Real Organic Podcast

#021: A deep discussion about farming, science, sustainability, and where knowledge comes from with the always-fascinating Stuart Hill, author and former chair of Social Ecology at the University of  Western Sydney, Australia.Stuart Hill is a prolific author, publishing over 350 papers and many books on agriculture and social ecology. He is the former chair of Social Ecology at the University of  Western Sydney, Australia and is currently Professor Emeritus in their School of Education. Stuart serves on the Real Organic Project Advisory Board.To watch a video version of this podcast please visit:https://www.realorganicproject.org/stuart-hill-sustainable-farming-knowledge-feedback-loops-episode-twenty-one/The Real Organic Podcast is hosted by Dave Chapman and Linley Dixon, engineered by Brandon StCyr, and edited and produced by Jenny Prince.The Real Organic Project is a farmer-led movement working towards certifying 1,000 farms across the United States this year. Our add-on food label distinguishes soil-grown fruits and vegetables from hydroponically-raised produce. It also identifies pasture-raised meat, milk, and eggs as compared to products harvested from animals in horrific confinement (CAFOs - confined animal feeding operations).To find a Real Organic farm near you, please visit:https://www.realorganicproject.org/farmsWe believe that the organic standards, with their focus on soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare were written as they should be. But the current lack of enforcement of those standards is jeopardizing small farms that follow the law. The lack of enforcement is also jeopardizing the overall health of the customers who support the organic movement; customers who are not getting what they pay for at market but are still paying a premium price. The lack of enforcement is jeopardizing the very cycles (water, air, nutrients) that Earth relies upon to provide us all with a place to live, by pushing extractive, chemical agriculture to the forefront.If you like what you hear and are feeling inspired, we would love for you to join our movement by becoming one of our 1,000  Real Fans!https://www.realorganicproject.org/1000-real-fans/To read our weekly newsletter (which might just be the most forwarded newsletter on the internet!) and get firsthand news about what's happening with organic food, farming and policy, please subscribe here:https://www.realorganicproject.org/email/

#020: Biodynamic farmer Jean-Paul Courtens discusses the complexities of tillage through the eyes of a vegetable farmer, as well as necessary changes in his practices due to the increasing effects of Climate Change.Jean-Paul Courtens is a well-known Biodynamic farmer living in New York's Hudson Valley and a valuable resource to the farming community. After spending decades growing organic food for over eight hundred CSA members in his region he turned his attention to educating and mentoring the next generation of farmers. In 2018, he was awarded NOFA NY's Farmer of the Year Award. To watch a video version of this podcast please visit:https://www.realorganicproject.org/jean-paul-courtens-to-till-or-not-to-till-on-a-vegetable-farm-episode-twentyThe Real Organic Podcast is hosted by Dave Chapman and Linley Dixon, engineered by Brandon StCyr, and edited and produced by Jenny Prince.The Real Organic Project is a farmer-led movement working towards certifying 1,000 farms across the United States this year. Our add-on food label distinguishes soil-grown fruits and vegetables from hydroponically-raised produce. It also identifies pasture-raised meat, milk, and eggs as compared to products harvested from animals in horrific confinement (CAFOs - confined animal feeding operations).To find a Real Organic farm near you, please visit:https://www.realorganicproject.org/farmsWe believe that the organic standards, with their focus on soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare were written as they should be. But the current lack of enforcement of those standards is jeopardizing small farms that follow the law. The lack of enforcement is also jeopardizing the overall health of the customers who support the organic movement; customers who are not getting what they pay for at market but are still paying a premium price. The lack of enforcement is jeopardizing the very cycles (water, air, nutrients) that Earth relies upon to provide us all with a place to live, by pushing extractive, chemical agriculture to the forefront.If you like what you hear and are feeling inspired, we would love for you to join our movement by becoming one of our 1,000  Real Fans!https://www.realorganicproject.org/1000-real-fans/To read our weekly newsletter (which might just be the most forwarded newsletter on the internet!) and get firsthand news about what's happening with organic food, farming and policy, please subscribe here:https://www.realorganicproject.org/email/

