The Poor Prole’s Almanac

In this episode, we're joined by Panteleon from Maseualkualli Farms, a small fossil-free farm in northeast Kansas. We discuss the importance of relearning to farm without petrochemicals and petrofuels, building community, and the Florentine Codex-- a text that outlines traditional indigenous land stewardship as recorded by the Spanish upon their arrival.   We also chat about food apartheid and the concept of food as a public work.  Check out their farm at: https://www.masefarm.org/ and on social media at @Maseualkuallifarms     Support this podcast by becoming a Patron at: https://www.patreon.com/PoorProlesAlmanac

In this episode, we're joined by writer & producer Joe Yates, who is part of the Yawk'laanaas tribe. We discuss the PBS award-winning show 'Molly of Denali', the importance of TV that reflects very complicated realities around representation and finding common threads across audiences. If you're not familiar with the show 'Molly of Denali', it is an animated children's show created by Dorothea Gillim and Kathy Waugh. The series is the first American nationally distributed children's show to feature an Alaska Native as the lead character.   You can learn more about Joe's work at alaskanfilms.com   Support this podcast by becoming a Patron at: https://www.patreon.com/PoorProlesAlmanac

We're joined in this episode by Dr. Martin Reinhardt to discuss a unique project focused on what decolonized foods look like & how these diets impact health. When foods aren't easily available at the grocery store, how does that change your relationship with your food, and what are the health effects of these dietary changes. The Decolonizing Diet Project (DDP) was an exploratory study of the relationship between people and indigenous foods of the Great Lakes Region. Very few studies have ever been conducted on this subject matter, and studies that examine the physical, cultural, and legal/political dimensions are practically non-existent. This research program is being led by Dr. Martin Reinhardt, Assistant Professor – Center for Native American Studies at Northern Michigan University and is being supported by the USFS and Cedar Tree Institute.   The results can be found at:  https://na.eventscloud.com/file_uploads/0c98117111bd526196a14015c8f3489f_Reinhardt_Day3_1020am.pdf   The Decolonizing Diet book is available at the Northern Michigan University bookstore: https://nmu.bncollege.com/c/Decolonizing-Diet-Project-Cookbook/p/MBS_2042696_used     Support this podcast by becoming a Patron at: https://www.patreon.com/PoorProlesAlmanac

In this episode, we're joined by Jacqueline form the Cempazúchitl Collective to discuss street medic training for communities in their communities, as well as the variety of care that we should be thinking about as we prepare for more government crackdowns on dissent.   Check out their work at: https://linktr.ee/cempazuchitl Folks can donate to their work anytime through venmo: @BIPOCskillshares   Support this podcast by becoming a Patron at: https://www.patreon.com/PoorProlesAlmanac

Food scarcity is prevalent within every city in the U.S. The pandemic, systemic oppression and escalating climate change have exacerbated existing needs. One solution to food scarcity is food sovereignty and community health. In 2021 Seeding Sovereignty embarked on our first-ever farming adventure, Ancestral Acres Farm & Garden on Tiwa Territory in Albuquerque, New Mexico! In this episode, we're joined by Mayam from Ancestral Acres, land steward and program director, to discuss finding place and time in restoring landscapes for the benefit of human and non-human inhabitants. You can check out Ancestral Acres at: https://seedingsovereignty.org/aafg You can learn more about Seeding Sovereignty's various projects at: https://seedingsovereignty.org/   Support this podcast by becoming a Patron at: https://www.patreon.com/PoorProlesAlmanac

In this episode, we're joined by Taylor Pennewell from Redbud Resource Group to discuss the complex web of conversations around the concept of land acknowledgements, landback and sovereignty for indigenous people across North America. What does this look like in practice, what are the shortfalls around the way we do land acknowledgements today, and where do we go from here?   To learn more about Redbud Resource Group, visit: https://www.redbudresourcegroup.org/ or find Redbud Resource Group across social medias.     Support this podcast by becoming a Patron at: https://www.patreon.com/PoorProlesAlmanac  

In this episode, we're joined by Linda Black Elk & Ruth Plenty Sweetgrass-She Kills to discuss food sovereignty, seed rematriation, food systems collapse, and how social media plays into these conversations. What does the future hold for our food systems and how do we move forward from the current state of colonialism?   Linda Black Elk (Catawba) is an ethnobotanist specializing in traditional foods and medicines of the Great Plains. She is currently the Director of Food Sovereignty at United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck, ND, and is the mother to three Lakota sons. She can be found on Facebook at Linda Black Elk, or on Instagram @Linda.Black.Elk   Ruth Plenty Sweetgrass-She Kills (Hidatsa, Mandan, Dakota, and Nakota) is the Food Sovereignty Director at the Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College.     Support this podcast by becoming a Patron at: https://www.patreon.com/PoorProlesAlmanac  

