Food For You and the Planet

Professor Hermann Lotze-Campen, is Co-Author of the EAT Lancet Commission, an agricultural economist and Head of Research Department 2 "Climate Resilience" at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, and Professor of Sustainable Land Use and Climate Change at Humboldt University in Berlin.   Professor Hermann Lotze-Campen grew up on a farm in Northern Germany and studied Agricultural Sciences and Economics at the University of Kiel and the University of Reading in England, where he graduated with a Master's degree in Agricultural Economics. For his doctoral studies he studied in Kiel, at the University of Minnesota in the USA and at Humboldt-University in Berlin, where he received his Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics. In 2001, Hermann joined the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, where he developed a global land use modelling framework for assessments of the interplay between climate impacts, global food and bioenergy demand, agricultural land and water use, trade, and the environment.   TOPICS EXPLORED 0:00 – 1:47 – Introduction 1:47 – 3:03 – What is The EAT Lancet Commission? 3:03 – 4:06 – How did you become interested in sustainable food and agriculture? 4:06 – 5:31 – Why was the EAT Lancet Commission created? 5:31 – 6:50 – What types of scientists have served on the EAT Lancet Commission? 6:50 – 9:42 – What is the Planetary Boundaries Framework and how is it related to our food and agriculture system? 9:42 – 12:05 – What were the key findings of the first 2019 EAT Lancet Commission report? 12:05 – 14:31 – What is the Planetary Health Diet? 14:31 – 17:41 – What are some examples of Planetary Health Diet meals? 17:41 – 22:10 – Can you tell me more about the justice element which was incorporated into the new 2025 EAT Lancet Commission and some of those key findings? 22:10 – 24:39 – What are some of the key barriers towards achieving healthy and environmentally sustainable food systems and how can they be overcome? 24:39 – 27:55 – How can society effectively transition to healthy and environmentally sustainable food systems? 27:55 – 30:44 – What do you think will be the future of healthy and sustainable food? 30:44 – 33:06 – Things to share and wrap up   POTSDAM INSTITUTE FOR CLIMATE RESEARCH: https://www.pik-potsdam.de/en/home   EAT FORUM https://eatforum.org/   RESOURCES The EAT Lancet Commission 2025 Report: https://www.thelancet.com/commissions-do/EAT-2025 Our Cultures Our Meals Cooking for Planetary Health: https://eatforum.org/campaign/our-cultures-our-meals-cooking-for-planetary-health/     FOOD FOR YOU AND THE PLANET PODCAST INFORMATION Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/food-for-you-and-the-planet/id1739416396 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7pkAIuXxl9dzD48b7qMOL1 RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/506343/rss Podcast Instagram: @foodforyouandtheplanet   TAGS Food Environment Health Podcast Sustainability EAT Forum EAT Lancet Commission Potsdam Institute for Climate Research Planetary Health Diet

10 Des 33min

Tim Fink is the Vice President of Policy at the American Farmland Trust.   Tim develops the American Farmland Trust's overall policy direction and strategies and coordinates federal and relevant state policy work in close collaboration with American Farmland Trust national initiative leaders, regional directors, and partners. Before joining AFT, Tim was the director of research and policy analysis at the Supporters of Agricultural Research (SoAR) Foundation, where he advocated for increases in USDA's Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, fundraised for the National Academies' "Science Breakthroughs 2030" project, and led the development of a series of Farm Bill Research Policy Recommendations endorsed by 66 organizations. Tim has extensive experience in politics, including five political campaigns and as a legislative assistant to the chair of the House Energy Committee for Iowa's General Assembly. Tim holds a master's degree from Harvard and a Bachelor of Arts from Luther College.   TOPICS EXPLORED 0:00 – 1:58 – Introduction 1:58 – 3:21 – What is The American Farmland Trust and what type of work does it do? 3:21 – 4:25 – How did you become interested in sustainable food and agriculture? 4:25 – 5:48 – How does the American Farmland Trust work to protect land? 5:48 – 7:24 – What are some of the greatest challenges related to protecting American Farmland? 7:24 – 9:37 – How can we preserve farmland and make sure that it transitions to the next generation of farmers? 9:37 – 11:15 – How has the amount of land owned by small farmers changed in recent decades? 11:15 – 12:26 – What are some things the average person could do to help conserve American Farmland? 12:26 – 14:13 – How does the American Farmland Trust advance farming practices that prevent erosion and rebuild soil health? 14:13 – 15:16 – Why are practices that prevent soil erosion and rebuild soil health important? 15:16 – 16:36 – How does the American Farmland Trust help keep farmers and ranchers in business? 16:36 – 18:30 – What are some of the key quantifiable impacts the American Farmland Trust has had? 18:30 – 19:33 – What do you think are the most important things for society to do to shift towards sustainable food, agriculture, and farming systems? 19:33 – 19:51 – Things to share and wrap up   AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST INFORMATION https://farmland.org/   RESOURCES About The American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/about History of The American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/history Prosperity Partners: https://farmland.org/partners American Farmland Trust Impact: https://farmland.org/impact Donate to the American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/give   FOOD FOR YOU AND THE PLANET PODCAST INFORMATION Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/food-for-you-and-the-planet/id1739416396 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7pkAIuXxl9dzD48b7qMOL1 RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/506343/rss Podcast Instagram: @foodforyouandtheplanet   TAGS Food Environment Health Podcast Sustainability America American Farms Farmland Preservation Preserving American Farmland American Farms American Farmland American Farmland Trust

