Episode 525: David Bronner on Veganic Regenerative Organic Agriculture

This week Mariann talks to David Bronner of Dr. Bronner’s about what veganic regenerative agriculture is and the benefits of it for farming, climate change, and the welfare of all beings. This is a fantastic deep dive into a practice that has many ramifications for the future of food. He also tells us about the wonderful work that Dr. Bronner’s is doing to promote fair trade and fair labor practices all over the world.

David Bronner is Cosmic Engagement Officer (CEO) of Dr. Bronner’s, the top-selling brand of natural soaps in North America and producer of a range of organic body care and food products. He is a grandson of company founder, Emanuel Bronner, and a fifth-generation soapmaker. Under David and his brother Michael’s leadership, the brand has grown from $4 million in 1998 to over $111 million in annual revenue in 2017.

Over the years, David and Dr. Bronner’s have been key leaders in fights for GMO labeling, industrial hemp farming in the U.S., high-bar organic and fair trade standards, cannabis reform, and a fair minimum wage. Today, David is helping to lead the effort to establish the Regenerative Organic Certified standard, dedicating time and re-sources to creating an integrated, comprehensive program that addresses soil health, animal welfare, and fair labor practices to advance sustainable and ecological alter-natives to industrial agriculture. Dr. Bronner’s is a founding partner in the Climate Collaborative, which leverages the power of the Natural Products Industry to compel action on climate change. In addition to his support of advocacy for regenerative organic agriculture, David directs Dr. Bronner’s resources to support animal advocacy, wage equality, and drug policy reform. David was born in Los Angeles, California in 1973 and earned an undergraduate degree in biology from Harvard University. He is a dedicated vegan and enjoys surfing and dancing late into the night. He currently lives in Encinitas, California.

In the intro to the show, Jasmin visits the Hudson Valley, Rose the pitbull escapes Mariann’s yard sending Mariann and Jasmin on a frantic search, we address the coronavirus, and Mariann attends a fascinating talk on animal law at Yale. Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties!

As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer.

 



This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World. A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org.

Our Hen House is now part of the iROAR podcast network.

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Don’t forget to tune into Our Hen House’s other two podcasts: The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and The Animal Law Podcast.