#019:  A brief interview with Enid Wonnacott about the drafting of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990.  Enid shares how farmers learning from one another and always striving to improve the program were meant to be at the forefront of the standards.Enid Wonnacott, (the late) longtime Executive Director of NOFA Vermont was a champion of the organic, local food movement, helping to form the National Organic Program and sparking plenty of opportunities for both learning and sales for organic farmers in Vermont. In addition to her many accomplishments within the organic movement, she is remembered for bringing singing, dancing, food, and joy to decades of gatherings. We interviewed her in August of 2018 at the NOFA Summer Conference at UMass Amherst.  To watch a video version of this podcast please visit:https://www.realorganicproject.org/enid-wonnacott-when-the-organic-floor-became-a-ceiling-episode-nineteen/The Real Organic Podcast is hosted by Dave Chapman and Linley Dixon, engineered by Brandon StCyr, and edited and produced by Jenny Prince.The Real Organic Project is a farmer-led movement working towards certifying 1,000 farms across the United States this year. Our add-on food label distinguishes soil-grown fruits and vegetables from hydroponically-raised produce. It also identifies pasture-raised meat, milk, and eggs as compared to products harvested from animals in horrific confinement (CAFOs - confined animal feeding operations).To find a Real Organic farm near you, please visit:https://www.realorganicproject.org/farmsWe believe that the organic standards, with their focus on soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare were written as they should be. But the current lack of enforcement of those standards is jeopardizing small farms that follow the law. The lack of enforcement is also jeopardizing the overall health of the customers who support the organic movement; customers who are not getting what they pay for at market but are still paying a premium price. The lack of enforcement is jeopardizing the very cycles (water, air, nutrients) that Earth relies upon to provide us all with a place to live, by pushing extractive, chemical agriculture to the forefront.If you like what you hear and are feeling inspired, we would love for you to join our movement by becoming one of our 1,000  Real Fans!https://www.realorganicproject.org/1000-real-fans/To read our weekly newsletter (which might just be the most forwarded newsletter on the internet!) and get firsthand news about what's happening with organic food, farming and policy, please subscribe here:https://www.realorganicproject.org/email/

#018: Vincent Stanley shares the story of how and why Patagonia switched to 100% organic cotton in the mid 90s and how private companies can lead the way in answering to bottom lines beyond profit.  Vincent Stanley has worked at Patagonia since the 1970s, navigating a changing environment and the company's role in producing Earth-friendly products for customers who want to align their value with their purchases. He is the co-author of The Responsible Company with his uncle, Yvon Chouinard.To watch a video version of this podcast please visit:https://www.realorganicproject.org/vincent-stanley-the-power-of-private-companies-working-to-protect-earth-episode-eighteen/The Real Organic Podcast is hosted by Dave Chapman and Linley Dixon, engineered by Brandon StCyr, and edited and produced by Jenny Prince.The Real Organic Project is a farmer-led movement working towards certifying 1,000 farms across the United States this year. Our add-on food label distinguishes soil-grown fruits and vegetables from hydroponically-raised produce. It also identifies pasture-raised meat, milk, and eggs as compared to products harvested from animals in horrific confinement (CAFOs - confined animal feeding operations).To find a Real Organic farm near you, please visit:https://www.realorganicproject.org/farmsWe believe that the organic standards, with their focus on soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare were written as they should be. But the current lack of enforcement of those standards is jeopardizing small farms that follow the law. The lack of enforcement is also jeopardizing the overall health of the customers who support the organic movement; customers who are not getting what they pay for at market but are still paying a premium price. The lack of enforcement is jeopardizing the very cycles (water, air, nutrients) that Earth relies upon to provide us all with a place to live, by pushing extractive, chemical agriculture to the forefront.If you like what you hear and are feeling inspired, we would love for you to join our movement by becoming one of our 1,000  Real Fans!https://www.realorganicproject.org/1000-real-fans/To read our weekly newsletter (which might just be the most forwarded newsletter on the internet!) and get firsthand news about what's happening with organic food, farming and policy, please subscribe here:https://www.realorganicproject.org/email/

