Rethinking Food Systems: From Soil to Soul

In this latest episode, Professor Chris Marquis is joined by Elizabeth Whitlow, founding Executive Director of the Regenerative Organic Alliance—the force behind the pioneering Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC). Elizabeth shares her inspiring journey from sustainability advocate to global leader in regenerative agriculture, offering a heartfelt and strategic take on what it truly means to heal land, empower farmers, and reshape food systems. She explains how ROC goes beyond traditional organic standards to integrate soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness into a holistic framework. The conversation explores the challenges of maintaining integrity in a commercial landscape, resisting greenwashing, and balancing scale with authenticity. Elizabeth also emphasizes the power of storytelling and deep relationships in shifting consumer understanding. Her message is clear: regeneration isn’t a label—it’s a movement rooted in partnership, tradition, and purpose. This episode is essential for anyone interested in agriculture, certification, and systems-level change.

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