Regenerative agriculture has become a prominent part of corporate climate and nature strategies, but a new FAIRR assessment suggests that ambition is not always translating into measurable action. Reviewing 78 publicly listed agri-food companies, the investor network finds that only 28% now have quantified regenerative agriculture targets, down from 35% in 2023.

Measurement has improved. The share of companies reporting that they assess regenerative agriculture outcomes increased from 16% in 2023 to 54% in 2026. Yet only 4% have set outcome-based targets, and most monitoring remains limited to individual projects rather than company-wide operations. FAIRR also highlights a particular gap around agrochemical use: more than half of companies identify reducing inputs as an objective, but none has established a specific pesticide-reduction target. Only a small number are tracking herbicide use within their programmes.

There are also signs of progress. More companies are linking regenerative agriculture with Scope 3 emissions strategies, rising from 24% in 2023 to 52% in 2026, while examples from some companies show clearer programme boundaries or farmer payment mechanisms tied to outcomes. The broader message is that regenerative agriculture is moving into mainstream corporate strategies, but stronger indicators, transparent reporting and outcome-based targets are still needed to assess whether commitments are delivering measurable benefits for farmers, climate and ecosystems.