19 Nov 19min

Chloe Sullivan is the PR and Communications Manager at Federation of World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) Organisations. Chloe Sullivan is the PR and Communications Manager for the Federation of WWOOF Organisations (FoWO). Her journey with WWOOF began in 2021 as a WWOOFer. After transformative experiences on organic farms in Denmark, the Netherlands, and the US, Chloe was inspired to share the WWOOF experience with others. She started sharing about her experience on social media, which led to a connection with the WWOOF Canada team and an opportunity to become more involved with Federation of WWOOF Organisations. Eventually, Chloe took on the role of PR Manager for WWOOF, where she continues to be inspired by the transformative impact WWOOF has on people's lives and the incredible community it fosters. TOPICS EXPLORED 0:00 – 1:42 – Introduction 1:42 – 2:16 – What is WWOOF and what type of work does it do? 2:16 – 3:37 – How did you become interested in helping people have opportunities on organic farms? 3:37 – 5:41 – What is the history of WWOOF and how did it start? 5:41 – 6:50 – How are organic farms that are part of the WWOOF network selected? 6:50 – 8:39 – How does WWOOF work? 8:39 – 9:15 – What are some of the countries where people can have opportunities on organic farms? 9:15 – 10:03 – Can you share some examples of organic farms people have worked on? 10:03 – 12:00 – What could a day be like for someone who is having an opportunity on an organic farm? 12:00 – 14:21 – Farming can be hard work. What happens if someone isn't enjoying their organic farm opportunity? 14:21 – 17:19 – How do WWOOF opportunities help prepare people if they would like to one day own or operate an organic farm? 17:19 – 19:45 – What are some of the facts and figures related to people who WWOOF going on to own or operate their own organic farm? 19:45 – 22:00 – Can you share some testimonials you've heard from people who have participated in WWOOF? 22:00 – 2:40 – Things to share and wrap up WORLD WIDE OPPORTUNITIES ON ORGANIC FARMS (WWOOF) INFORMATION https://wwoof.net/ RESOURCES How WWOOF Works: https://wwoof.net/howitworks/ Choose Your WWOOF Destination: https://wwoof.net/#destination WWOOF USA Future Farmer Program: https://info.wwoofusa.org/blog/2025/01/04/futurefarmerprogram/ WWOOF USA Impact 2024 Report: https://impact.wwoofusa.org/ WWOOF App: https://wwoof.net/news/introducing-the-first-ever-wwoof-app/ FOOD FOR YOU AND THE PLANET PODCAST INFORMATION Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/food-for-you-and-the-planet/id1739416396 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7pkAIuXxl9dzD48b7qMOL1 RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/506343/rss Podcast Instagram: @foodforyouandtheplanet TAGS Food Environment Health Podcast Sustainability Organic Organic Farms Organic Farming World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms WWOOF

