Deep Seed - Regenerative Agriculture

In this episode of the Deep Seed Podcast, we welcome Rogier Schulte, professor at Wageningen University, to discuss the groundbreaking work he’s leading in regenerative agriculture and resilient farming systems. Rogier introduces the concept of Lighthouse Farms—farms that act as beacons of innovation around the world, proving that sustainable agriculture isn’t just possible, it’s happening right now.

Learn how farms in Indonesia, Ethiopia, and Brazil are defying climate challenges by embracing complex rice systems, water resilience strategies, and agroforestry. Rogier explains why resilience is the new efficiency in modern farming, and how science is backing these real-world success stories. Whether you're interested in regenerative agriculture, ecosystem restoration, or the future of food systems, this episode dives deep into practical solutions that are already making a difference.

Key topics covered:

• The global network of Lighthouse Farms and how they’re pioneering resilient agriculture

• Examples from Indonesia, Ethiopia, and Brazil showcasing diverse, scalable approaches

• Why complexity in farming leads to greater resilience against climate and economic shocks

• The importance of science-backed regenerative farming systems

• The challenge of scaling local solutions to a global level

Join us as we explore how farmers, researchers, and innovators are redesigning the future of agriculture. Tune in now to discover how resilience, diversity, and science are shaping the farms of tomorrow!

NOTE: Rogier notified me of an error and kindly asked that we add a note here to rectify it: when talking about 'soil carbon levels' of 40-80% in peat soils, it should have been 'soil organic matter' instead.

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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: 

• Lighthouse Farm Network - https://www.lighthousefarmnetwork.com/

• Wageningen University - https://www.wur.nl/en.htm

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

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]

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

This week, we explore the science of kelp farming with Valentin, Lead Agronomist at Kelp Blue. Following up from our previous conversation, we explore how kelp farming is transforming both marine ecosystems and land-based agriculture, offering sustainable solutions for soil health, regenerative agriculture, and carbon sequestration.

Discover how Kelp Blue is harnessing the power of Macrocystis, one of the fastest-growing organisms on Earth, to produce bioactive biostimulants that enhance crop resilience and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers. Valentin breaks down the innovative kelp cultivation process and the creation of products like alginate pellets that improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability—vital tools for regenerative food systems.

Key topics in this episode include:

• Marine ecosystem restoration: How kelp farming sequesters carbon and restores biodiversity.

• Kelp-based biostimulants: Natural solutions for boosting crop growth and improving soil health.

• The future of regenerative agriculture: How kelp farming bridges the gap between ocean health and sustainable farming.

• Alginate pellets: A game-changer for soil water management and resilience in extreme weather.

  
  

If you’re interested in sustainable farming practices, regenerative solutions, and the synergy between land and sea, this episode is packed with insights and innovations that will leave you inspired.

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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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Useful links: 

• Kelp Blue - https://kelp.blue/

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

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @deep_seed_podcast

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

• Email - [email protected]

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

Kelp Blue is a company merging marine ecosystem restoration with regenerative agriculture. Join us in a captivating conversation with Caroline Slootweg, co-founder of Kelp Blue, to learn how this innovative company uses giant kelp cultivation to foster marine biodiversity and produce natural biostimulants that support sustainable farming and soil health.

In this episode, Caroline shares her unique journey from digital marketing to marine farming, highlighting how Kelp Blue is transforming the way we think about ocean ecosystems and land agriculture. Discover how Kelp Blue is creating a regenerative food system by cultivating kelp forests in Namibia, New Zealand, and Alaska, which serve as vital carbon sinks and habitat builders while providing a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Marine Ecosystem Restoration: How Kelp Blue uses giant kelp as an ecosystem engineer to enhance marine biodiversity and sequester carbon, creating new marine habitats and supporting ocean health.

• Regenerative Agriculture and Soil Health: The science behind Kelp Blue’s natural biostimulants that improve soil health, increase crop resilience, and support the transition to sustainable and regenerative farming practices.

• Scaling Sustainable Solutions: The challenges and opportunities in scaling kelp farming globally, and the potential for kelp to become a key component in combating climate change and enhancing sustainable food systems.

• Social and Environmental Impact: Kelp Blue’s commitment to social impact by creating jobs and fostering local knowledge, and their vision for a future where business is a force for good in regenerating both ocean and land ecosystems.

  
  

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in regenerative agriculture, ecosystem restoration, and innovative solutions for a healthier planet. Tune in to be inspired by Kelp Blue’s mission and learn how they’re driving change through sustainable practices that benefit both marine and land environments.

Useful links: 

• Kelp Blue - https://kelp.blue/

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

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]

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

This week, I meet with Fabio Vicino. Together with his partner Anna de Vos, they are managing a highly productive small scale Market Garden just outside of Amsterdam - Onze Groenteboer.