In this episode, we're joined with Mandu from NATIFS, North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems, to discuss food sovereignty and the future of indigenous foodways and the concept of culture and food as dynamic and evolving. North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NāTIFS), founded by James Beard award winners The Sioux Chef, is dedicated to addressing the economic and health crises affecting Native communities by re-establishing Native foodways. We imagine a new North American food system that generates wealth and improves health in Native communities through food-related enterprises. NāTIFS has opened the Indigenous Food Lab in the Midtown Global Market on historic Lake Street in Minneapolis. The Indigenous Food Lab is a professional Indigenous kitchen and training center covering all aspects of food service; research and development; Indigenous food identification, gathering, cultivation, and preparation; and all components of starting and running a successful culinary business based around Native traditions and Indigenous foods. Reclamation of ancestral education is a critical part of reversing the damage of colonialism and forced assimilation, and food is at the heart of this reclamation. NāTIFS will drive sustainable economic empowerment and prosperity into tribal areas through a reimagined North American food system that also addresses the health impacts of injustice.   Check out NATIFS at NATIFS.org or @Natives_org on Instagram     Support this podcast by becoming a Patron at: https://www.patreon.com/PoorProlesAlmanac  

This episode of "The Poor Proles Almanac" features a discussion with Laura Thomas, Communications and Partnerships Manager at GC Resolve, and Graeme Christensen, a fifth-generation farmer and advocate for regenerative agriculture. The conversation centers on the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill, its historical bias towards commodity crops, and potential changes that could support the growth of small, diverse, and regenerative farming operations. The Farm Bill's Impact on Small Farmers The episode highlights the limitations of the Farm Bill in its current form, particularly its focus on commodity crops and its failure to adequately support small and diverse farming operations. Christensen points out that the crop insurance program, a significant component of the Farm Bill, is designed in a way that disadvantages small farmers and even penalizes those who adopt certain regenerative practices. This bias towards commodity crops, he argues, has contributed to a food system where even agriculturally rich states like Nebraska import the majority of their food. Opportunities for Reform in the 2023 Farm Bill The discussion emphasizes the 2023 Farm Bill as a crucial opportunity for reform, advocating for changes that could make farming more accessible to younger generations and support a transition towards more sustainable and regenerative practices. Key proposals discussed include: A Regenerative Transition Program (RTP): This program would provide financial and technical assistance to farmers transitioning to regenerative practices, helping them overcome the economic barriers and knowledge gaps often associated with such a shift. Strengthened Technical Assistance: The episode calls for improvements to the technical assistance provided by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), advocating for increased training in regenerative agriculture principles and the creation of culturally appropriate resources for diverse farming communities, including urban, tribal, and immigrant populations. A Government Land Bank: Christensen proposes the creation of a government-managed land bank where retiring farmers could receive a retirement stipend in exchange for transitioning their land into a holding area for aspiring young farmers. Participants in this program would receive training in regenerative agriculture and business management, ensuring the land is cared for sustainably and passed on to a new generation of farmers. The Need for Consumer Demand and Market Transparency The episode emphasizes the need for increased consumer demand for diverse, locally-produced, and regeneratively grown food. Thomas and Christensen argue that a shift in consumer preferences, coupled with greater transparency in the food system, could drive significant change. They suggest that technology could play a key role in connecting consumers with farmers, allowing them to make informed choices about where their food comes from and supporting those who align with their values. Christensen envisions a future where consumers can easily access information about a farm's practices, environmental impact, and social responsibility, empowering them to make purchasing decisions that support a more just and sustainable food system. Addressing "Regenerative Greenwashing" The episode acknowledges the growing trend of "greenwashing" within the regenerative agriculture movement, with large corporations potentially co-opting the term for marketing purposes without making genuine changes to their practices. To counter this, Christensen stresses the importance of establishing clear principles and definitions for regenerative agriculture, grounded in indigenous wisdom and a deep understanding of soil health. He believes that a unified front against greenwashing, rooted in a commitment to genuine ecological restoration, can prevent the movement from being diluted and ensure its long-term impact. A Call to Action for Listeners The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners, urging them to: Engage with the Farm Bill: Learn about the upcoming Farm Bill, participate in advocacy efforts, and contact elected officials to voice support for policies that promote small, diverse, and regenerative farming operations. Make Conscious Food Choices: Pay attention to where your food comes from, prioritize ethically produced and regeneratively grown products, and support local farmers whenever possible. Become an Advocate: Speak up about the importance of regenerative agriculture, share information with others, and participate in local and national conversations about food systems change. The episode emphasizes that individual actions, when combined with collective efforts to influence policy and shift market demand, can create a powerful force for positive change in the food system. Check out GC Resolve at: https://www.gcresolve.com/ For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/  