15 Okt 22min

Arthur Haines is a Senior Research Botanist at The Native Plant Trust. Arthur is a plant biologist specializing in the taxonomy and identification of New England tracheophytes. He is the senior research botanist for Native Plant Trust and author of Flora Novae Angliae published by New England Wild Flower Society and Yale University Press, and several other books, including Flora of Maine, A New Path, and Ancestral Plants (a two-volume set on edible, medicinal, and useful plants). In addition to his work studying advancement in plant systematics, Arthur is an administrator for the Go Botany and Plant Share websites and a Flora of North America regional reviewer. TOPICS EXPLORED 0:00 – 1:27 – Introduction 1:27 – 2:15 – What is The Native Plant Trust and what type of work does it do? 2:15 – 5:10 – How did you become interested in native plants, foraging, and become a senior research botanist at The Native Plant Trust? 5:10 – 8:10 – What are some of the native plants that are common in different regions, including New England? 8:10 – 9:51 – Can you tell me about the New England Wild Flower Society's Flora Novae Angliae you completed and how people can use it? 9:51 – 14:01 – What are examples of your favorite edible native plants? 14:01 – 15:49 – What is foraging? 15:49 – 18:32 – How can people learn how to forage? 18:32 – 20:28 – What are your favorite things about foraging? 20:28 – 24:03 – What do you think will be the future of foraging? 24:03 – 27:25 – How have these populations of native plants changed over time with industrial agriculture, invasive species, and other challenges? 27:25 – 28:55 – Can you tell me about your book Ancestral Plants: A Primitive Skills Guide to Important Wild Edible, Medicinal, and Useful Plants of the Northeast? 28:55 – 32:40 – What are some of the benefits of native plants? 32:40 – 34:39 – How can people grow native plants in their gardens or communities? 34:39 – 36:45 – What are some things you wish everyone knew about native plants and foraging? 36:45 – 38:41 – Things to share and wrap up NATIVE PLANT TRUST INFORMATION https://www.nativeplanttrust.org/ ARTHUR HAINES INFORMATION https://www.arthurhaines.com/ RESOURCES Native Plants for Your Garden: https://www.nativeplanttrust.org/for-your-garden/ Go Botany Plant Identification: https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/ New England Wild Flower Society's Flora Novae Angliae: https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300171549/new-england-wild-flower-societys-flora-novae-angliae/ FOOD FOR YOU AND THE PLANET PODCAST INFORMATION Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/food-for-you-and-the-planet/id1739416396 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7pkAIuXxl9dzD48b7qMOL1 RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/506343/rss Podcast Instagram: @foodforyouandtheplanet TAGS Food Environment Health Podcast Sustainability Native Plants Foraging Native Plant Trust

17 Sep 38min

Kate Mendenhall is the Executive Director of the Organic Farmers Association. Kate Mendenhall has served as the Executive Director of Organic Farmers Association since it was founded in 2016. Before OFA, she built a career working with organic farmer organizations from California (CUESA & PAN), New York (NOFA-NY), and Iowa (IOA) getting to know what organic farmers need to be successful in different regions and markets. She now lives in her hometown of Okoboji, Iowa where she balances running a small diversified organic livestock farm, raising two kids, and leading OFA. Her nationwide experience and dedication to organic farmers throughout her career make leading the Organic Farmers Association her dream job and she is a fierce advocate for what organic farmers need and want from the ground up! TOPICS EXPLORED 0:00 – 1:38 – Introduction 1:38 – 2:35 – What is the Organic Farmers Association and what type of work does it do? 2:35 – 5:34 – How did you become interested in sustainable food and agriculture and become the Executive Director of the Organic Farmers Association? 5:34 – 8:43 – Can you tell me a little bit about how you implement organic practices on your farm? 8:43 – 10:50 – What are some of the challenges and benefits of becoming USDA Certified Organic? 10:50 – 13:28 – Can you tell me about the USDA National Organic Program and why the National Organic Program is important? 13:28 – 16:09 – There are some people who are critical of USDA Certified Organic and believe it should be stronger. What would you say to people who may be hesitant about getting certified or considering dropping certification? 16:09 – 18:16 – Can you tell me about the educational work the Organic Farmers Association does? 18:16 – 19:36 – The Organic Farmers Association has farmers circles – what are they and how can they benefit farmers? 19:36 – 21:40 – What are some examples of Organic Events the Organic Farmers Association helps coordinate? 21:40 – 22:51 – Can you tell me about the Organic Voice magazine? 22:51 – 26:08 – Can you tell me about the advocacy work the Organic Farmers Association does and some of the recent outcomes? 26:08 – 29:33 – What are some of the main challenges for the organic agriculture movement in the US right now? 29:33 – 30:39 – What can everyday people do to grow the organic agriculture movement? 30:39 – 32:16 – What are your hopes for the future of the organic movement? 32:16 – 32:45 – Things to share and wrap up ORGANIC FARMERS ASSOCIATION INFORMATION https://organicfarmersassociation.org/ RESOURCES Organic Career Network: https://organiccareernetwork.org/ Organic Farmers Association Policy Positions: https://organicfarmersassociation.org... Organic Voice Magazine: https://organicfarmersassociation.org... FOOD FOR YOU AND THE PLANET PODCAST INFORMATION Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7pkAIuX... RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/506343/rss Podcast Instagram: @foodforyouandtheplanet TAGS Food Environment Health Podcast Sustainability Farms Farmers Farming Organic USDA Certified Organic Organic Farmers Association