#017: Hydroponic blueberries, suspiciously sporting the USDA organic seal, are taking over the marketplace and jeopardizing the livelihood of real organic blueberry farmers like Hugh Kent. But with a focus on biodiversity and the microbial life in his soil, Hugh is able to grow a blueberry that has one thing the hydro growers can't match: flavor. Hugh and Lisa Kent grow exceptional blueberries at King Grove Organic Farm in Florida, where they actively steward many acres of land and several species of wildlife. King Grove's  blueberries are renowned for their truly exceptional flavor.To watch a video version of this podcast please visit:https://www.realorganicproject.org/hugh-kent-allowing-hydroponic-berries-into-organic-is-a-mandate-episode-seventeenThe Real Organic Podcast is hosted by Dave Chapman and Linley Dixon, engineered by Brandon StCyr, and edited and produced by Jenny Prince.The Real Organic Project is a farmer-led movement working towards certifying 1,000 farms across the United States this year. Our add-on food label distinguishes soil-grown fruits and vegetables from hydroponically-raised produce. It also identifies pasture-raised meat, milk, and eggs as compared to products harvested from animals in horrific confinement (CAFOs - confined animal feeding operations).To find a Real Organic farm near you, please visit:https://www.realorganicproject.org/farmsWe believe that the organic standards, with their focus on soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare were written as they should be. But the current lack of enforcement of those standards is jeopardizing small farms that follow the law. The lack of enforcement is also jeopardizing the overall health of the customers who support the organic movement; customers who are not getting what they pay for at market but are still paying a premium price. The lack of enforcement is jeopardizing the very cycles (water, air, nutrients) that Earth relies upon to provide us all with a place to live, by pushing extractive, chemical agriculture to the forefront.If you like what you hear and are feeling inspired, we would love for you to join our movement by becoming one of our 1,000  Real Fans!https://www.realorganicproject.org/1000-real-fans/To read our weekly newsletter (which might just be the most forwarded newsletter on the internet!) and get firsthand news about what's happening with organic food, farming and policy, please subscribe here:https://www.realorganicproject.org/email/

#016: Green banker, philanthropist, and co-owner of TomKat Ranch, Kat Taylor believes we can reform both capitalism and agriculture into tools that heal our planet and communities through just and equitable practices that align with consumer values. To watch a video version of this podcast please visit:https://www.realorganicproject.org/kat-taylor-grow-good-money-and-good-food-for-all-episode-sixteen/The Real Organic Podcast is hosted by Dave Chapman and Linley Dixon, engineered by Brandon StCyr, and edited and produced by Jenny Prince.The Real Organic Project is a farmer-led movement working towards certifying 1,000 farms across the United States this year. Our add-on food label distinguishes soil-grown fruits and vegetables from hydroponically-raised produce. It also identifies pasture-raised meat, milk, and eggs as compared to products harvested from animals in horrific confinement (CAFOs - confined animal feeding operations).To find a Real Organic farm near you, please visit:https://www.realorganicproject.org/farmsWe believe that the organic standards, with their focus on soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare were written as they should be. But the current lack of enforcement of those standards is jeopardizing small farms that follow the law. The lack of enforcement is also jeopardizing the overall health of the customers who support the organic movement; customers who are not getting what they pay for at market but are still paying a premium price. The lack of enforcement is jeopardizing the very cycles (water, air, nutrients) that Earth relies upon to provide us all with a place to live, by pushing extractive, chemical agriculture to the forefront.If you like what you hear and are feeling inspired, we would love for you to join our movement by becoming one of our 1,000  Real Fans!https://www.realorganicproject.org/1000-real-fans/To read our weekly newsletter (which might just be the most forwarded newsletter on the internet!) and get firsthand news about what's happening with organic food, farming and policy, please subscribe here:https://www.realorganicproject.org/email/

