Food System Security, a discussion with John Roulac

Host: Joni Kindwall-Moore Guests: Steve Becker (Chief Science Officer) and Dennis Warnecke (Director of Sales and Technical Support), Tainio BiologicalsEpisode Overview: In this enlightening episode of "Regenerative by Design," host Joni Kindwall-Moore sits down with Steve Becker and Dennis from Tainio Biologicals to discuss the transformative power of focusing on soil health in agriculture. This conversation explores the intricate relationships within the soil ecosystem, particularly the critical role of microbes in supporting plant health and nutrition.What You'll Learn in This Episode:The Origins of Tainio Biologicals: Learn about the innovative approach Bruce Tainio took in the 1980s to enhance plant resistance and health through microbial support and balanced nutrition.The Importance of Microbes: Steve delves into the role of microbes, including bacteria and fungi, in aiding plants to access essential nutrients and boost their immune systems.Practical Applications for Farmers: Dennis discusses how Tainio Biologicals assists farmers in implementing soil health programs that lead to sustainable crop production and improved food quality.Environmental Impacts: Explore how regenerative farming practices contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing harmful nitrogen runoff, increasing carbon sequestration, and enhancing overall ecosystem resilience.Future of Agriculture: The episode discusses the broader implications of regenerative agriculture practices in addressing global food system challenges and promoting long-term sustainability.Key Quotes:"Farmers in America can have a greater impact on human health than all the doctors or medicines that exist today." - Quoted from Bruce Tainio"Think of the rhizosphere like the digestive system of a patient in ICU. It's all about interdisciplinary care, but for crops." - Joni Kindwall-MooreEpisode Resources:Tainio Biologicals Website: Visit TainioContact: info@tainio.com for inquiries on how to integrate these practices into your farming operations.Call to Action: If this conversation inspired you, consider diving deeper into the principles of regenerative agriculture to see how you might apply them to your farming practices or support local farmers who do. Share this episode with friends and colleagues who are passionate about sustainable agriculture and the future of food.Rate and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts to rate and review the show. Your feedback helps us grow our audience and reach more listeners like you who are passionate about sustainable agriculture and innovation in food systems.Join Us Next Time: Tune in next week for another fascinating discussion on "Regenerative by Design," where we will explore innovative solutions to combat climate change through agricultural practices. Don't miss it!To learn more about Tainio Biologicals, Inc., please visit tainio.com.Regenerative by design is hosted by Snacktivist.  Snacktivist creates baking mixes and finished products that are allergy-friendly, soil, water, and carbon-focused, all while radically impacting human nutrition by transforming staple foods into something more than just empty calories.   Visit snacktivistfoods.com to learn more.Funding for Regenerative By Design Podcast was made possible by a grant/cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.

29 Nov 202446min

Joni Kindwall-Moore welcomes Merlin Yockstick to discuss his extensive educational publishing background and innovative contributions to regenerative agriculture. Born and raised on a small family farm in Iowa, Merlin shares his transformative journey from the educational sector to spearheading regenerative initiatives across the United States. His career shift from publishing to sustainable development exemplifies a lifelong commitment to learning and adaptation, reflecting on historical agricultural practices and forward-thinking soil and community health strategies.Key Points Discussed:Early Life and Career Shifts: Merlin's upbringing in Iowa, his initial career in education, and his pivot to publishing educational materials focused on state history, which later influenced his approach to regenerative agriculture.Innovative Educational Materials: Development of interactive, multimedia educational programs that diverged from traditional textbooks, which set a new standard across the industry.Return to Iowa and Sustainable Development: After successful ventures in publishing, Merlin returned to Iowa to address the challenges of modern agriculture and its impact on community health and soil degradation.Regenerative Agriculture Initiatives: Details of Merlin’s current projects, including statewide and national efforts to promote sustainable farming practices that enhance soil health and food quality.Links:FarmHero.comConnect with Merlin Yockstick:LinkedIn: Merlin YockstickQuotes:"We don't really retire; we transition to work on things we're passionate about." — Merlin Yockstick"Education is not just about filling a bucket, but lighting a fire." — Joni Kindwall-MooreConclusion: Merlin's work encapsulates the essence of regenerative design by integrating historical insights with innovative solutions to restore ecological and community health. His story is a testament to the power of lifelong learning and adaptation in facing global challenges.Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to explore regenerative agriculture more and consider how they can support sustainable practices in their communities.*****Regenerative by Design is hosted by Snacktivist.  Snacktivist creates baking mixes and finished products that are allergy-friendly, soil, water, and carbon-focused, all while radically impacting human nutrition by transforming staple foods into something more than just empty calories. Visitsnacktivistfoods.com to learn more.Funding for the Regenerative By Design Podcast was made possible by a grant/cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. Its contents are solely the authors' responsibility and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.

