Deep Seed – Regenerative Agriculture

Recorded live at the Groundswell Festival in the UK, this conversation with Adam Swan from the Soil Ecology Lab offers a profound exploration of how tiny organisms in the soil can make a massive difference in agriculture and ecosystem health.

Discover the groundbreaking work inspired by Dr. Elaine Ingham, who first detailed nutrient cycling in soils through soil microbes. From the intricacies of nutrient cycling to the role of nematodes in soil health, this episode sheds light on the critical functions of these microscopic organisms.

The conversation covers a broad range of topics, including the challenges and solutions in modern agriculture, the importance of high-quality compost, and innovative techniques to reintroduce beneficial microbes into degraded soils. 

Whether you're a farmer, a sustainability enthusiast, or just curious about the hidden world beneath our feet, this episode offers valuable insights and practical knowledge on how to improve soil health and agricultural productivity.

00:00 - Intro 

01:39 - Background and mission of the Soil Ecology Laboratory

02:03 - Introduction to Dr. Elaine Ingham's work on nutrient cycling

03:23 - The role of compost in nutrient cycling and soil health

04:14 - Oxidative stresses from plowing, herbicides, and fertilizers + Importance of reintroducing microbes to disturbed agricultural soils

05:14  - Types of nematodes and their functions + nematodes as nutrient cyclers and biocontrol agents

07:08 - How compost can reintroduce beneficial microbes into soils + design and customization of compost for specific agricultural needs

11:16 - Benefits observed in farmers' fields from compost application + stress adaptation and improved soil structure

13:27 - Evolution of composting techniques and microbial analysis + use of genomic testing for optimizing compost

20:07 - Potential of composting in creating regenerative agricultural systems + Role of logistics in optimizing resource use in agriculture

Conclusion: Tune in for a fascinating conversation that uncovers the vital role of soil microbes in agriculture and ecosystem regeneration. Learn how innovative composting techniques can transform our approach to farming and soil health. Don't miss this episode of the Deep Seed Podcast – a deep dive into the world beneath our feet and the future of sustainable agriculture.

Useful Links:

• Soil Ecology Lab: https://soilecologylab.co.uk/

• Elaine Ingham: https://www.soilfoodweb.com/

• BioMakers: https://biomemakers.com/

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This podcast was produced in partnership with Soil Capital, a company that supports #regenerativeagriculture by financially rewarding farmers who improve soil health.

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Follow Us: Stay connected with us on social media for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content.

• Instagram: @deep_seed_podcast

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/deep-seed

• Email - [email protected]

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In this week's episode of the Deep Seed podcast, I’m excited to welcome Jeroen Klompe, a pioneering regenerative farmer who has dedicated the last decade to revolutionizing his farming practices and enhancing soil health. 🌱

Episode Highlights:

• Journey from Conventional to Regenerative: Jeroen shares his inspiring transition from traditional farming methods to regenerative agriculture. Discover the challenges he faced and the transformative results he achieved by focusing on soil health.

• Soil Health and Resilience: Learn how regenerative practices have dramatically improved the resilience of Jeroen’s soils to extreme weather events. We delve into the importance of soil health for sustainable farming and how it contributes to a robust agricultural ecosystem.

• Healthy Soils, Healthy Foods: Jeroen explains the direct link between soil health and nutrient-dense, delicious foods. Find out why healthy soils are the foundation of tasty, nutritious produce that benefits both farmers and consumers.

• Tomasu Soy Sauce: Explore the fascinating story behind Tomasu, a high-quality soy sauce produced in the Netherlands. Jeroen’s innovative approach to making soy sauce highlights the potential of regenerative agriculture to create exceptional products.

• Reconnecting with Food and Farmers: We discuss the critical need for people to reconnect with the food they eat and the farmers who produce it. Jeroen emphasizes the importance of understanding where our food comes from and supporting sustainable farming practices.

• Quantum Farming: Discover the intriguing concept of quantum farming and how intention and energy can have a tangible impact on crop production. Jeroen shares his insights on this innovative approach and its potential to revolutionize agriculture.

Join us for an enlightening conversation that explores the profound impact of regenerative agriculture on soil health, nutrient density, and the future of farming.

🎧 Listen to the full conversation: 

· Search for ‘Deep Seed’ on your streaming platform 

· (or) click the link in the comments below

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This podcast was produced in partnership with Soil Capital, a company that supports #regenerativeagriculture by financially rewarding farmers who improve soil health.

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Links and Resources:

• Tomasu: https://www.tomasu.nl/en

• Jeroen Klompe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeroen-klompe-0682406/

• Deep Seed: https://linktr.ee/deepseed

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Welcome back to another episode of the Deep Seed podcast! This week, I met with Thekla Teunis, co-founder of the company Grounded. They’ve managed to transform the lives of thousands of small holder farmers in Africa by enabling their transition to regenerative agriculture 🌱

Thekla and her partners at Grounded are proving that it’s possible to regenerate soils and ecosystems, produce higher quality products all the while helping farmers’ livelihoods. Inspiring stuff!  