#015: Farm School NYC's Onika Abraham lays out the history, challenges, and hopes of community gardens in urban America, including the need to restore equity by reclaiming the commons and  to empower those closest to problems as the authors of solutions.Onika Abraham is the Executive Director of Farm School NYC, the co-founder of Black Urban Growers, and one of the organizers of the Black Farmer Fund. She completed an apprenticeship at the Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems in Santa Cruz, CA and  is a certified Urban Gardener through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Onika serves on the Real Organic Project Advisory Board.To watch a video version of this podcast please visit:https://www.realorganicproject.org/onika-abraham-voting-with-your-fork-wont-end-food-apartheid-episode-fifteen/The Real Organic Podcast is hosted by Dave Chapman and Linley Dixon, engineered by Brandon StCyr, and edited and produced by Jenny Prince.The Real Organic Project is a farmer-led movement working towards certifying 1,000 farms across the United States this year. Our add-on food label distinguishes soil-grown fruits and vegetables from hydroponically-raised produce, and pasture-raised meat, milk, and eggs from products harvested from animals in horrific confinement (CAFOs - confined animal feeding operations).To find a Real Organic farm near you, please visit:https://www.realorganicproject.org/farmsWe believe that the organic standards, with their focus on soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare were written as they should be, but that the current lack of enforcement of those standards is jeopardizing the ability for small farms who adhere to the law to stay in business. The lack of enforcement is also jeopardizing the overall health of the customers who support the organic movement; customers who are not getting what they pay for at market but still paying a premium price. And the lack of enforcement is jeopardizing the very cycles (water, air, nutrients) that Earth relies upon to provide us all with a place to live, by pushing extractive, chemical agriculture to the forefront.If you like what you hear and are feeling inspired, we would love for you to join our movement by becoming one of our 1,000  Real Fans!https://www.realorganicproject.org/1000-real-fans/To read our weekly newsletter (which might just be the most forwarded newsletter on the internet!) and get firsthand news about what's happening with organic food, farming and policy, please subscribe here:https://www.realorganicproject.org/email/

#014: Mark Schatzker, author of The Dorito Effect, shares what he's learned about the flavor industry's transformation of modern food in the Western world and the resulting losses for human nutrition and health. Mark Schatzker is a journalist and author who writes deeply-researched page turners about food and flavor. In addition to his books Steak and The Dorito Effect,  he is releasing The End of Craving: Recovering the Lost Wisdom of Eating Well, in November, 2021.To watch a video version of this podcast please visit:https://www.realorganicproject.org/mark-schatzker-deception-dishonesty-flavoring-human-nutrition-episode-fourteen/The Real Organic Podcast is hosted by Dave Chapman and Linley Dixon, engineered by Brandon StCyr, and edited and produced by Jenny Prince.The Real Organic Project is a farmer-led movement working towards certifying 1,000 farms across the United States this year. Our add-on food label distinguishes soil-grown fruits and vegetables from hydroponically-raised produce, and pasture-raised meat, milk, and eggs from products harvested from animals in horrific confinement (CAFOs - confined animal feeding operations).To find a Real Organic farm near you, please visit:https://www.realorganicproject.org/farmsWe believe that the organic standards, with their focus on soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare were written as they should be, but that the current lack of enforcement of those standards is jeopardizing the ability for small farms who adhere to the law to stay in business. The lack of enforcement is also jeopardizing the overall health of the customers who support the organic movement; customers who are not getting what they pay for at market but still paying a premium price. And the lack of enforcement is jeopardizing the very cycles (water, air, nutrients) that Earth relies upon to provide us all with a place to live, by pushing extractive, chemical agriculture to the forefront.If you like what you hear and are feeling inspired, we would love for you to join our movement by becoming one of our 1,000  Real Fans!https://www.realorganicproject.org/1000-real-fans/To read our weekly newsletter (which might just be the most forwarded newsletter on the internet!) and get firsthand news about what's happening with organic food, farming and policy, please subscribe here:https://www.realorganicproject.org/email/

