
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