Episode Highlights:

• The Power of Smallholder Farmers: Learn why smallholder farmers are uniquely positioned to adopt regenerative practices, especially in Africa.

• Economic and Environmental Benefits: How regenerative agriculture can lower costs, improve crop quality, and enhance biodiversity.

• Real-Life Success Stories: Transformations of degraded lands in the Baviaanskloof region of South Africa through regenerative farming.

• Ecosystem Restoration: The role of regenerative agriculture in rebuilding soil health and promoting biodiversity.

• Economic Sustainability: Creating a viable business model for regenerative agriculture that benefits farmers and the environment.

• Processing Companies: The critical role of processing companies in the regenerative agriculture value chain.

• Quality Premiums: Achieving higher prices for superior quality regenerative products.

• Challenges and Solutions: Overcoming the barriers to scaling regenerative agriculture amidst competition from conventional farming inputs.

• Investment Opportunities: Exploring the potential for high returns in the underinvested space of regenerative agriculture.

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This podcast was produced in partnership with Soil Capital, a company that supports #regenerativeagriculture by financially rewarding farmers who improve soil health.

Please help me grow the Deep Seed podcast by

1. clicking the ‘follow’ button (Spotify / Apple Podcast)

2. leaving a 5⭐️ review

Thank you 🙏

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Links and Resources:

• Grounded: https://grounded.co.za/

• Thekla: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thekla-teunis-288b6218/

• Deep Seed: https://linktr.ee/deepseed

Follow Us: Stay connected with us on social media for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content.

• Instagram: @deep_seed_podcast

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/deep-seed

• Email - [email protected]

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This week, I traveled to Lochem, east of the Netherlands to meet with regenerative farmer Anne van Leeuwen. She recently moved to a new farm, which gave us a great perspective for the conversation. How to get access to land and how to plan a farm to create a beautiful complex farming system whose purpose is to grow abundant high quality foods while also increasing the amount of life on the farm. 

We sat outside, under a beautiful old beech tree, on a sunny late afternoon and you can clearly hear the sound of birds in the background. Anne is honestly one of the most inspiring people I’ve ever met. I loved every bit of this conversation and I really hope you will too :) 

 🎧Listen to the full conversation: 

• Search for ‘Deep Seed’ on your streaming platform 

• (or) click the link in the comments below 

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Key topics:

🌍 Access to land

Farmland prices have soared, making it prohibitively expensive for young and beginning farmers to purchase land. Anne explains how she managed to acquire her new farm working in partnership with Lenteland. She also mentions other interesting initiatives in the Netherlands such as Herenboeren and Land Van Ons. 

🌳 Perennial crops

Focusing on perennial crops like fruit and nut trees is a strong farm strategy because they enhance soil health, reduce input costs, and offer long-term, reliable income. Their deep root systems prevent erosion, improve soil structure, and reduce the need for fertilizers and pesticides. Additionally, perennials support biodiversity and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable farming system.

🦋 Radical Diversity 

Anne aims to maximize diversity on her farm by planting as many different fruit and nut tree varieties as possible throughout her agroforestry systems. She aims to market that diversity, for example selling boxes of plums of all kinds, each with different size, shape, color and taste. 

🙍‍♀️ More women in Farming

Women often bring unique perspectives and solutions to agricultural challenges, including a strong focus on family, community welfare, and environmental stewardship. 

🤝 European Alliance for Regenerative Agriculture (EARA)

An alliance of farmers from across Europe has united behind a shared vision for the future of agriculture. Impressively, they have collaboratively drafted a proposal to reform the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), advocating for the inclusion of total biomass production and soil life as key metrics in the subsidy system.

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This podcast was produced in partnership with Soil Capital, a company that supports #regenerativeagriculture by financially rewarding farmers who improve soil health.

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Useful links: 

Anne’s farm: ‘T Gagel - https://www.lente.land/lochem/

Lenteland: https://www.lente.land/

EARA: https://www.linkedin.com/company/earafarm/

Soil Capital: https://www.soilcapital.com/

References: 

[Documentary:] John D. Liu - Hope in a changing climate:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLdNhZ6kAzo

[Book] Robin Wall Kimmerer - Braiding Sweetgrass 

https://milkweed.org/book/braiding-sweetgrass

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Cette semaine, j’ai le plaisir d’accueillir l’agroclimatologue Serge Zaka dans le Deep Seed podcast. 

On discute des conséquences du changement climatique sur l’agriculture, de la géopolitique alimentaire, de la création de nouvelles filières agricoles, d’agriculture de conservation des sols et bien plus encore.

