220. Restoring the Land Through Regenerative Farming with Florence Reed of Sustainable Harvest International

In this episode of The Good Dirt Podcast, hosts Mary Kingsley and her daughter Emma talk with Florence Reed, founder of Sustainable Harvest International, a nonprofit that has worked with smallholder farmers in Central America for over 27 years in adopting regenerative farming practices. Florence tells the story of how Sustainable Harvest International got its start, and highlights the importance of healthy soil, biodiversity, and the role of local technical assistance in fostering long-term agricultural transformation. She points out how these practices alone applied to small farms the world over could significantly contribute to the United Nations' goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Florence tells us that there are many inspiring success stories, including one that she shares about a farmer who restored his land and sent both of his daughters to college as a result of his farming success following the SHI program. The conversation offers a hopeful message about the potential for individual and collective action in combating climate change.

,00:00 Introduction

00:31 Welcome to the Good Dirt Podcast

00:57 Guest Introduction: Florence Reed

03:25 Florence Reed's Background and Motivation

06:04 Early Challenges and Realizations

08:05 Founding Sustainable Harvest International

11:52 Initial Steps and Early Support

14:22 Challenges of Slash and Burn Farming

20:40 Sustainable and Regenerative Practices

27:42 Community Engagement and Program Implementation

30:48 Deciding Where to Work

31:32 Challenges and Demand

32:17 Global Impact of Small-Scale Farmers

33:40 Resistance to Change in Farming Practices

39:59 Success Stories and Long-Term Impact

46:02 Personal Reflections and Slow Living

49:16 Future Plans and Getting Involved

LINKS

Sustainable Harvest International

Roots of Renewal: A Film on Farming for a Hopeful Future

Eliot Coleman: The New Organic Grower

Barbara Damrosch: The Garden Primer

The Good Life: Helen and Scot Nearing's Sixty Years of Self Sufficient Living

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Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.

🌿 The Good Dirt Producers:

• Wendy Gray