Date of Award
Spring 5-9-2026
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Interdisciplinary Studies
Department
Multi-Disciplinary Program
First Advisor
Dr. William Forbes
Second Advisor
Dr. Anne Smith
Third Advisor
Dr. Ken Mix
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Trey Turner
Abstract
Regenerative agriculture has increasingly been referenced since 2015 for its ability to provide healthy food with less environmental and social impacts. Its basic premise/ideology is to follow a process whereby soil, biotic, and human communities are not just maintained but prepared to return to a better state. Soil health is a primary concern. Actions include no-till planting, composting to create more organic soil, less use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, along with better employment, animal care, and ecological outcomes/practices. Regenerative versions of other professions, such as regenerative medicine (e.g. gene/stem cell therapy) and regenerative architecture (design for surplus energy, restored greenspace) have also emerged in the past decade.
The overall goal of the thesis is to help, through community-oriented, niche market aspects of regenerative agriculture, diversify and strengthen the economy, government services, and public health in East Texas. More specifically, research objectives are to suggest efforts to help entrepreneurs start and/or scale up their regenerative farm operations in Deep East Texas, which consists of 12 counties, ranging from Nacogdoches County south to Tyler County and from Trinity County east to Newton County on the Louisiana border.
This thesis summarizes: definitions of “regenerative” agriculture; its historical and conceptual foundations; current scientific literature, federal policies, and university programs; and feedback from 18 small farmers and ranchers in Texas. Survey respondents share which regenerative practices are currently being utilized, which pathways best support start-up and scale up of regenerative farming, and which barriers most inhibit adoption of regenerative practices. The survey’s sample size is relatively small yet results and recommendations are similar to those in national non-profit organization reports with larger survey sample sizes.
Suggested priorities include: a technical resource center offering expertise specific to regenerative agriculture; financial/other incentive programs promoting regenerative practices; support for incremental adoption, allowing farmers/institutions to lessen up-front costs/risks; public education on benefits/markets for “regen” agriculture products; certifying a local farm meeting adopted standards; a regional cooperative; consulting outside experts in niches such as “regen” poultry; and new partnerships with other fields, such as technology/precision agriculture (as in the Netherlands); biodiversity/wildlife conservation for farm habitats, and public health/nutrition.
Repository Citation
Hance, Treasure, "Expanding Regenerative Agriculture Practices in East Texas" (2026). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 706.
https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/etds/706
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