13 Aug 32min

Sally McGee is the Director of Climate and Strategic Initiatives at the Nature Conservancy and Leader of the Shellfish Growers Climate Coalition. Sally McGee works for the Nature Conservancy where she is the Director of Climate and Strategic Initiatives for the Global Aquaculture Program. Her areas of focus include the Shellfish Growers Climate Coalition, Sustaining Oyster Aquaculture and Restoration (SOAR), and projects focused on seaweed cultivation. Sally also developed, owned, and operated an oyster farm, Sixpenny Oysters, in Noank, Connecticut. Previously, Sally was TNC's Northeast Marine Program Director and focused on wild harvest fisheries and marine spatial planning. She was also a voting member of the New England Fishery Management Council, which governs wild harvest fisheries out to 200 miles offshore. Sally received her bachelor's degree in economics from Smith College and her master's degree in marine affairs from the University of Rhode Island. She also worked in the U.S. House of Representatives on natural resource, climate, and agriculture issues. Sally is a certified master gardener and volunteers in her local giving garden growing produce for food-insecure people in southeastern Connecticut. TOPICS EXPLORED 0:00 – 2:06 – Introduction 2:06 – 4:51 – What is the Shellfish Growers Climate Coalition and what type of work does it do? 4:51 – 7:25 – How did you become interested in the ocean and sustainable aquaculture? 7:25 – 9:55 – Can you tell me about your time spent as the owner and operator of Sixpenny Oysters? 9:55 – 11:30 – What are some of the challenges shellfish growers currently face? 11:30 – 13:35 – What are some of the environmental benefits of shellfish in general? 13:35 – 16:00 – What are some of the environmentally sustainable practices shellfish growers use? 16:00 – 17:43 – How does the Shellfish Growers Climate Coalition work with key stakeholders beyond shellfish growers such as wholesalers, retailers, restaurants, and gear manufacturers? 17:43 – 19:14 – Are there any ways you recommend people eat shellfish? 19:14 – 22:42 – Can you share an example of innovative techniques sea farmers have used to grow shellfish and seaweed together? 22:42 – 25:06 – What are some examples of educational outreach shellfish growers and storytellers have done to build awareness about the benefits of shellfish growing? 25:06 – 27:23 – What do you think the future of sustainable food from the ocean will look like? 27:23 – 28:23 – Things to share and wrap up SHELLFISH GROWERS CLIMATE COALITION INFORMATION https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-priorities/tackle-climate-change/climate-change-stories/shellfish-growers-climate-coalition/ RESOURCES Against the Tide Trailer: https://youtu.be/9h0RQ0K8rrk?si=eA-TSehGfIWzXOQo Heard on the Half Shell – Shellfish Growers Share Their Voice: https://youtu.be/PUCbJL5rjvA?si=-5Jfh_S9r8MZ76Cn Supporting Oyster Aquaculture and Restoration (SOAR): https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-priorities/provide-food-and-water-sustainably/food-and-water-stories/oyster-covid-relief-restoration/ FOOD FOR YOU AND THE PLANET PODCAST INFORMATION Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/food-for-you-and-the-planet/id1739416396 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7pkAIuXxl9dzD48b7qMOL1 RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/506343/rss Podcast Instagram: @foodforyouandtheplanet TAGS Food Environment Health Podcast Sustainability Aquaculture Clams Climate Mussels Oysters Sea Farmers Shellfish Shellfish Growers Shellfish Growers Climate Coalition