Agroclimatologie : Serge Zaka explique comment l'évolution du climat influencera l'agriculture en Europe. Alors que certaines régions du sud (Espagne, Italie, Grèce) deviendront trop arides, d'autres plus au nord deviendront propices à des cultures comme le blé. La coopération entre pays de l'UE sera cruciale pour soutenir les zones en difficulté. Il est impératif d'anticiper ces changements dès maintenant, car il faut 20 à 40 ans pour développer de nouvelles filières agricoles.

Agriculture de conservation des sols : Aussi appelée agroécologie ou agriculture régénérative, cette pratique vise à protéger et améliorer la santé des sols, la biodiversité, et la résilience des systèmes agricoles. Ces techniques sont essentielles pour faire face aux stress thermiques et hydriques de plus en plus fréquents dus au changement climatique.

Géopolitique de l'alimentaire : Serge souligne l'importance pour l'UE de ne pas devenir dépendante de pays comme la Russie, qui pourrait devenir le plus grand producteur mondial de blé avec le réchauffement climatique. Pour éviter cela, il est nécessaire de développer des filières adaptées aux nouvelles conditions climatiques, une tâche qui demande une vision à très long terme, au-delà du cycle politique.

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Cet épisode a été réalisé en collaboration avec Soil Capital, une entreprise qui favorise la transition vers l’agriculture régénérative en récompensant financièrement les agriculteurs qui améliorent la santé de leurs sols. 

SOIL CAPITAL - https://www.soilcapital.com/

Merci aussi à Cultivaé et au GAL culturalité, qui ont invité Serge à donner une conférence en Belgique et qui m’ont donné l’opportunité de le rencontrer pour enregistrer cet épisode. 

CULTIVAE - https://www.cultivae.be/

GAL Culturalité - https://culturalite.be/

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Liens utiles:

Serge Zaka - https://serge-zaka.com/

Agriculture de conservation des sols - https://agriculture-de-conservation.com/

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My guest this week is Koen van Seijen, host of the Investing in Regenerative Agriculture and Food podcast. Over the last 7 years, he has recorded and published over 300 conversations with inspiring people looking to transform our food system from the most destructive activity on the planet into a powerful climate solution.

In this conversation, Koen explains why he believes that investing in regenerative agriculture makes a lot of sense. We also discuss some of his favorite episodes and guests: 

1. 🐮Matt Chatfield - How a nature-friendly approach can produce high-quality meat while supporting biodiversity.

2. 🙏Satish Kumar - Nature is incredibly complex and intelligent. We need to be more humble and work with nature, but stop thinking we can outsmart it.  

3. 🧑‍🌾New Foundation Farm - Their vision of showing that a large-scale complex multi species farm can be financially profitable while selling foods for an affordable price is ambitious and inspiring. If they show that it’s possible, it could create a big shift. 

4. 🧑‍⚕️Zack Bush - a doctor who has been studying the impact of glyphosate on health, showing how detrimental to health chemical inputs actually are. 

5. 🫶Benedikt Bösel who also has an impressive transition story and who has become a great friend since they recorded a whole podcast series together. 

   
   

I asked him a whole range of questions and we got into some really interesting conversations about nutrient density, farmers’ mental health, agricultural subsidies, technology and much much more. 

I wholeheartedly recommend listening to the full conversation on the Deep Seed podcast (link in the comments below) 🎧

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💚 This podcast was produced in partnership with Soil Capital, a company that supports #regenerativeagriculture by financially rewarding farmers who improve soil health.

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Please help me grow the Deep Seed podcast by

1. clicking the ‘follow’ button (Spotify / Apple Podcast)

2. leaving a 5⭐️ review

Thank you 🙏

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

I met with Zuzanna Zielińska in Rotterdam 🇳🇱to discuss her amazing Food Pharmacy project: HarvestCare. Connecting the dots between soil health, nutrient density, and human health could be a total game changer in my opinion and I am a big supporter of Zuzanna’s vision 😍

This is the first QuickSeed, a shorter and more casual episode format than the usual long format conversations. 

Zuzanna's Inspiring Journey:

Her journey began at a care farm in Denmark, where she worked with individuals with mental disabilities, helping them reconnect with society by growing their own food. This experience ignited her passion for soil health and sustainable agriculture. 

She later collaborated with a start-up focused on upcycling coffee waste into food products, aiming to improve the livelihoods of farmers, especially in the Global South. These experiences opened her eyes to the importance of soil health, leading her to join Fresh Ventures Studio, a venture building program dedicated to accelerating the transition to regenerative agriculture.

The Importance of Soil Health and Nutrient Density:

Zuzanna's mission is to address critical questions: How can we make nutrient-dense foods accessible to those who cannot afford them? The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) currently favors large-scale farmers, overlooking small farmers dedicated to growing healthy vegetables locally and in healthy soil.

