Soil degradation, biodiversity loss, water pollution and climate change are placing Southeast Asia’s agrifood systems under increasing pressure. This ISEAS Perspective by Paul Teng and Elyssa Ludher examines regenerative agriculture as an approach to restoring soil health and ecosystem functions while maintaining food production. Across the region, practices already being applied include crop diversification, intercropping, cover crops, conservation tillage, biofertilizers, biochar, residue incorporation, agroforestry and precision agriculture. These approaches may strengthen nutrient cycling, reduce dependence on chemical inputs and improve resilience to climate shocks, although evidence and adoption vary by practice and context.

The authors highlight significant barriers to wider adoption, particularly for smallholders, who account for four out of five farms in Southeast Asia. Transition costs, uncertain short-term returns, limited advisory services, insecure land tenure, weak market incentives and policies favouring input-intensive agriculture can constrain farmers’ ability to change practices. The lack of a universally agreed definition and common performance metrics for regenerative agriculture also complicates policy design, financing and evaluation.

The paper identifies ASEAN cooperation as an important enabling mechanism. Within the ASEAN Food, Agriculture and Forestry Sectoral Plan 2026–2030, priorities could include shared principles and indicators, regional research, farmer training and demonstration farms, digital agriculture, soil-health monitoring and appropriate financing mechanisms. The authors also emphasize aligning regenerative agriculture with food security and climate policies while allowing practices to be adapted to national and local conditions.