7 Nov 202451min

In this episode, Joni sits down with Shawn Kemp, the Information Systems Renewal Officer at the Non-GMO Project, to discuss the intersection of technology, regeneration, and community building in transforming the food system. Shawn shares his unique upbringing in an off-grid environment and how it shaped his passion for sustainable food systems. He explains the modernization efforts at the Non-GMO Project to enhance transparency and trust within the food supply chain.Shawn also introduces the Food Integrity Collective, a new initiative that goes beyond non-GMO verification to address broader issues like nutrient density, packaging, and the treatment of workers in food production. The conversation dives into the importance of decentralization in building trust, technology's role in scaling these efforts, and the challenges of balancing transparency, cost, and accessibility for small producers.Key Topics Discussed:Shawn Kemp's journey from a sustainable upbringing to a career in technology and food systems.How the Non-GMO Project is using technology to empower communities with data on food integrity.The concept of decentralization and its importance in building trust in food systems.Introduction to the Food Integrity Collective and its goals for a more holistic approach to food systems.The challenges of balancing transparency, cost, and access, particularly for small producers.How technology can help ensure more transparency in the food system without driving up costs.The importance of community in validating food practices and building trust at a local level.Resources Mentioned:Non-GMO ProjectFood Integrity CollectiveConnect with Shawn Kemp:LinkedIn: Shawn KempSubscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a rating on your favorite podcast platform. Share this episode with your friends and family to spread the word about the important work happening at the Non-GMO Project and the Food Integrity Collective.Regenerative by design is hosted by Snacktivist.  Snacktivist creates baking mixes and finished products that are allergy-friendly, soil, water, and carbon-focused, all while radically impacting human nutrition by transforming staple foods into something more than just empty calories.   Visit snacktivistfoods.com to learn more.Funding for Regenerative By Design Podcast was made possible by a grant/cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.

