Mark The Bowler Hat Farmer

Glyphosate, Labels and Real Sourdough


Listen Later

In this episode, I’m joined by Patricia and farmer Paul for a lively, plain‑spoken look at glyphosate, why so many growers feel trapped into using it, and what it takes to step off that treadmill. From Paul’s first‑hand shift away from routine sprays to working with insect predators, ground cover and dung beetles, to Patricia’s decade of public‑facing advocacy and education, we explore practical, small‑scale paths that prioritise soil life, biodiversity and nutrient‑dense food. We also get into realistic consumer choices: how to spot (and bake) real sourdough, why sprouted and stone‑ground grains can feel different in the body, and why many supermarket “shortcuts” keep us hungry. We talk local supply chains and margins too: the power of farm shops and markets, value‑adding with things like ice‑cream, and why direct relationships can beat commodity pricing. Along the way we touch on labelling, schools and community growing, raw milk, and the steady cultural shift—especially among younger buyers—towards better food. However you feel about glyphosate, this is a grounded conversation about farming in the real world and how eaters and growers can move the dial together.

  • 'Toxic Legacy' by Stephanie Seneff: https://www.chelseagreen.com/product/toxic-legacy-paperback/
  • Stephanie Seneff (MIT) – official site: https://stephanieseneff.net/
  • Kelly Ryerson (“Glyphosate Girl”) – official site: https://www.kellyryerson.com/
  • Sustainable Food Trust (founded by Patrick Holden): https://sustainablefoodtrust.org/
  • Riverford Organic Farmers (founded by Guy Singh‑Watson): https://www.riverford.co.uk/
  • Pesticide Action Network UK (briefing paper): https://www.pan-uk.org/site/wp-content/uploads/Divergence_EU_LATEST_Apr2025.pdf
  • Roundup (UK consumer information): https://www.lovethegarden.com/uk-en/roundup
  • Royal Horticultural Society (schools and Grow Your Own advice): https://www.rhs.org.uk/
  • Sunshine & Green (Farmer Greg’s veg boxes): https://sunshineandgreen.co.uk/
  • Crops Not Shops (community growing): https://www.cropsnotshops.co.uk/
  • Food Finders Hub (UK directory for local food): https://foodfindershub.org/
  • Ancel Keys (background): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancel_Keys
  • Judy Mikovits (background): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judy_Mikovits
  • Prof. Angus Dalgleish (background): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angus_Dalgleish

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Mark The Bowler Hat FarmerBy Mark Byford