Research from the Bionutrient Food Association and institutions like Leiden University's Soil2Gut program, a partner of Harvest Care, demonstrates that soil health and farming practices significantly impact the nutrient density of foods. For example, carrots grown regeneratively can contain several times more vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals than those from intensive farming systems. The book "What Your Food Ate" by Montgomery & Bikle is a comprehensive reference that compiles scientific evidence showing the correlation between farming practices, soil health, and nutrient density.

Health and Socio-Economic Impacts:

Harvest Care aims to explore the health benefits of nutrient-dense foods. By selecting 10 farmers who follow agroecological principles and providing fresh food boxes to participants from socio-economically challenged backgrounds for three months, the project will study the health outcomes in collaboration with Erasmus MC. The goal is to prove that healthy farming practices produce healthier foods, making them more accessible to all, and ultimately reducing healthcare costs.

RHEA: Regenerative Health European Association:

Zuzanna was one of the five female professionals in nutrition and regenerative agriculture who co-created RHEA (Regenerative Healthcare European Association), educating and raising awareness about the connection between soil health and human health. Their mission is to foster the regenerative healthcare transition in the EU.

Join us in this episode as we explore the incredible work being done to bridge the gap between soil health, food quality, and human health, and learn how initiatives like Harvest Care and RHEA are paving the way for a healthier, more sustainable future.

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This podcast was produced in partnership with Soil Capital, a company that supports #regenerativeagriculture by financially rewarding farmers who improve soil health.

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Please help me grow the Deep Seed podcast by clicking the ‘follow’ button on Spotify or Apple Podcast and leaving a 5⭐️ review 🙏

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join us in an enlightening conversation with Emilie de Morteuil, co-founder of the House of Agroecology, as we explore the transformative power of #agroecology in creating a food system that nurtures both our planet and our health.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

🔍 The significant issues plaguing our food systems and how agroecology offers viable solutions.

🌾 How agroecological practices not only yield more nutrition per hectare than conventional methods but also enhance farmer profitability.

🍎 The health benefits of consuming diverse, agroecologically produced foods.

🤝 How the House of Agroecology fosters collaboration across the food system to develop agroecological supply chains.

⚖️ The need to more fairly distribute risks and rewards across the supply chain, highlighting the current imbalance where farmers bear most risks with few rewards.

🌍 The essential roles consumers and policymakers play in promoting sustainable diets and resilient ecosystems.

👶 The crucial importance of connecting children with the outdoors and integrating lessons on food, nutrition, and farming into school curriculums.

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This podcast was produced in partnership with Soil Capital, a company that supports #regenerativeagriculture by financially rewarding farmers who improve soil health.

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Support our journey towards a sustainable future by

1️⃣following the Deep Seed page

2️⃣leaving a 5-star review

Together, we can make a difference!

Thank you for tuning in,

Raphaël

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Alain Peeters has been involved in sustainable agriculture and nature conservation since the 70s and he is one of the pioneers of agroecology in the world. In this conversation, he describes how agroecology offers a powerful solution to transform our food system from a destructive to regenerative, while improving the wellbeing of farmers. 

Unlike conventional agriculture, which often entails a struggle against nature, agroecology advocates for cooperation with natural systems, recognizing their resilience and efficacy. Rooted in the fusion of agricultural science and ecology, agroecology represents a holistic approach that integrates traditional wisdom with contemporary scientific insights. Central to this paradigm is the promotion of biodiversity across all facets of agricultural production, from soil health to landscape management. As societies confront the imperative of transitioning away from fossil fuel dependency, agroecology emerges as a viable pathway towards sustainability, leveraging practices such as minimal soil disturbance and the integration of livestock and crops.

The conventional farming model, epitomized by the green revolution, faces mounting challenges, including diminishing returns and escalating debt burdens for farmers. While agroecology promises increased profitability and sustainability, its adoption hinges on overcoming entrenched practices and embracing change. Alain's NGO, Terres Vivantes, offers invaluable support to farmers transitioning towards agroecological practices, providing experiential guidance and fostering collective learning through peer exchanges.

Terres Vivantes employs the OASIS system to assess farms' agroecological evolution across multiple dimensions, including farming methods, economics, social dynamics, and environmental resilience. Emphasizing the holistic well-being of farmers, Alain underscores the need to alleviate financial pressures and streamline administrative burdens, thereby fostering a conducive environment for sustainable agriculture.

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This podcast was produced in collaboration with Soil Capital, a company that supports regenerative agriculture for food system resilience and climate action, by financially rewarding farmers who improve soil health.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In the heart of Brandenburg, Germany, lies the story of Benedikt Bösel, a visionary farmer who embarked on a journey to transform his family farm into a beacon of regenerative agriculture. 

After studying economics in the UK and spending three years in the banking industry, Benedikt realized his true passion lay in the fields of his family farm. However, his initial vision of relying heavily on technology quickly gave way to a deeper understanding of the importance of soil health and ecosystem vitality. Recognizing the dire state of the land and the need for a radical shift in farming practices, Benedikt embarked on a quest for knowledge and collaboration.

