Top 50 Farmers catalyzes the regenerative agriculture movement and empowers farmers to redefine the future of farming. We believe that new opportunities, role models, investments, and collaborations are more essential than ever for the agricultural transition. This includes industry support that creates market pull and new financing solutions. With strong backing from farmers, business, investors, and concerned consumers, we are driving demand for regenerative practices and unlocking groundbreaking financing solutions. More than just a platform, Top 50 Farmers is a dynamic hub where leaders in agriculture connect, collaborate, and create opportunities to scale regenerative farming and restore soil health. We spotlight pioneering farmers, champion their success stories, and equip them with powerful networks and an acceleration toolkit to amplify their impact.

The idea for Top 50 Farmers has roots in the Danish countryside. In 2022, Astanor, a pioneering agrifood tech impact fund, brought together chefs, thought leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, executives, and farmers for a two-day summit in Denmark. The goal: to explore bold ways to scale regenerative agriculture across Europe and beyond. During a collaborative breakfast session, a breakthrough idea emerged. Just as chefs have built powerful platforms and personal brands that have elevated their influence, diversified their income, and attracted a new generation, farming is ready for a similar transformation. From this shared vision, Top 50 Farmers was born—an initiative to showcase diverse role models leading the next wave of farming. Launched by Foodprint Nordic in partnership with Analisa Winther and seeded by Astanor, Top 50 Farmers has rapidly grown into a platform uniting the regenerative agriculture movement across Europe. What started as a spark has become a thriving initiative, supported by a consortium of European foundations dedicated to driving the regenerative revolution. Together, we’re not just changing the narrative—we’re creating real opportunities for farmers to thrive.

FARMERS FIRST: Every step we take is rooted in empowering farmers. We are driven by the mission to create new opportunities and accelerate the shift to regenerative agriculture, always putting farmers at the heart of every decision we make. REGENERATION: We hold ourselves to the highest standards of regeneration—not just in farming but in every action we take. From sourcing regeneratively to partnering with those who share our vision, we lead by example. With patience and ambition, we develop deep roots and plan for the long-term impact, ensuring every decision drives lasting, positive change. COLLABORATION: Changing the food system is a collective effort. That’s why Top 50 Farmers thrives on partnerships, working with other projects, organizations, chefs, consumers, investors, and entrepreneurs. We celebrate and uplift all farmers advancing a regenerative future, recognizing that we can create real change together. DIVERSITY: Our strength comes from embracing diversity. Top 50 Farmers is committed to ensuring a wide range of perspectives by prioritizing gender, age, and regional diversity across our committees and farmers. We believe that honoring our differences makes us more innovative, resilient, and impactful. TRANSPARENCY: We believe transparency is key to building trust and fostering a regenerative community. Our project prioritizes open communication and data-sharing, allowing stakeholders to access information about our selection criteria, farmer contributions, and impact assessments. By showcasing success stories, sharing challenges, and inviting feedback, we strive to create a collaborative environment.

At its core, regenerative agriculture works with nature rather than against it. While there is no universally accepted definition, Top 50 Farmers views regenerative agriculture as a holistic farming approach that enhances the environment, soil, plant and animal welfare, and communities. Top 50 Farmers believes in the importance of a food system that is chemical-free and builds living soil—the foundation of regenerative agriculture—rich in microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and earthworms that aid in nutrient cycling, improve soil structure, and boost water retention. Regenerative practices include crop rotation, cover cropping, reduced tillage, composting, and livestock integration to revitalize soil health. As a result, crops grow stronger and build resistance to pests, eliminating the need for pesticides and synthetic input. By improving soil fertility and working in harmony with natural ecosystems, regenerative farming creates resilient, sustainable systems that address biodiversity and environmental challenges while producing nutrient-rich food for future generations.