Before we decide what to eat, countless other decisions have already shaped the choices available to us. In this episode of Sowing Connections, Seed Savers Exchange explores how choices about seeds, agriculture, policy, and markets influence our food system and why preserving agricultural diversity matters.
First, we share how Seed Savers Exchange uses careful isolation practices to keep open-pollinated varieties true-to-type and protect their genetic diversity for future generations.
Then we sit down with renowned nutritionist and food policy expert Marion Nestle for a wide-ranging conversation about industrial agriculture, food policy, ultra-processed foods, grocery store marketing, and the role that gardeners, farmers, communities, and policymakers can play in building a healthier, more resilient food system.
Finally, meet the 'Corgi' pea, a sweet and versatile heirloom variety from the Seed Savers Exchange collection and a reminder that the future of our food system begins with the seeds we choose to save, share, and grow.
Episode Chapters
- 00:00 — Opening
- 00:34 — Welcome
- 01:39 — Field Notes: Protecting true-to-type seeds
- 06:25 — Featured Conversation: Marion Nestle and Mike Bollinger
- 39:23 — Variety Spotlight: ‘Corgi’ pea
- 41:43 — Closing
Full Transcript
About Marion Nestle
Doctor Marion Nestle is a consumer advocate, nutritionist, award-winning author, and academic specializing in the politics of food and dietary choice. Her research examines the scientific, economic, and social forces that influence food choices and health, with particular attention to food-industry marketing.
She is the Paulette Goddard Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, Emerita, and a professor of sociology at New York University. She also holds an appointment as a visiting professor in Cornell University’s Division of Nutritional Sciences.
Learn more
- Read Marion Nestle’s full biography
- Visit Marion Nestle’s Food Politics blog
- Learn more about What to Eat Now
- Learn more about Sugar Coated
- Follow Marion Nestle on Instagram
- Learn more about Seed Savers Exchange
- Explore thousands of varieties offered through The Exchange
- Request the ‘Corgi’ pea from The Exchange.
Connect
Seed Savers Exchange: Website, Shop, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn
Listen
Listen on the podcast webpage, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.
Original theme music by Lissie.
Learn More: Visit Seed Savers Exchange at seedsavers.org
Seed Savers Exchange is a nonprofit organization dedicated to stewarding America’s culturally diverse and endangered garden and food crop legacy for present and future generations. We educate and connect people through collecting, regenerating, and sharing heirloom seeds, plants, and stories.