Through relentless outreach and collaboration, Benedikt connected with pioneers in agroecology, agroforestry, and regenerative agriculture. Armed with newfound knowledge and a deep sense of purpose, he set out to implement regenerative practices on his 550-hectare arable operation. With a focus on composting, holistic grazing, and diverse cover cropping, Gut & Bösel became a living laboratory for soil regeneration and ecosystem resilience.

Central to Gut & Bösel's approach is the integration of agroforestry and forest conversion. Inspired by Ernst Götsch and the principles of syntropic agroforestry, Benedikt and his team are experimenting with diverse tree species and planting techniques to create resilient, multifunctional landscapes. By transforming monoculture forests into biodiverse ecosystems, Benedikt aims to restore balance to the land while sequestering carbon and enhancing biodiversity.

At the core of Gut & Bösel's philosophy is the belief in the symbiotic relationship between livestock and land. Through holistic grazing practices, their Salers and Angus herd play a vital role in soil regeneration and biodiversity promotion. By mimicking natural grazing patterns and allowing for ample recovery time, Gut & Bösel ensures the health of both pasture and soil, thereby creating a virtuous cycle of abundance.

Compost serves as the lifeblood of the farm’s soil regeneration efforts. By utilizing a wide variety of organic waste materials, they produce nutrient-rich compost that nourishes the land and fosters biodiversity. From their tree nursery to agroforestry plots, compost plays a pivotal role in enhancing soil health and ecosystem resilience.

As Benedikt and his team continue to pioneer regenerative agriculture, their vision extends beyond their own farm gates. Through collaboration with universities and research institutes, they aim to share their knowledge and experience with fellow farmers around the world. By demonstrating the economic, ecological, and social benefits of regenerative practices, Gut & Bösel seeks to inspire a global movement towards a more sustainable and resilient food system.

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This podcast was produced in collaboration with Soil Capital, a company that supports regenerative agriculture for food system resilience and climate action by financially rewarding farmers who enhance soil health. 

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Support our journey towards a sustainable future by

1️⃣following the Deep Seed page 

2️⃣leaving a 5-star review (Spotify / Apple Podcast)

Together, we can make a difference!

Thank you for tuning in,

Raphaël

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Since taking over his family farm, Alfonso Chico de Guzman has transformed La Junquera 🇪🇸 into one of the largest regenerative farms in Europe. Climate change is already pushing the Spanish agricultural system to its limits, and Alfonso is leading the way in showing that regenerative agriculture can make farms far more resilient. 

🌍 Transitioning to Regenerative Agriculture:

Alfonso's journey from traditional to regenerative practices is a testament to his commitment to sustainable farming. He shares insights into how La Junquera has evolved, highlighting the farm's successful strategies to combat soil erosion and significantly enhance soil organic carbon levels within just six years. This shift not only revitalizes the land but also strengthens its resilience against the escalating impacts of climate change on Spanish agriculture.

💧 Innovations in Water Management and Climate Resilience:

La Junquera's introduction of 100 ponds and 14 kilometers of swales stands as a monumental effort to buffer the farm against Spain's increasingly arid conditions. These water management techniques are crucial in fostering biodiversity, enhancing soil moisture retention, and building a robust ecosystem capable of withstanding environmental stressors.

📡 Leveraging Technology for Efficiency:

The strategic use of advanced technologies, including drones and GPS-enabled cow collars (by NoFence) exemplifies Alfonso's forward-thinking approach. These innovations streamline farm operations, reduce labor, and optimize land use, further elevating La Junquera's productivity and sustainability.

👬 Building Community Through Regenerative Networks:

Alfonso underscores the importance of collaboration and community in the regenerative movement. By aligning with networks such as Commonland and AlVelAl, Alfonso taps into a wealth of knowledge, resources, and shared values, catalyzing broader adoption of regenerative practices and strengthening supply chains.

💸 Securing Financial Backing for Regeneration:

Significant investments from entities like SLM Partners, coupled with government payments for ecosystem services, have been instrumental in accelerating La Junquera's regenerative transformation. These financial mechanisms enable Alfonso to expand his efforts, underscoring the economic viability of regenerative farming.

⚛ Carbon Certification and Farm Economy:

La Junquera's commitment to measuring and certifying carbon sequestration is a pioneering step towards integrating regenerative farms into the carbon economy. This initiative not only contributes to global climate solutions but also promises to enhance the farm's economic sustainability.

Join us on the Deep Seed Podcast as Alfonso Chico de Guzman shares his inspiring story of regenerative agriculture at La Junquera, offering valuable lessons on resilience, ecosystem restoration, and the pivotal role of regenerative practices in shaping a sustainable future for farming.