This episode of "The Poor Proles Almanac," celebrating its 100th episode, focuses on the history of corn in America, specifically its transformation from a food primarily consumed by poor people to a ubiquitous ingredient in modern diets. The hosts, Elliott and Andy, use humor and historical analysis to explore the complex factors that led to corn's dominance in the American food system, including technological advancements, government policies, and the crop's unique biological properties. Early History and the Rise of Corn Whiskey: Prior to the 1800s, corn was a staple food for poor communities and prisoners in the United States. With the advent of the Industrial Revolution, three key technologies—the iron plow, railroads, and canneries—revolutionized corn production and distribution. The iron plow allowed farmers to cultivate larger areas, while railroads enabled efficient transportation of corn across the country. Canneries provided a means to preserve and store corn, further increasing its value. This confluence of technologies led to a surge in corn production and a boom in the corn whiskey industry. Farmers, seeking to maximize profits and address the challenges of storing and transporting diverse corn varieties, turned to whiskey production. By the 1820s, the average American consumed five gallons of hard liquor annually, a testament to the popularity and profitability of corn whiskey. Standardization, Hybrid Strains, and the Haber Process: As the corn industry grew, issues arose regarding the lack of standardization in corn varieties. The diversity in size, color, and kernel characteristics made packaging, trading, and selling corn difficult. To address this, trade boards and rail hubs encouraged farmers to breed a standard crop. James Reid's "Yellow Dent Corn," which won the blue ribbon at the 1893 World's Fair, emerged as the dominant variety. This standardized corn, with its hard kernels, was shelf-stable, easily transportable, and ideal for processing. However, by the late 1800s, corn yields began to stagnate, prompting government intervention. Policymakers, concerned about food security, implemented initiatives such as irrigation projects, dam construction, and further investment in railroads. These efforts aimed to increase food production and ensure efficient transportation to urban centers. In the early 20th century, scientists developed hybrid corn strains that significantly boosted yields. These hybrids, coupled with the introduction of industrial fertilizers, led to an unprecedented increase in corn production. The Haber process, developed in 1909 by German chemist Fritz Haber, played a crucial role in this growth. The process enabled the synthesis of plant-available nitrates from the air, providing a readily available source of nitrogen fertilizer. However, the process was energy-intensive, consuming two percent of the global energy supply to produce nitrogen for farming. This dependence on fossil fuels for fertilizer production raised concerns about the environmental sustainability of corn production. Government Intervention, Subsidies, and the Dust Bowl: The rapid increase in corn production led to market saturation and plummeting prices, causing economic hardship for farmers. The Great Depression and the subsequent Dust Bowl further exacerbated the crisis. The government responded with subsidies, price supports, and land diversion programs to stabilize the agricultural sector. The Dust Bowl, a period of severe drought and dust storms in the 1930s, had a profound impact on agricultural policies. It instilled a fear of food shortages in policymakers, leading to a focus on maximizing corn production. Government programs encouraged farmers to increase yields and provided incentives for surplus production, even as the oversupply contributed to lower prices. World War II and the Rise of Corn-Based Products: World War II further intensified corn production. The government incentivized farmers to plant "war crops," primarily corn, wheat, and oats, to support the war effort. Additionally, the wartime production of ammonium nitrate for munitions led to a surplus of fertilizer, which further boosted corn yields. Following the war, the government continued to subsidize corn production and sought ways to utilize the massive surplus. This led to the development and proliferation of corn-based products, including high fructose corn syrup, animal feed, and ethanol. High fructose corn syrup, cheaper than sugarcane due to corn subsidies, became a ubiquitous ingredient in processed foods. Corn also became the primary feed for livestock, as its low cost and abundance made it an economically viable option. Ethanol production, while not the most efficient use of corn, emerged as another avenue to utilize the surplus. The Environmental and Social Impacts of Corn Dominance: The episode concludes by discussing the environmental and social consequences of corn's dominance in the American food system. The hosts acknowledge that corn has played a significant role in ensuring food security and has adapted to a wide range of climates. However, they also critique the reliance on industrial fertilizers, the environmental damage caused by monoculture farming, and the negative health impacts associated with the overconsumption of corn-based products. The hosts express concern that the current system of corn production is unsustainable and perpetuates a cycle of overproduction, low prices, and government intervention. They advocate for a more balanced approach to agriculture, one that prioritizes diversity, sustainability, and the well-being of both farmers and consumers. The episode offers a thought-provoking and humorous exploration of the complex history of corn in America. It sheds light on how a once humble crop became a powerful force shaping the nation's food system, economy, and environment. For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/