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 🎧.

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

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!

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

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.

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

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

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

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. 

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

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

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

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 🎧

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

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

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

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 :) 

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

Follow us on LinkedIn or Instagram

Thank you so much!

Raphaël

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

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.

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

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

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

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 :) 

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

Follow us on LinkedIn or Instagram

Thank you so much!

Raphaël

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

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

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

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

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

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. 

Si vous avez apprécié cette conversation, je vous invite à soutenir ce podcast gratuitement et en 2 clicks!

-> Cliquez sur la page Deep Seed, et cliquez sur le bouton FOLLOW

-> Pour ceux qui aimeraient aller une étape plus loin, n'hésitez pas à nous laisser une review à 5 étoiles :

Merci beaucoup! 

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