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This podcast was produced in collaboration with Soil Capital, a company that supports regenerative agriculture for food system resilience and climate action by financially rewarding farmers who enhance soil health. 

🙏Special thanks to Sarah Day Levesque for introducing us at RFSI Europe and making this episode possible.

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Support our journey towards a sustainable future by

1️⃣following the Deep Seed page

2️⃣leaving a 5-star review

Together, we can make a difference!

Thank you for tuning in,

Raphaël

Louis de Jaeger is a visionary food forest and landscape designer with an unwavering commitment to land regeneration. It’s hard not to feel inspired by Louis’ passion and deep knowledge about some of the most promising solutions we have, such as agroforestry, agroecology, or regenerative agriculture. This conversation is not just about planting trees; it's about reshaping our future

🧑‍⚖️Louis unpacks the power of storytelling and advocacy in influencing environmental policy and the critical role of education in bridging the gap between policymakers and regenerative agriculture practices. He explores the synergy between technology and agroecology, emphasizing soil health's pivotal role in human well-being and advocating for nature-based solutions alongside technological advancements.

🌳The spotlight on food forests reveals their design, benefits, and potential to bolster health and climate resilience, underpinning the importance of agroforestry and biodiversity in sustainable food systems. Louis shares insights from his global travels, visiting farms that embody the principles of agroecology and regenerative agriculture, and discusses the profound connection between nature and mental health.

👀Looking ahead, Louis envisions a future where regenerative farming practices, supported by robotics and AI, thrive within agroecological systems. He underscores the transformative potential of the food forest movement in ecosystem restoration and climate adaptation.

This conversation with Louis de Jaeger on the Deep Seed podcast is an inspiring call to action for anyone interested in food forests, agroecology, and nature-based solutions. It's about envisioning a future where sustainable agriculture and ecosystem restoration go hand in hand.

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This podcast was produced in collaboration with Soil Capital, a company that champions regenerative agriculture for food system resilience and climate action by financially rewarding farmers who enhance soil health.

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Support our journey towards a sustainable future by

1️⃣ following the Deep Seed page

2️⃣ leaving a 5-star review

3️⃣ sharing this conversation with your network 💛

Together, we can make a difference!

Thank you for tuning in,

Raphaël

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Isabelle d'Ursel combines organic and regenerative farming practices at Smissenbroek just a few kilometers outside of Ghent, in Belgium. We discuss her transition from a career in philanthropy to embracing the rhythms of farming life and delve into the essence of her current mission: to experiment with regenerative and organic farming practices, creating a blueprint for a resilient and sustainable food system.

Some of the key topics we discuss:

🌾 Exploring the Symbiosis of Regenerative and Organic Farming

Isabelle's farming operation at Smissenbroek is a testament to her commitment to combining regenerative and organic practices. Facing the challenges of slower rotation, she envisions a future where permanent covers become a staple in her farming repertoire. The episode takes a closer look at the implementation of an agroforestry system, the diversity of her cover crop mix improving soil fertility, and the innovative use of Ecoplow for wheat sowing.

👩‍🌾 Education, Carbon Sequestration, and the Vision for Local Farming

Isabelle's passion extends beyond the farm to initiatives like the Forest class for student education and participation in the Bos+ program for CO2 compensation. She discusses the complexities of machinery sharing between farms, the Belgian state's efforts to encourage such practices, and the challenges of adopting agroforestry. At the heart of Isabelle's vision is the importance of attracting young individuals to farming, safeguarding arable land for food production, and advocating for better protection for local farmers.

🏡 A One-Stop Shop Model for Community Engagement

Inspired by successful local shop models, Isabelle plans to create a similar setup at Smissenbroek, transitioning land to organic agriculture. This initiative aims to strengthen community ties, promote local sourcing, and enhance consumer education on the importance of supporting local farmers.

Join us on the Deep Seed podcast as we explore Isabelle's profound insights into regenerative agriculture, local consumption, and the pivotal role of community in shaping a sustainable future 🎧.

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This podcast was produced in collaboration with Soil Capital, a company that supports regenerative agriculture for food system resilience and climate action, by financially rewarding farmers who improve soil health.

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In this episode of the Deep Seed podcast, we're joined by Chuck de Liedekerke, the co-founder and CEO of Soil Capital. With a rich background in finance and a profound commitment to sustainable agriculture, Chuck has been at the forefront of transforming the agricultural landscape through regenerative practices and innovative carbon certification programs.

Chuck shares his journey from the world of investment banking to becoming a leading advocate for soil health and climate change solutions. Soil Capital, under his leadership, has emerged as a beacon of hope, demonstrating how regenerative agriculture not only restores our ecosystems but also offers a meaningful solution to climate change.

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Key topics we explore:

• Chuck's transition from finance to farming and the founding of Soil Capital.

• Regenerative Agriculture as a Climate Solution 

• How regenerative practices offer a win-win for farmers, the environment, and the climate.

