Omanjana Goswami, Ph.D., Interdisciplinary scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists discusses soil health, human health, and water pollution from Tyson meat processing plants.
Jun 21, 2024
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Dr. Omanjana Goswami from the Union of Concerned Scientists talks about soil health, human health, and water pollution from Tyson meat processing plants. They discuss the connection between soil and human health, impacts of nitrate pollution, corporate influence on policies, consumer choices in the food system, and the health risks associated with nitrate contamination in drinking water.
Soil health impacts human gut microbiome, affecting food nutrients and health outcomes.
Current farm policies prioritize corporate profits, neglecting human health and promoting monoculture farming practices.
Deep dives
The Role of Interdisciplinary Scientists in Agriculture
Being an interdisciplinary scientist involves connecting diverse elements such as soil health, water quality, and climate impacts on agriculture. Dr. Goswami's broad expertise enables her to link Tyson's water polluting practices with soil health and human health. By exploring various scientific aspects, she navigates the complexities of agricultural systems and advocates for equitable policies.
Interconnection Between Soil Microbes and Human Gut Health
Soil microbes significantly impact soil functions and the nutritional quality of plants. Dr. Goswami highlights the linkage between soil microbiome and human gut microbiome. Studies suggest that soil health affects the nutrients in food, influencing human microbiome and health outcomes. Biodiversity in soil and diet promotes a more diverse and healthy human microbiome.
Food and Farm Policy Reforms for Healthier Agriculture
Current food and farm policies prioritize corporate profits over human health, leading to monocultural farming practices. Dr. Goswami advocates for sustainable agricultural systems by reducing chemical inputs and promoting local food production. Addressing Tyson's environmental footprint and policy influence, she emphasizes the need for diverse, local food systems to enhance soil health, human health, and environmental sustainability.
Did you know that U.S. farm policy values corporate profits over human health? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Omanjana Goswami, Ph.D., Interdisciplinary scientist in the Food & Environment Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists. Goswami discusses the connection between soil and human health; and water pollution from Tyson meat processing plants. She describes the impacts of nitrate pollution on human health and key changes in farm policy that would contribute to improvements in both environmental and public health.