#013: Alice Waters shares her long view into the US food system's broken relationship with real food, as well as the social impact she's seeing in our ability to get whatever we want whenever we want it, on the cheap.Alice Waters is the founder and owner of Chez Panisse restaurant in Berkeley, California, known throughout the world for its dedication to local and organic foods and seen by many as the first restaurant to offer what’s become known as California Cuisine. She is a  huge advocate of improving school lunches in the US and is the creator of Edible Schoolyard, a curriculum that brings gardens and kitchens into public education. Alice is a Real Organic Project Advisory Board member.To watch a video version of this podcast please visit:https://www.realorganicproject.org/alice-waters-cost-of-eating-fast-food-values-episode-thirteen/The Real Organic Podcast is hosted by Dave Chapman and Linley Dixon, engineered by Brandon StCyr, and edited and produced by Jenny Prince.The Real Organic Project is a farmer-led movement working towards certifying 1,000 farms across the United States this year. Our add-on food label distinguishes soil-grown fruits and vegetables from hydroponically-raised produce, and pasture-raised meat, milk, and eggs from products harvested from animals in horrific confinement (CAFOs - confined animal feeding operations).To find a Real Organic farm near you, please visit:https://www.realorganicproject.org/farmsWe believe that the organic standards, with their focus on soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare were written as they should be, but that the current lack of enforcement of those standards is jeopardizing the ability for small farms who adhere to the law to stay in business. The lack of enforcement is also jeopardizing the overall health of the customers who support the organic movement; customers who are not getting what they pay for at market but still paying a premium price. And the lack of enforcement is jeopardizing the very cycles (water, air, nutrients) that Earth relies upon to provide us all with a place to live, by pushing extractive, chemical agriculture to the forefront.If you like what you hear and are feeling inspired, we would love for you to join our movement by becoming one of our 1,000  Real Fans!https://www.realorganicproject.org/1000-real-fans/To read our weekly newsletter (which might just be the most forwarded newsletter on the internet!) and get firsthand news about what's happening with organic food, farming and policy, please subscribe here:https://www.realorganicproject.org/email/

#012: Organic food is a big deal in Denmark, where it makes up the majority of all food sold. The Danish government believes that even if you don't buy and eat organic food, all Danes benefit from organic agricultural practices that promote clean water, healthy soil, and biodiversity.  US Transplant Paul Holmbeck has been deeply involved in executing the strategies that led to this outcome in Denmark and talks about how we can encourage the same ideas to grow  here in the US.After moving from North Carolina to Denmark, Paul Holmbeck served as the Director and Political Director of Organic Denmark for 20+ years. His involvement in political strategy, policy development, and market initiatives have helped to protect organic agriculture, vital ecosystems, and the nutritional health of the Danish population. Paul currently works hard to ensure that those who claim their products and services benefit the planet's climate are being true to their word.To watch a video version of this podcast please visit:https://www.realorganicproject.org/how-denmark-went-organic-episode-twelveThe Real Organic Podcast is hosted by Dave Chapman and Linley Dixon, engineered by Brandon StCyr, and edited and produced by Jenny Prince.The Real Organic Project is a farmer-led movement working towards certifying 1,000 farms across the United States this year. Our add-on food label distinguishes soil-grown fruits and vegetables from hydroponically-raised produce, and pasture-raised meat, milk, and eggs from products harvested from animals in horrific confinement (CAFOs - confined animal feeding operations).To find a Real Organic farm near you, please visit:https://www.realorganicproject.org/farmsWe believe that the organic standards, with their focus on soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare were written as they should be, but that the current lack of enforcement of those standards is jeopardizing the ability for small farms who adhere to the law to stay in business. The lack of enforcement is also jeopardizing the overall health of the customers who support the organic movement; customers who are not getting what they pay for at market but still paying a premium price. And the lack of enforcement is jeopardizing the very cycles (water, air, nutrients) that Earth relies upon to provide us all with a place to live, by pushing extractive, chemical agriculture to the forefront.If you like what you hear and are feeling inspired, we would love for you to join our movement by becoming one of our 1,000  Real Fans!https://www.realorganicproject.org/1000-real-fans/To read our weekly newsletter (which might just be the most forwarded newsletter on the internet!) and get firsthand news about what's happening with organic food, farming and policy, please subscribe here:https://www.realorganicproject.org/email/