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On the latest episode of Down to Earth, Mike Bollinger, executive director of Seed Savers Exchange, joins us to discuss the small nonprofit that's making a big difference. For a half century, they've been saving seeds, getting them out into gardens, telling their stories — and cultivating biodiversity that has been badly diminished with the rise of corporate agriculture and seed production. It may seem counterintuitive, but the best way to save seeds is to plant them, according to Mike Bollinger. While the non-profit does maintain a seed bank, much of their work is devoted to getting seeds out into the world, into gardens and farms where they can thrive and multiply — and nourish those who grow and share them. Located in Decorah, Iowa, Seed Savers has a large farm where they cultivate genetic diversity, including vegetables, flowers, fruits, and even heritage livestock. You can get and share seeds through their exchange and their seed catalog. Listen now: https://lnkd.in/gC3zXCQm

Last week, interns had the chance to attend the Fundamentals of Resilient Agriculture workshop at White Oak Pastures' non-profit organization, the Center for Agricultural Resilience (CFAR). We explored the core principles of regenerative agriculture and learned how White Oak Pastures is actively working to decommoditize, decentralize, and deindustrialize our food system while rebuilding community connections. White Oak Pastures emphasizes a holistic approach to nature’s cycles. Instead of focusing solely on the carbon cycle, they consider the energy, microbial, water, mineral, and grazing cycles, along with the community. This broader perspective leads to measurable outcomes that benefit people, animals, and the land. When holistic land management is done correctly, the total net emissions from animal agriculture are significantly lower than those from conventionally raised beef and even plant-based options, making regenerative agriculture a far superior choice for all without sacrificing our health in the process. We toured the farm, compost areas, and processing facility, including the kill floor, which is a vital step in reconnecting us with our food and honoring the animals that sustain our health. While I could talk about regenerative agriculture endlessly, my favorite aspect of the event was the sense of community. We frequently gather around a large table for meals, not just at CFAR but as part of the everyday experience, engaging with one another—including Will Harris, who was always available and happy to answer any questions. Everyone at CFAR is enthusiastic, passionate and excited about regenerative agriculture and White Oak Pastures is truly leading the way. #Holisticlandmanagement #regenerativeagriculture #thefutureisregenerative #centerforagriculturalresilience #cfar #whiteoakpastures

The Faaborg family's journey from industrial hog farming to mushroom cultivation is truly inspiring. It's a great example of how agriculture can make a positive impact on the land and communities. I hope their story, from despair to hope and their dedication to restoring their land and livelihoods, can serve as inspiration to many. 💚 Stories like these highlight the pressing need for a return to farming practices that prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and community well-being. Organic farming is a climate-smart solution that offers a proven path towards a more resilient and sustainable food system. I'm reminded of the Organic Farming Research Foundation's #OrganicIsRegenerative toolkit, which is packed with valuable resources and insights into the benefits of organic farming. It's an awesome tool for anyone keen on understanding how organic regenerative agriculture can contribute to a more sustainable future. https://lnkd.in/gcX2RTUY #OiR #SoilHealth #OrganicForClimate

2024 Spier Harvest Report: Exceeding Expectations 🍷 The exceptional quality of the 2024 vintage was evident from the very first grape pickings. Our regenerative farming practices ensured resilience against the season’s weather whims, promising a vintage that could surpass even the acclaimed 2015 and 2017 releases. We’re grateful for the collaborative effort of our grape growers, vineyard teams and cellar crews, and all their supportive families, for another standout vintage. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/dS3TrdR4

Celebrating Our Incredible Farmers This Fall I see bales of hay! This reminds me of all the effort that goes into bringing food to our tables. Let’s give a huge shoutout to the backbone of our community! Here’s to a successful season and many more to come! As we embrace the beauty of fall, let’s take a moment to celebrate the hard work and dedication of all our farmers. Their resilience shines through with a bountiful harvest, reminding us of the essential role they play in our lives. Farmers face countless challenges daily, from unpredictable weather to market fluctuations. Yet, they consistently demonstrate incredible perseverance and determination. Many seek advice from one another, attend workshops on sustainable practices, and embrace innovative technologies to improve their yields and adapt to changing conditions. Their collective efforts inspire us all and highlight the importance of resilience in overcoming adversity. Innovation is a driving force in modern agriculture. Farmers across the country are finding creative solutions to common challenges. From developing new farming techniques to utilizing technology for monitoring crop health, these innovative practices are revolutionizing farming. By thinking outside the box, farmers are achieving greater success and inspiring others in the industry. Moreover, the commitment to giving back is a hallmark of the farming community. Many farmers donate excess produce to local food banks, teach sustainable practices to aspiring farmers, and host community events to support various charitable causes. Their dedication to their communities Bonnyville – Cold Lake – St. Paul, showcases the deep connection between farmers and the people they serve. Here’s to our farmers and the vital work they do! #FallHarvest #ThankAFarmer #FarmersMarket #SupportLocal #Agriculture #HarvestSeason #SustainableFarming #CommunitySupport #FarmLife #FeedTheWorld

