Regenerative agriculture is attracting growing interest from agribusiness, investors and development institutions, but the term is still used in very different ways. IFC’s new framework responds to this by setting a common language and minimum criteria for when an agribusiness programme or farm-level intervention can credibly be described as regenerative agriculture.

The approach is designed to work across different production systems, geographies and value chains, while still allowing flexibility for companies starting from different points. Rather than treating regenerative agriculture as a fixed package of practices, IFC frames it as a transition that should restore natural systems while maintaining or improving productivity. The framework is intended for use across both investment and advisory services, creating a common reference point for clients, investors and other stakeholders.

A major focus is the financial and technical gap that often slows adoption. Transitioning from conventional systems can require upfront investment, capacity building and mechanisms to share risk, particularly for smallholders and agribusinesses operating in emerging markets. IFC therefore positions the framework not only as a set of criteria, but also as a tool for identifying where finance, advisory support and targeted incentives can help move regenerative practices from individual projects into wider value chains.