16 Jul 28min

Abby Barrows is the Owner and Operator of Deer Isle Oyster Company and microplastics research scientist. Abby Barrows grew up and currently lives on an island off the coast of Maine. The ocean has been her passion driving her personal and professional path. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Tasmania and a Master of Philosophy in Human Ecology from the College of the Atlantic. Directing microplastics research since 2012, she initiated the first baseline data map of microplastic pollution distribution in Maine. She concluded her work as the Principal Investigator for the Global Microplastics Initiative with Adventure Scientists. Through the help of citizen scientists, they compiled one of the largest global datasets on every ocean and continent in the world, enabling a rare glimpse at the extent of plastic contamination in remote, understudied ocean and fresh waters. Her interests are in research, oyster and seaweed farming, field methodology, education, disruptive innovation, and utilizing scientific data to drive policy and legislation to reduce single-use plastic locally and globally. TOPICS EXPLORED 0:00 – 1:46 – Introduction 1:46 – 2:40 – How did you become interested in the ocean? 2:40 – 4:44 – Can you tell me about your career path including your microplastics research? 4:44 – 6:29 – How did you make the leap into microplastics research and what were some of the big findings that you discovered? 6:29 – 9:06 – When did you first become interested in aquaculture and how did you start Deer Isle Oyster Company? 9:06 – 11:36 – Can you tell me a little about where you farm your oysters and what makes that location unique? 11:36 – 13:50 – What are some of the interesting characteristics about the oysters you grow? 13:50 – 17:07 – What do you wish people knew about oysters and aquaculture in general? 17:07 – 18:20 – What are some of your favorite ways to eat oysters? 18:20 – 21:48 – I understand you've been working to reduce plastic in the oyster farming industry. Can you tell me a little bit about this work? 21:48 – 24:12 – What are some of the challenges you face as an oyster farmer and may shellfish growers face in general and how can they be overcome? 24:12 – 25:50 – What are some of the ways you have worked to increase awareness about oyster farming? 25:50 – 27:02 – Things to share and wrap up DEER ISLE OYSTER CO AND ABBY BARROWS INFORMATION https://www.deerisleoysterco.com/ https://abbybarrows.com/ RESOURCES Antarctica: At the Intersection of Technology and Climate Action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCCMekuepeg Mushroom buoys could be contender in fight to reduce ocean plastics in Bangor Daily News: https://www.bangordailynews.com/2022/04/20/down-east/mushroom-buoys-ocean-plastics-joam40zk0w/ To cut ocean plastic pollution, aquaculture turns to renewable gear in Civil Eats: https://civileats.com/2022/06/27/to-cut-ocean-plastic-pollution-aquaculture-turns-to-renewable-gear/ The Maine microplastics researcher reenvisioning aquaculture in Down East: https://downeast.com/land-wildlife/microplastics-aquaculture-maine/ Aquaculture and the plastic problem in edible Maine: https://www.ediblemaine.com/stories/aquaculture-and-the-plastic-problem/ FOOD FOR YOU AND THE PLANET PODCAST INFORMATION Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/food-for-you-and-the-planet/id1739416396 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7pkAIuXxl9dzD48b7qMOL1 RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/506343/rss Podcast Instagram: @foodforyouandtheplanet TAGS Food Environment Health Podcast Sustainability Aquaculture Oysters Plastic

11 Jun 27min

Michael Mazourek, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the School of Integrative Plant Science, Plant Breeding and Genetics, and Horticulture. Michael Mazourek, PhD, is the Calvin Knoyes Keeney Associate Professor of Vegetable Breeding at Cornell University. Michael is a breeder of peas, beans, squash, cucumbers and peppers and has released numerous cultivars and breeding materials that are shared by small, regional seed companies and incorporated into breeding program of the world's largest seed companies. Michael's specialty is biochemical genetics in vegetables; he explores the diverse phytochemistry that plants use to repel pests and herbivores, reward and nourish pollinators and seed dispersers and cope with environmental stresses, with a goal of harnessing to maximize nutrition and sustainability. Michael shares the craft of plant breeding with students at Cornell, through grower conferences and field days. TOPICS EXPLORED 0:00 – 1:52 – Introduction 1:52 – 3:44 – Can you give me a short overview of your plant science research at Cornell University? 3:44 – 6:26 – How did you become interested in plant science, food, and agriculture? 6:26 – 8:16 – What is the history of plant breeding? How and why did it begin? 8:16 – 9:55 – Why is plant breeding important? 9:55 – 14:25 – What are some of the methods for breeding plants? 14:25 – 17:22 – How does the type of breeding you do differ from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), or work done using CRISPR? 17:22 – 18:52 – What are some of the types of plants you have bred? 18:52 – 23:41 – What are some ways plants can be bred for great flavor? Can you give some examples of varieties you've created? 23:41 – 26:44 – How have you worked with local growers to breed plants? 26:44 – 29:00 – How can plants be bred to be more disease resistant? 29:00 – 30:40 – How can plants be bred to be more resistant to extreme weather events such as droughts or floods? 30:40 – 34:24 – What do you see as the future for organic, open-pollinated plant breeding? MICHAEL MAZOUREK AT CORNELL UNIVERSITY INFORMATION https://cals.cornell.edu/michael-mazourek RESOURCES Maz Lab Seeds: https://www.instagram.com/mazlabseeds/ FOOD FOR YOU AND THE PLANET PODCAST INFORMATION Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/food-for-you-and-the-planet/id1739416396 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7pkAIuXxl9dzD48b7qMOL1 RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/506343/rss Podcast Instagram: @foodforyouandtheplanet TAGS Food Environment Health Podcast Sustainability Agriculture Organic Plant Breeding Seeds

21 Mai 34min