17 Okt 202447min

Episode Summary: In this episode, host Joni dives deep into the world of regenerative agriculture with guest Joanna Kane-Pataka, an expert in sustainable food systems. Together, they explore the incredible potential of millets, an ancient grain gaining attention as a climate-smart and nutritious staple crop. Joanna shares her journey from market research to working in non-profits and her discovery of millets while in India, which led to her advocacy for the crop through the Smart Food initiative.Joanna and Joni discuss how millets fit into the larger regenerative agriculture framework, focusing on the “triple bottom line” that benefits farmers, the environment, and consumers. The episode touches on the challenges of promoting underutilized crops like millets, the importance of developing appealing food products, and the need for collaborative efforts in both marketing and research.Joanna shares insights on millet's nutritional advantages, particularly for managing diabetes, and the exciting developments happening globally to push millets into mainstream food systems. The conversation also highlights India's leadership in millet innovation and how new technologies, like AI, can accelerate agricultural research and adoption.Key Topics Discussed:Joanna’s background in non-profits and her passion for regenerative agriculture.The importance of millets as a climate-smart, underutilized crop with huge potential.The triple bottom line: how millets benefit farmers, the environment, and consumers.The Smart Food initiative and how it’s raising awareness for millets and other sustainable crops.The challenges of scaling millet production and promoting it in global food systems.The role of marketing, product development, and research in making millets more accessible.Insights on the nutritional benefits of millets, especially for managing diabetes.The global push for millet innovation, with India leading the way.The future of millet research, including its role in addressing food security and nutrition.Guest Information:Joanna Kane-Pataka is a global advocate for sustainable food systems and the driving force behind several initiatives aimed at promoting underutilized crops like millets. Connect with Joanna on LinkedIn to learn more about her work in nutrition, agriculture, and market development.LinkedIn: Joanna Kane-PatakaResources Mentioned:Smart Food initiativeIndia’s International Year of Millets campaignResearch on millets and diabetesUSDA organic market development grantsUse of AI in agricultural innovationConnect with Us:Follow the Regenerative by Design Podcast on [insert social media links].Share this episode with others to spread the word about the importance of regenerative agriculture and the potential of millets in our food systems.Leave a review and let us know your thoughts!Call to Action: If you’re passionate about sustainable agriculture, share this episode with your network! You can also learn more about Joanna Kane-Pataka’s work and stay updated on her latest projects by connecting with her on LinkedIn.Thank you for tuning in! Please leave a review and stay connected for more inspiring conversations on regenerative agriculture and sustainable food systems.Regenerative by Design is hosted by Snacktivist. Snacktivist creates baking mixes and finished products that are allergy-friendly, soil, water, and carbon-focused, all while radically impacting human nutrition by transforming staple foods into more than just empty calories. Visit snacktivistfoods.com to learn more.Funding for the Regenerative By Design Podcast was made possible by a grant/cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. The podcast's contents are solely the authors' responsibility and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.

10 Okt 202445min

In this episode of Regenerative by Design, Joni is joined by Annigje and Sharif, founders of Springtail, to explore their groundbreaking work with the climate-resilient crop, sorghum. With their unique backgrounds in business, advertising, and agriculture, they share their journey of transitioning into regenerative agriculture and their focus on developing sustainable solutions for farmers. The conversation covers the many benefits of sorghum, including its ability to thrive in hot, dry conditions and its potential for both food and non-food applications.Annigje and Sharif discuss the challenges they’ve encountered bringing this lesser-known crop to European markets, their circular economy approach, and how they are working to create value for farmers while promoting climate-smart farming practices. They also dive into the innovative ways they use sorghum to create products like pasta, pancake mixes, and bio-based materials. This episode highlights the importance of consumer education and collaboration across the supply chain to drive crop demand that contributes to a sustainable future.Key Takeaways:Sorghum is a highly resilient crop that can grow in extreme climates with minimal inputs, making it valuable in the face of climate change.Annigje and Sharif focus on creating value for farmers by developing innovative sorghum-based food and non-food products.The circular economy approach to agriculture ensures that every part of the sorghum crop is used to maximize value.Challenges of introducing a lesser-known crop to market include scaling production and educating consumers about the benefits of sorghum.Springtail’s efforts focus on innovation, sustainability, and the potential of underutilized crops to drive long-term food system resilience.Mentioned in This Episode:Springtail's work with climate-smart cropsSorghum's benefits for farmers and the environmentInnovative products using sorghum, including pasta and pancake mixesThe challenges and rewards of bringing new crops to marketConnect with Annigje and Sharif:LinkedIn: SpringtailWebsite:Springtail.euAnnigje Jacobs https://www.linkedin.com/in/annigje-jacobs/Sherif Soubra https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherifsoubra/Call to Action:If you’re passionate about climate-smart crops, European agriculture, or sustainable innovation, please take a moment to share this episode on social media and leave a review. Stay tuned for more exciting episodes focused on regeneration and sustainability in agriculture!Connect with Us: Stay updated with the latest episodes and discussions on regenerative design by subscribing to the podcast and following us on social media.Support the Show: If you're passionate about regeneration, help us by sharing this episode and leaving a review to reach a broader audience!Regenerative by Design is hosted by Snacktivist. Snacktivist creates baking mixes and finished products that are allergy-friendly, soil, water, and carbon-focused, all while radically impacting human nutrition by transforming staple foods into something more than just empty calories. Visitsnacktivistfoods.com to learn more.Funding for the Regenerative By Design Podcast was made possible by a grant/cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. The podcast's contents are solely the authors' responsibility and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.