This morning at the Oxford Real Farming Conference, our Director Mark Walton held the workshop 𝙇𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙋𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙇𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝘿𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘼𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙮 with Henri Greig from Pipers Farm and Charlotte Molyneux from Devon County Council. At Shared Assets, we believe local authorities have an important role to play in facilitating a more just and regenerative land system, that is non commodity-based, and centres the interests of people and nature, not profit. Participants in the workshop discussed the opportunities and challenges for collaboration with local authorities to support the development of agroecological farming. Charlotte Molyneux shared how Devon County Council is providing business support to farmers, seeing them as a key element of the local economy. Henri Greig said: “my journey to providing good local food started when I realised we were growing food that we didn’t want to eat and didn’t want to feed to my children”

"Will young people come back to farming?" When Bablu Ganguly and Mary Vattamattam found that young children today have very little awareness about agriculture and the nature around them, they were deeply concerned. This lack of awareness, they felt, had alienated a new generation from appreciating the value of things like cow dung. The visionary founders of the Timbaktu Collective, decided to begin educating kids about farming and the importance of nurturing the ecosystem around them. Under their inspiring leadership, the collective has also spearheaded a number of initiatives, from regenerating forests, to fostering eco-friendly livelihoods, and providing food and income for local communities—all while nurturing a sustainable relationship with nature. Watch the full video on YouTube. Link in comment.

Reimagining Site Visits: A Virtual Experience with Kheyti Started this morning with a beautiful virtual site visit with Kheyti , that reminded me of the power of virtual visits. We connected with farmers in three locations, hearing directly from them about their application of Kheyti's modular greenhouses, that increase farmer incomes by 100% and improve crop yields by up to 300%(!). What stood out was the thoughtful, resource-conscious way a group of donors from around the world were connected with the farmers. In-person visits will always have their place, and applying #TrustBasedPhilanthropy we consider how we can be intentional in using the time and resources of the organizations we support. Virtual site visits offer a more equitable way to connect, keeping the focus on the work itself, while reducing both the carbon footprint and logistical burdens for grantees. Thanks to Kaushik Kappagantulu and the team for the experience the reaffirmed some elements of our virtual world have long-term value. #Philanthropy #GranteePartnerships #ClimateResilience #ImpactAtScale #SustainableFarming #VirtualVisits #Kheyti #sustainableagriculture

Dirt Capital Partners has raised over $30 million for their farmland fund, targeting a final close of $50 million by year-end, to enhance farmer access to land and promote regenerative agriculture. The fund has already invested $8 million across six regenerative projects, including work with Amaltheia Organic Dairy in Montana and Rancho Corralitos Agricultura in California, and released a 10-Year Impact Report which details their learnings in regenerative farm investment. ----- #regenerativeagriculture Why Regenerative This Week In Regenerative Agriculture #regenerative #food Link

MEET our CANAPEOPLE 👨🌾 🥑 Udi Haskelberg - CEO 🥑 My Role: As the second-generation CEO of our nursery, I oversee global projects and manage operations, continuing the legacy set by my father, who founded the nursery. My daily work involves coordinating with diverse teams to innovate and elevate our agricultural practices worldwide, keeping our daily ongoing work and commitments to the quality of our products and services. My Passion: The role is dynamic and creatively fulfilling, offering new obstacles to surmount daily. I find satisfaction in impacting people's lives, and I value the opportunity to collaborate with dedicated teams both within and beyond the #nursery. The Challenge: Each day brings new challenges in a constantly evolving environment, making it impossible to simply replicate past solutions. Moreover, the unpredictable nature of agriculture—impacted by climate, politics, and economics—demands constant #adaptation. Favorite Rootstock: My favorites are Canacado 320, our pioneering tetraploid #rootstock, and Canacado 330, which holds a special place in my heart as it is named after my beloved daughter, Noga. Guilty Pleasure: Although I prefer my fruits sweet, I recognize the unique appeal of #avocados, even though they're not my go-to choice.