Back to the People with Nicole Shanahan

From Soil to Soul: Why Regenerative Agriculture is the Only Way Forward, feat. Joel Salatin

May 21, 2025
Joel Salatin, a charismatic farmer and influential advocate for regenerative agriculture, shares his journey from Venezuela to running Polyface Farm in Virginia. He emphasizes the crucial role of farmers in ecosystem care while critiquing industrial agriculture for its negative impacts on health and the environment. Salatin discusses innovative techniques like aerobic composting and the vital connection between regenerative practices and community well-being. He also highlights the challenges posed by bureaucratic regulations, calling for changes that empower local food initiatives.
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ANECDOTE

Family Farm's Forced Migration

  • Joel Salatin's family farmed in Venezuela but was forced to flee due to local conflict and accusations of witchcraft.
  • They relocated to Virginia, where Polyface Farm became a national model for regenerative agriculture.
INSIGHT

Farming as Ecosystem Stewardship

  • Farming is about stewarding an ecosystem, not just raising chickens.
  • Nature is a benevolent partner that responds abundantly when treated with care.
INSIGHT

Microbiome Needs Living Foods

  • Our microbiome is linked closely to soil microbes and requires familiar, living foods, not sterile processed products.
  • Exposure to diverse microbes in nature is crucial for strong immune systems.
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