• The economic viability of Regenerative Practices

• Challenges and Opportunities in Scaling Regenerative Agriculture

• How carbon certification can incentivize and reward farmers.

• Regenerative Agriculture vs Agroecology

• Soil Capital's Vision for the Future

• The need for businesses to invest more in regenerative agriculture

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Soil Capital is also a partner of this podcast, making it possible for me to create high quality educational material available to anyone online for free. 

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Support the Deep Seed podcast:

• Follow: Click on the Deep Seed page and hit the follow button.

• Review: Consider leaving a 5-star review to help us grow.

  
  

Stay connected: Follow us on LinkedIn or Instagram for more insights into sustainable agriculture and ecosystem regeneration.

Thank you for tuning in!

Raphaël

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Duncan Williamson is an expert in food systems and sustainable diets. We discuss how government decisions, influenced by powerful business lobbying, shape our food choices and the very systems that feed us. We unpack the compelling notion that while governments could lead a transformation toward healthier and more sustainable eating, they often choose not to.

Duncan shines a spotlight on the myriad pressures—from advertising and public procurement to education and subsidies—that govern our food landscape, highlighting the urgent need for better regulation and the pressing challenges of accessibility and affordability for consumers.

Hear from Duncan about the excitement surrounding the inclusion of food systems in climate change conversations, such as COP28, and why a shift to agroecological practices is gaining traction in the quest for sustainable diets. We also discuss the complexities of local versus seasonal foods and why a plate full of colors might be the key to a nutrient-rich and balanced diet.

So, sit back, tune in, and join us as we peel back the layers of our relationship with food, responsibility, and the environment in this episode of the Deep Seed podcast 🎧

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Key topics:

1. Government's Role in Food Choices - transforming the food system through education and public procurement

2. Business Influence in Food Policy - need for better regulation and transparency in lobbying activities

3. Consumer Choice and Responsibility - challenges of accessing affordable, healthy food

4. Food Discussions at COP28 - recognition of food systems as a major part of climate solutions

5. Role of Animals in Agriculture - Importance of animals in soil regeneration

6. Governments’ and companies' roles in promoting healthy food choices

7. Subsidies making the industrial food system artificially cheap

8. Sustainable Diets and Agricultural Biodiversity

9. The Debate on Local vs. Seasonal Food

10. Nutrition and Climate Change

11. Vision for Food System Change - call for a shift towards agroecological and sustainable practices

12. Optimism and Future Perspectives - Reason for hope in sustainable diets and agroecology movement

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This podcast was produced in collaboration with Soil Capital, a company that supports regenerative agriculture for food system resilience and climate action, by financially rewarding farmers who improve soil health.

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If you enjoyed this conversation, you can support my work and this podcast in just a few seconds:

1. Click on the Deep Seed page, and click the follow button 

2. If you’d like to go one extra step, you can leave a 5 stars review :) 

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Follow us on LinkedIn or Instagram

Thank you so much!

Raphaël

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Natallia Gulbis is an expert in the field of soil science, with a particular focus on mycorrhizal fungi and their critical role in soil fertility. Our conversation sheds light on the intricate symbiotic relationships between plants and soil microbes, exploring how regenerative agriculture practices nurture this vital underground ecosystem.

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Some of the key topics discussed:

🚜 Impact of Tillage on Soil Microbiomes

🍀 Cover Crops and Biodiversity

🌿 Choosing Effective Cover Crop Mixes

🧪 Reducing Chemical Inputs for Soil Health

🍄 Mycorrhizal Fungi Benefits to Crops

🦠 Soil Microbiome's Role in Plant Health

💧 Mycorrhizae's Impact on Soil Resilience

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This podcast was produced in collaboration with Soil Capital, a company that supports regenerative agriculture for food system resilience and climate action, by financially rewarding farmers who improve soil health.

-----------------------------------------------------------

If you enjoyed this conversation, you can support my work and this podcast in just a few seconds:

1. Click on the Deep Seed page, and click the follow button 

2. If you’d like to go one extra step, you can leave a 5 stars review :) 

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Follow us on LinkedIn or Instagram

Thank you so much!

Raphaël

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Meet Anthony Pierce, a visionary farmer from Moat Farm in Stoke Mandeville, UK, who's transforming his land through the principles of regenerative agriculture. Join us as Anthony shares his profound insights and experiences, offering a hopeful perspective on the future of farming and food systems.

Key Topics Discussed:

Regenerative Agriculture Practices: Emphasizing living roots, cover crops, and minimal chemical intervention to rejuvenate soil health.

Transition Challenges: Documenting the journey and strategies to navigate the shift towards sustainable farming.

Innovative Techniques: Adopting strip till drilling to enhance soil conditions while conserving its carbon content.

Soil Food Web: Exploring the symbiotic relationships that enrich soil fertility and plant health.