Fabio’s journey from a high-pressure marketing career to becoming an organic grower is nothing short of inspiring. It’s a story of personal resilience, deep connection to the land, and a passion for creating a regenerative food system.

What’s truly special about Fabio and Anna’s story is how they’ve managed to turn a small plot of land into a vibrant, biodiverse ecosystem that not only feeds their community with organic food but also fosters a deep sense of connection and healing. Fabio shares the ups and downs of this journey—from the struggle to find the right piece of land to the daily challenges of market gardening—offering insights that are both practical and deeply personal.

Anna, the driving force behind the daily operations at Onze Groenteboer, has been instrumental in making this vision a reality. Her dedication and hands-on expertise have transformed the garden into a flourishing example of what’s possible when we prioritize biodiversity, sustainability, and community in our food systems.

If you’re passionate about organic food, curious about how small-scale farming can be a powerful climate change solution, or just looking for a story that blends human resilience with environmental regeneration, this episode is for you. Fabio and Anna’s journey is a beautiful reminder that with determination and a bit of creativity, we can all contribute to a healthier, more sustainable world—one vegetable at a time.

Tune in, get inspired, and maybe even start dreaming about your own little piece of land!

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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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Useful links:

• Onze Groenteboer - https://onzegroenteboer.nl/

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

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]

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

In this episode of the Deep Seed Podcast, we have an insightful conversation with Dan Kittredge, the founder of the Bionutrient Food Association. Dan delves into the critical topic of nutrient density and how it is intrinsically linked to soil health and sustainable farming practices.

Episode Highlights:

• Dan’s Background: From his roots on a mechanized farm to pioneering nutrient density research.

• Understanding Nutrient Density: The definition and significance of nutrient density in food.

• Soil Health Connection: How soil life and farming practices affect nutrient levels in crops.

• Innovative Tools: The development of a handheld, non-invasive nutrient meter for assessing food quality.

• Research Findings: Key insights from global studies on nutrient variation in crops and the factors influencing these variations.

• Future of Food Quality: The potential for market-driven changes through consumer access to nutrient information.

Dan discusses his journey from traditional farming to becoming a leader in the field of nutrient density, emphasizing the importance of aligning agricultural practices with natural systems. He shares groundbreaking research showing significant variations in nutrient content based on soil health and the potential for handheld devices to revolutionize food quality assessment.

Join us to explore the science behind nutrient density and how we can support a healthier food 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.

Please help me grow the Deep Seed podcast by

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

2. leaving a 5⭐️ review

Thank you 🙏

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

Links and Resources:

• Bionutrient Food Association: https://www.bionutrient.org/

• Bionutrient Institute: https://www.bionutrientinstitute.org/

• Dan Kittredge: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-bionutrient/

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]

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

This week, I had the pleasure of hosting Christian Holzleitner, the Head of Unit for Land Economy and Carbon Removal at the European Commission. This enlightening conversation delved into the intricacies of the EU's ambitious climate goals, the challenges of carbon removal, and the transformative potential of regenerative agriculture. 

Christian unpacks the complexities of the voluntary carbon market. We explore how the Carbon Removal Certification Framework is set to revolutionize the way we approach carbon markets and carbon farming. Discover the critical role of regenerative agriculture and nature-based solutions in enhancing biodiversity and achieving sustainable carbon removal.

🎧 Key Topics:

• The evolution and challenges of the Voluntary Carbon Market.

• Understanding carbon removal and the importance of a robust certification framework.

• Insights into the European Commission's strategies for climate neutrality by 2050.

• Addressing permanence, additionality, and leakage in carbon markets.

• How initiatives like carbon farming, regenerative agriculture & agroforestry can provide additional income streams for farmers.

Christian shares valuable perspectives on the intersection of policy, technology, and agriculture, providing a roadmap for a sustainable and climate-positive future. 🌾🌍

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Episode Timeline:

00:03:19 - Introduction to Christian Holzleitner - Christian explains his role as the head of unit for Land Economy and Carbon Removal at the European Commission, discussing his responsibilities and key projects.

00:06:17 - Defining Climate Neutrality - Discussion on the terminology used in climate targets, specifically the difference between net zero, carbon neutrality, and climate neutrality.

00:14:13 - Financial Incentives and Emission Trading - Christian elaborates on the financial incentives and the emission trading system for energy, industry, transport, and buildings.

00:19:39 - Challenges of the Voluntary Carbon Market - Discussion on the issues faced by the voluntary carbon market and the measures to address these problems, such as permanence and transparency.

00:23:11 - Permanence of Carbon Removal - The importance of ensuring the permanence of carbon removal and dealing with natural disturbances like wildfires.