3 Okt 202442min

Episode Summary: In this episode of Regenerative By Design, host Joni sits down with Cate Havstad-Casad, master hat maker and founder of Range Revolution, a regenerative leather goods company. Cate shares her inspiring journey, starting with an apprenticeship as a Western hat maker and her transition into organic and biodynamic farming with her husband. Over the last decade, Cate has helped scale their farm to manage 400 acres, focusing on regenerative practices despite significant water challenges in the arid West.Cate and Joni discuss the importance of design in influencing people’s actions and thinking. Cate emphasizes how her business, Range Revolution, pulls cattle hides destined for landfills back into the supply chain, supporting regenerative ranchers and promoting sustainable fashion. They also explore the complex value chain of leather production and the difficulties of creating a truly regenerative supply chain in the fashion industry.The conversation also touches on the critical need for better marketing and education to bridge the gap between consumers and regenerative practices. Cate shares her thoughts on the power of fashion to lead cultural conversations and influence daily choices around sustainability.If you're interested in sustainable fashion, regenerative agriculture, or how design can inspire meaningful change, this episode is packed with insights and inspiring stories.Key Topics Covered:Cate’s journey into design, farming, and regenerative practicesThe role of Range Revolution in the regenerative leather industryThe challenges of building a regenerative supply chain in fashionMarketing and education as essential tools for promoting regenerationThe importance of fashion in driving cultural narratives around sustainabilityNotable Quotes:“Design at its best inspires people to see, think, and act differently.” –  Cate Havstad-Casad“Every day, we participate in agriculture by getting dressed.” –  Cate Havstad-CasadWhere to Find Cate:Website: rangerevolution.comInstagram: @rangerevolutionLinkedIn: Cate Havstad-CasadCall to Action:If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate the podcast, share it with friends, and spread the word about the regenerative revolution. Let’s work together to inspire more people to embrace sustainable practices and support brands like Range Revolution, which is leading the charge in regenerative design.Connect with Us:Stay updated with the latest episodes and discussions on regenerative design by subscribing to the podcast and following us on social media.Support the Show:If you're passionate about regeneration, help us by sharing this episode and leaving a review to reach a broader audience!Regenerative by Design is hosted by Snacktivist. Snacktivist creates baking mixes and finished products that are allergy-friendly, soil, water, and carbon-focused, all while radically impacting human nutrition by transforming staple foods into something more than just empty calories. Visit snacktivistfoods.com to learn more.Funding for the Regenerative By Design Podcast was made possible by a grant/cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. The podcast's contents are solely the authors' responsibility and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.

