Title: Regenerative Agroecologist
Company: Terra Firma
Location: Orleans, Massachusetts, United States
Peter J. Jensen, regenerative agroecologist at Terra Firma, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Scientists for dedication, achievements, and leadership in ecological conservation.
With nearly four decades of experience, Mr. Jensen has excelled in regenerative agroecology, a conservation and rehabilitation approach to food and farming systems, and climate-wise ecological design. He currently serves as a regenerative agroecologist and runoff mitigation specialist at Terra Firma Permagarden and a lead agroecology adviser and permagarden trainer at Terra Firma International, a role he has held since 2018. His responsibilities include performing site assessments for new projects with erosion issues, surveying the landscape, evaluating runoff challenges, and proposing cost and time estimates for clients. Additionally, he designs swale systems, shallow, broad and vegetated channels designed to store or convey runoff and remove pollutants, and collaborates with resource-poor farmers to implement composting, gravel, and rock relocation.
Prior to this, Mr. Jensen worked as a global permagarden and agroecology training specialist for the U.S. Peace Corps from 2012 to 2018, an international consultant with the U.S. Peace Corps in Tanzania from 2006 to 2012, program director for the environment sector with the U.S. Peace Corp in Malawi from 2002 to 2006, and a West Virginia University extension service agricultural agent. Laying a solid foundation for these accomplishments, he pursued an education at the College of Agriculture and Life Science at the University of Vermont from 1981 to 1985. Following this, he earned a master’s degree in agriculture and soil science from North Carolina State University in 1990.
In addition to his professional work, Mr. Jensen serves as chairman of the Orleans Agricultural Advisory Council and is a business partner with the Orleans Pond Coalition. His expertise is also reflected in the training manuals he has authored, which are still utilized by the Peace Corps. He also shares his insights through essays and newsletters distributed to prospective and returning clients.
Mr. Jensen’s journey into ecological work began at a young age, inspired by his father, a Baptist minister who integrated ecological healing into his ministry. This instilled in him the belief that everyone has a role in healing their environment. He now focuses on hands-on, small-scale actions that others can easily replicate. His international work, particularly with refugees and hillside farmers in Africa, involved teaching locals to use available resources to cultivate their environment. He continues to use these traditional, simple tools in the U.S. to demonstrate that anyone can make a difference using the resources at their disposal. He takes great pride in translating intricate scientific concepts into accessible terms, empowering individuals to take manageable actions toward landscape restoration. A standout highlight of his career is the creation of the “CLOSE rule,” which emphasizes close, local, organic, small, and easy approaches.
In the coming years, Mr. Jensen aims to establish a nonprofit educational organization modeled after Terra Firma Permagardens. This organization will focus on local outreach on Cape Cod, extending its principles to a broader audience, including landscapers and homeowners seeking sustainable solutions. His vision also includes founding Terra Firma Solutions to further his educational efforts and to take part in more international work. Additionally, he is currently writing a book inspired by his global experiences.
For more information, please visit:
YouTuble – Terra Firma International
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