Biodiversity Indicators: Monitoring earthworms and bird populations as markers of a thriving regenerative ecosystem.

Agroforestry and Alley Cropping: Integrating trees into agricultural landscapes to bolster biodiversity and carbon sequestration.

Community Engagement: Leveraging social platforms to share knowledge and encourage a collective move towards regenerative practices.

Farm economics: Discussing the initial investment, long-term gains, and the role of carbon payments in supporting regenerative transitions.

Technology in Agriculture: Utilizing data analysis to refine regenerative methods and maximize their ecological and economic benefits.

Mindset Shift: The crucial role of knowledge and a proactive approach in the widespread adoption of regenerative agriculture.

Antony's Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHYuOvFVS68g6hiSjFFQrRw

Antony's recommendations: The soil food web school by Dr Elaine Ingham, Dirt By David Montgomery, A soil Owner’s Manual by Jon Stika, Dirt to soil by Gabe Brown, Growing a revolution By David Montgomery, John Kempf Podcast

This podcast was produced in collaboration with Soil Capital, a company that supports regenerative agriculture for food system resilience and climate action, by financially rewarding farmers who improve soil health.

If you enjoyed this conversation, you can support my work and this podcast in just a few seconds:

1. Click on the Deep Seed page, and click the follow button 

2. If you’d like to go one extra step, you can leave a 5 stars review :) 

Thank you so much!

Raphaël

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Andrew Randall practices regenerative agriculture at Moat Farm in Maidenhead, just west of London. With over a decade of experience, Andrew shares his journey towards sustainable farming, highlighting the profound impact of regenerative practices on soil health, farm profitability, and resilience against climate change.

In This Episode:

• Exploring Regenerative Agriculture: Unpack the 6 foundational pillars that define regenerative farming and its pivotal role in ecosystem restoration.

• Tillage vs. No-Till Farming: Discover the immediate gains of traditional tilling and contrast them with the enduring benefits of no-till practices, including enhanced soil structure and biodiversity, featuring insights on disc and tyne drills.

• Soil Life: Learn about the critical role of earthworms in fostering fertile, vibrant farm soils.

• Cover Crops: Dive into how cover cropping serves as a cornerstone for soil vitality and agricultural sustainability.

• Diversity in Cropping: Understand the significance of crop rotation and diversification in building resilient agroecosystems.

• Chemical Reduction: Hear about the challenges and triumphs in minimizing chemical inputs to nurture a healthier, more natural farm environment.

• Economic and Environmental Resilience: Andrew shares how adopting regenerative methods has not only boosted farm profitability but also fortified his farm against the vagaries of climate change and fluctuating fossil fuel prices.

• Supportive Frameworks: A look into UK Government schemes and the Soil Capital programme that champion regenerative agriculture through carbon payments and other incentives.

This podcast was produced in collaboration with Soil Capital, a company that supports regenerative agriculture for food system resilience and climate action, by financially rewarding farmers who improve soil health.

If you enjoyed this conversation, you can support my work and this podcast in just a few seconds:

1. Click on the Deep Seed page, and click the follow button 

2. If you’d like to go one extra step, you can leave a 5 stars review :) 

   
   

Thank you so much!

Raphaël

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Luc Joris est un agriculteur Belge qui pratique depuis quelques années l’agriculture régénérative. Il nous parle d'agriculture régénérative et des concepts clefs pour améliorer la santé du sol. Il nous explique comment il a su transitionner vers des pratiques plus durables tout en améliorant la rentabilité de sa ferme. Les thèmes abordés:

• Les 3 piliers de l’agriculture régénérative

• La microbiologie du sol et son importance capitale pour la santé et fertilité du sol 

• Le problème d’érosion du sol: ses causes, conséquences et solutions

• Les couverts végétaux: pourquoi il est essentiel de ne jamais laisser la terre nue 

• Le travail du sol (labour) et son impact sur la santé du sol

• Comment réduire sa dépendance à la chimie (engrais synthétiques, pesticides, herbicides) 

• La différence entre le bio et l’agriculture régénérative: leurs avantages et inconvénients respectifs

• La rentabilité: est-il possible de transitionner vers des pratiques plus respectueuses de l’environnement tout en améliorant les finances de la ferme? 

• Résilience: pourquoi régénérer la santé du sol est indispensable pour faire face aux aléas climatiques de plus en plus forts et fréquents

• La formation aux pratiques régénératives: s’associer à une coopérative locale

• Les financements publics et la PAC: utiliser la carotte au lieu du baton

• La certification carbone & Soil Capital: revenu supplémentaire et moteur de la transition vers le régénératif

Un tout grand merci à Soil Capital, le sponsor de cet épisode. Soil Capital est une entreprise qui aide les agriculteurs à transitionner vers des pratiques agricoles régénératives et à être récompensés financièrement pour leurs efforts. 

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Merci beaucoup! 

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