Seeds of Hope - Regenerative Agriculture with Elena Garidis

In this first episode of our conference mini-series, join me and Sam Baker, founder of Wriggle Brew, as we uncover: How earthworms can digest plastic waste and transform it into sustainable fertilizer The science behind worm tea as a natural bio-pesticide that helps plants defend themselves using preserved plant compounds like capsaicin Building a startup from a college senior project to securing...

In this episode, join me and Jackie Mirkopoulos, heart-led systems disruptor and founder of the social impact fund "Ancestors of Tomorrow," as we explore: How the same principles that regenerate soil can transform organizational culture and create thriving "company soil" Why we don't have a climate issue but a humanity issue, and how regenerative leadership is key to scalin...

In this episode, join me and Beth Jensen, Senior Director of Climate and Nature Impact at Textile Exchange, as we delve into an eye-opening discussion about: The hidden interconnections between food and fiber systems that farmers understand but industries often miss - from cotton and peanuts grown together to coffee on rubber plantations Why the fashion industry's growth model must be reimagin...

In this episode, join me and Mary Purdy, Managing Director of the Nutrient Density Alliance, as we delve into an eye-opening discussion about: The declining nutrient density in our modern food supply and how this connects to rising chronic disease rates How soil microorganisms collaborate with plants to create the nutrient-dense food that our bodies need Practical strategies for improving your nut...

In this episode, join me and Sarah Day Levesque, founder and Managing Director of Regenerative Food Systems Investment (RFSI), as we delve into an enlightening discussion about: Financial innovation in regenerative agriculture, including flexible loan repayment schedules and interest rate reductions tied to soil health improvements (increasing the value of the farmed land) How family offices and f...

Soil health is the foundation of our food system, but what does that really mean? Dr. Wayne Honeycutt, President of the Soil Health Institute, reveals: What soil health really means and why every soil's potential is unique to its local context The Institute's landmark study across Mexico, US, and Canada that established standardized ways to measure soil health - research that's now bei...

In this episode, join me and Rick Clark, a fifth-generation farmer from Indiana and pioneer in regenerative organic agriculture, as we delve into a discussion about: The surprising financial results of regenerative organic farming, including real numbers and ROI metrics that challenge regenerative farming profitability misconceptions The critical connection between farming practices, nutrient dens...

In this episode, join me and Erica Campbell, co-founder of InCommon Group and veteran food systems strategist, as we delve into an enlightening discussion about: Understanding the distinctions between organic and regenerative agriculture, including California's first-ever state definition of regenerative practices Navigating agricultural certifications and what they mean for the future of farming...

In this episode, join me and regenerative system designer Yãm Aisner as we explore a fascinating discussion about: Permaculture's core design philosophy: systems thinking meets ancient wisdom How riparian forests prevent watershed death spirals and protect river ecosystems Community-led approaches transforming water management and food systems Ecovilla San Mateo Eco-village in Costa Rica: http...

In this episode, join me and Klaas Martens, a regenerative organic farmer at the Klaas and Mary-Howell Martens Farm, as we learn from Klaas’ farming experience and history’s great thinkers about: The art of listening to nature's communication through weeds, and how these often-overlooked plants reveal crucial insights about soil health and ecosystem imbalances Lessons from history from civilizatio...

In this episode, join me and Alex Godfrey, Investment Manager at Octopus Investments, as we delve into a fascinating discussion about: Diversifying revenue streams for farmers Unlocking the potential of natural capital through carbon credits and biodiversity credits—demystifying what counts and exploring the market’s readiness Mitigating risks for institutional investors by diversifying agricultur...

In this episode, join me and Dr. Lanette Sobel, Founder of Fertile Earth Worm Farm, as we delve into an eye-opening discussion about: The differences between land grant university agriculture programs and permaculture principles, challenging how we educate future farmers The science behind soil microorganisms and worm tea (vermiculture), offering natural alternatives to expensive chemical fertiliz...

In this episode, join me and Peter Fröhlich, multi-generational farmer and founder of Agricircle, as we delve into an inspiring discussion about: Using satellite data and AI models to help farmers more deeply understand their soil’s health and composition Addressing complex issues such as farming sustainably from the bottom up Building our ecological income and why it matters now https://agricircl...

In this episode, join me and Timothée Murillo from McCain Foods, as we delve into an insightful discussion about: How companies can truly embed sustainability in their business models An example of how McCain and Rabobank are partnering to support farmers in transitioning to regenerative agriculture Incorporating Indigenous wisdom into the way we work Hiring (and getting hired) in the sustainabili...

In this episode, join me and self-proclaimed Ag-tivist Michael Richard II, as we delve into an inspiring discussion about: Addressing food apartheid and challenges to a more equitable food system through community farming Implementing resource and energy circulation in a regenerative urban farm in New Orleans Exploring aquaponics as an alternative to off-shore fish farming https://www.recirculatin...