Claim OwnershipSeeds of Hope - Regenerative Agriculture with Elena Garidis
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© Elena Garidis
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This is Seeds of Hope and I am your host, Elena Garidis. On this podcast, join me on a journey across the regenerative agriculture ecosystem through conversations with farmers, founders, investors, and changemakers. Find out what is giving me hope for a better future, and get inspired!
Regenerative Agriculture is becoming increasingly recognized as a potent solution to climate change for its ability to improve soil health, sequester carbon, enhance ecosystem resilience, and improve human health. But what does this all mean and who is working on making this a reality? Join me to find out!
Regenerative Agriculture is becoming increasingly recognized as a potent solution to climate change for its ability to improve soil health, sequester carbon, enhance ecosystem resilience, and improve human health. But what does this all mean and who is working on making this a reality? Join me to find out!
15 Episodes
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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 fertilizerThe science behind worm tea as a natural bio-pesticide that helps plants defend themselves using preserved plant compounds like capsaicinBuilding a startup from a college senior project to securing NSF and USDA grants, and the importance of customer discovery in developing sustainable solutionshttps://www.wrigglebrew.com/
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 scaling sustainable food systemsThe art of "composting conflicts" - turning workplace mistakes and disagreements into innovation opportunities and stronger team bondshttps://linktr.ee/SevenNeighbours
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 plantationsWhy the fashion industry's growth model must be reimagined to meet climate goals, and how eliminating virgin fossil-based materials is critical to reducing emissionsThe complex challenge of traceability in textile supply chains and how brands are building direct relationships with producers to support regenerative agricultureAvoiding "carbon tunnel vision" by taking a holistic approach to impact that includes biodiversity, soil health, water quality, and social outcomes alongside emissions reductionhttps://textileexchange.org/October conference: https://textileexchange.org/conference-2025/
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 ratesHow soil microorganisms collaborate with plants to create the nutrient-dense food that our bodies needPractical strategies for improving your nutrient intake and supporting regenerative food systems through your daily food choiceshttps://www.nutrientdensityalliance.org/Mary’s White Paper: How Practitioners Can Influence Planetary Health https://healthcare.orgain.com/media/rdocs/Orgain_How_Practitioners_Can__Influence_Planetary_Health.pdfAn Alarming Decline in the Nutritional Quality of Foods White Paper: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10969708/Nourishing Meals Cookbook: https://nourishingmeals.com/books/nourishing-mealsThe Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook: https://nourishingmeals.com/books/the-whole-life-nutrition-cookbook
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 foundations are leading early investment in regenerative agriculture, paving the way for institutional capitalThe concept of "landscape level" investment that brings together diverse stakeholders across entire regionsHelpful links and resourcesRFSI website: https://rfsi-forum.com/Financing for Regenerative Agriculture Report by the Rockefeller Foundation and TIFs - 2024 (incl. the maturity curve of the regenerative investing space): https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/reports/financing-for-regenerative-agriculture/SLM partners publications: https://www.slmpartners.com/publicationsAgFunder & RFSI 2024 Investment Report: https://agfunder.com/research/agfunder-global-agrifoodtech-investment-report-2024/TransCap Initiative: Systemic Investment for Sustainability Report: https://transformation.capital/assets/uploads/TransCap-Initiative-Strategic-Plan-2022-2024.pdf
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 contextThe Institute's landmark study across Mexico, US, and Canada that established standardized ways to measure soil health - research that's now being implemented by the USDA across all 50 statesTheir groundbreaking work in soil health benchmarking, helping farmers understand and unlock their soil's true potential through data from over 7 million acresSoil Health Insitute: https://soilhealthinstitute.org/resources/Living Soil Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntJouJhLM48Slakes app: https://soilhealthinstitute.org/our-work/initiatives/slakes/
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 misconceptionsThe critical connection between farming practices, nutrient density, and human health, including movements like the FreshRxPractical advice for farmers considering the transition to regenerative organic practices, based on Rick's experience teaching farmers worldwidehttps://www.farmgreen.land/https://www.instagram.com/farmgreen13/https://www.freshrxok.org/abouthttps://commongroundfilm.org/
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 practicesNavigating agricultural certifications and what they mean for the future of farming and conscious consumptionThe 100 Million Acres project and its ambitious vision for transforming American agricultureInCommon Group:https://incommongroup.com/California Definition of Regenerative Agriculture:https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/RegenerativeAg/docs/2025/jan_2025_letter_to_secretary_ross_regenerative_agriculture.pdfRegenMade:https://regenmade.webflow.io/Demeter Certification:https://www.demeter-usa.org/certification/Regenerative Organic Certification Brands and Product Directory:https://regenorganic.org/product-directory/Real Organic:https://realorganicproject.org/real-organic-farming/Regenefied:https://regenified.com/
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: https://laecovilla.com/ecovillas/ecovilla-san-mateo
If you want to get involved with water cycle restoration, check out
Join the community or take a course on Zach Weiss’ Water Stories: https://www.waterstories.com/
Join the Regrerian community founded by Darren J. Doherty: https://www.regrarians.org/
Get inspired by Dr. Rajendra Singh’s work in the Kham River Restoration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PMsiXkAmFk and
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 agricultural investments
https://institutional.octopusinvestments.com/natural-capital-investment/
https://hive.greenfinanceinstitute.com/gfihive/toolkit/developing-a-governance-structure/the-wyre-river-natural-flood-management-project/
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 fertilizers
The hidden truth about pesticide use in plant nurseries and how composting could revolutionize both waste management and agricultural practices
https://fertileearth.net/
https://www.instagram.com/fertileearth/
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://agricircle.com/
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 sustainability sector
https://www.mccain.com/sustainability/smart-sustainable-farming/
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 civilizations like Rome and the era of the bubonic plague, and what this teaches us about building sustainable food systems
Wisdom for aspiring farmers (and really anyone): beyond technical skills, learning to ask the right questions and make choices that enhance both land and personal wellbeing
https://www.senecagrainandbean.com/
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.recirculatingfarms.org/about/
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