00:26:48 - Commitment Period for Farmers - Discussion on the commitment period for farmers in carbon farming and the importance of maintaining long-term carbon storage practices.

00:28:48 - Additionality in Carbon Removal - Explanation of the concept of additionality in carbon removal and the need for incentivizing more regenerative practices.

00:35:52 - Addressing Carbon Market Issues - Further exploration of the issues in the carbon market, such as leakage and ensuring additional carbon removals.

00:39:49 - Scaling Up Carbon Markets - Christian discusses the efforts to scale up and harmonize the carbon markets across Europe.

00:48:00 - Nature-Based vs. Technological Solutions - A discussion on the balance between investing in nature-based solutions and technological solutions for carbon removal.

00:50:02 - Impact of Diet on Land Use - How diet and lifestyle choices impact land use and the need for direct air capture to manage future emissions.

00:53:08 - Transparency and Nature-Based Solutions - The need for transparency in carbon markets and enhancing the credibility of nature-based solutions.

01:14:38 - Closing Remarks and Future Vision - Christian's vision for the future of carbon markets and sustainable practices, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive and transparent 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.

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

Tommie Hooft van Huysduynen shares his journey from growing up in Nigeria to co-founding Proteen, a company leading a "compost revolution" using black soldier fly larvae to transform organic waste into high-quality fertilizer. 

Tommie confidently demonstrates why his compost making system has the potential to create a tidal wave of positive change.

♻️ Rapid Composting: Proteen’s method reduces composting time from 4-5 months to just one, significantly increasing efficiency.

🌱 Soil Health Boost: The inclusion of larvae in the compost enhances soil health by boosting fungal activity, crucial for plant growth.

💰 Cost-Effective Solution: By processing waste on-site, Proteen eliminates transportation costs, making their fertilizer more affordable for farmers.

📈 Enhanced Yields and Profitability: Proteen’s fertilizer has outperformed traditional and chemical fertilizers in yield and profitability, offering a viable alternative for farmers.

Tommie’s vision is to collaborate with large food processing companies, turning waste into a valuable resource and driving sustainable change in agriculture. His insights offer a glimpse into the future of waste management and regenerative 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.

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Useful Links:

• Proteen: https://weareproteen.com/

• Tommie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommie-hooft/

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

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

This week, I traveled to Amsterdam to meet with visionary business strategist Nikki Trott. Her successful journey from the fashion industry to regenerative investment highlights the power of aligning personal values with professional endeavors.

This episode covers a broad range of topics, including:

• The significance of self-reflection and internal growth

• Nikki's journey from the fashion industry to conscious business

• The founding and mission of Barefoot Ventures

• Challenges and insights in aligning personal and professional life

• The critical role of regenerative agriculture in human and planetary health

• Practical advice for integrating regenerative principles into business

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that explores the intersection of personal growth, business strategy, and regenerative practices. Learn how aligning your inner values with your professional life can lead to profound and lasting change. 

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Useful Links:

• Conscious Accelerator: https://www.consciousaccelerator.com/

• Barefoot Ventures: https://www.barefoot.ventures/

• Nikki Trott's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkitrott/

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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.

https://www.soilcapital.com/

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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Timeline:

00:00:00 - Introduction to the podcast and guest Nikki Trott.

00:01:09 - Importance of internal transformation for fundamental change.

00:02:25 - Nikki's mission to help humanity heal and her personal identity. 

00:03:30 - Nikki's journey from fashion industry to purpose-driven business. 

00:08:00 - Explanation of transformation coaching and its unique approach.

00:10:25 - Aligning personal beliefs with business practices.

00:12:54 - Transition to working with purpose-driven businesses and overcoming fears. 

00:15:16 - Changing perception and meaning of "conscious."

00:16:28 - The need for regeneration over sustainability in business.

00:19:18 - Personal experiments with local eating and food's impact on health.  

00:22:43 - Integrating holistic well-being into business without giving nutritional advice.  

00:24:23 - Learning from farmers and aligning business with natural rhythms.

00:26:10 - Concept of a regenerative business: company, product, leader, and capital.

00:29:11 - Issues with conventional investment and need for regenerative capital.

00:32:12 - Founding of Barefoot Ventures and its focus on regenerative agriculture. 

00:38:15 - Overcoming fear of judgment and staying true to oneself.  

00:42:03 - Coaching farmers and integrating diverse perspectives in business.  

00:44:23 - Positive impact of regenerative practices on farmers' mental health.  

00:47:24 - Encouragement to ask "What's the worst that could happen?" when making changes.

00:54:50 - Story behind Nikki's book "Sacred Business" and its holistic focus.

00:59:16 - Reflections on hope, love, community, and being true to oneself.

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

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]

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

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

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