26 Sep 202441min

In this insightful episode of the Regenerative by Design Podcast, host Joni Kimall Moore sits down with healthcare strategist Ellen Brown from BP2 Health to discuss the powerful connection between healthcare, food, and economic systems. Ellen shares her 30+ year journey in the healthcare industry, diving deep into how outcomes-based care and food as medicine can radically transform the way we think about health. Together, Joni and Ellen explore the broken aspects of both our food and healthcare systems and the critical need for alignment to create healthier, more sustainable communities.They discuss the concept of lifestyle disease and how food and behavioral changes can lead to the reversal of chronic conditions like diabetes. Ellen also offers a compelling vision for how farmers and healthcare providers can collaborate to create healthier communities, with the idea of paying farmers for the healthcare savings generated by their regenerative, nutrient-dense crops. This episode highlights the untapped potential of food systems in improving public health and reshaping the future of healthcare.Key Takeaways:Ellen’s journey from actuarial work to healthcare innovation and outcomes-based care.The crucial role of food in reversing chronic lifestyle diseases and reducing healthcare costs.How regenerative farming and health-focused food systems can create significant economic and societal benefits.The potential for collaboration between healthcare providers and farmers to improve health outcomes and reduce costs.Insight into Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and how they align financial incentives with better health outcomes.Resources Mentioned:Visit BP2 Health to learn more about Ellen Brown’s work.Check out the Reverse Mullet Healthcare Podcast for more on outcomes-based care and healthcare innovation.Listen to the Food is Health Revolution Podcast for discussions on food systems and healthcare.Connect with Us:Follow Joni Kimall Moore on social media for updates on future episodes.Subscribe to the Regenerative by Design Podcast and leave a review if you enjoyed the show!Call to Action:If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to share it with your friends, leave a rating on your favorite podcast platform, and help us spread the word about the powerful impact of aligning food systems with healthcare outcomes.Regenerative by design is hosted by Snacktivist.  Snacktivist creates baking mixes and finished products that are allergy-friendly, soil, water, and carbon-focused, all while radically impacting human nutrition by transforming staple foods into something more than just empty calories.   Visit snacktivistfoods.com to learn more.

12 Sep 202453min

In this engaging episode of the Regenerative by Design Podcast, host Joni welcomes Ali Cox, founder of Noble West, to discuss the evolving landscape of agriculture and food systems. Ali, a fifth-generation farmer and marketing expert, shares her unique perspective on how farmers are transforming from traditional roles into modern CEOs who are not only responsible for food production but also for driving sustainability and climate-conscious practices.Key Topics Discussed:The Evolving Narrative of Agriculture: Joni and Ali discuss the need to shift the public perception of farmers from mere laborers to sophisticated CEOs and climate-conscious business leaders. They highlight how this new narrative is essential in promoting a more sustainable and regenerative food system.From Agriculture to Food System: Ali emphasizes the importance of focusing on the food system rather than just agriculture. She explains how this broader perspective can help consumers make more informed and value-based decisions about the food they purchase and consume.Challenges in Marketing Sustainable Food: The conversation dives into the difficulties of marketing sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices. Ali and Joni explore how storytelling, creative campaigns, and influencer partnerships are crucial in bridging the gap between farmers and consumers.The Role of Influencers and Micro-Influencers: They explore how both celebrity and micro-influencers can play a significant role in educating the public about sustainable food choices. Ali shares insights into the power of decentralized marketing and how it can make impactful changes at the consumer level.Consumer Insights and Agricultural Practices: Ali discusses how Noble West leverages consumer insights to help farmers pivot their practices and align with market demands. She highlights the importance of transparency and communication between growers, packers, shippers, and retailers.Future of Regenerative Agriculture: Joni and Ali talk about the future of regenerative agriculture and the critical role of storytelling in educating consumers and influencing their food choices. They also discuss the potential for new business models that prioritize sustainability and high-quality food production.Key Takeaways:Farmers are becoming the heroes of a new narrative that focuses on quality, sustainability, and climate resilience.Effective storytelling and marketing are vital in promoting regenerative agriculture and helping consumers make better food choices.There is a growing need for collaboration between marketing professionals, farmers, and brands to drive the shift towards more sustainable food systems.Connect with Ali Cox:Website: wearenoblewest.comLinkedIn: Ali Cox on LinkedInListener Call to Action:If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your network and help us spread the word about the importance of regenerative agriculture and sustainable food systems. Don't forget to subscribe to the Regenerative by Design Podcast for more inspiring conversations!Regenerative by design is hosted by Snacktivist.  Snacktivist creates baking mixes and finished products that are allergy-friendly, soil, water, and carbon-focused, all while radically impacting human nutrition by transforming staple foods into something more than just empty calories.   Visit snacktivistfoods.com to learn more.

5 Sep 202448min