Deep Seed - Regenerative Agriculture

In this special rewind episode, we revisit one of the most inspiring conversations from the past year—our chat with Chuck de Liedekerke, founder of Soil Capital. Dive into Chuck’s compelling vision for transitioning global agriculture to regenerative farming, a solution not just for farmers but for our planet’s future. Chuck shares how regenerative agriculture rebuilds soil health, enhances resilience against climate change, and creates thriving ecosystems, all while boosting profitability for farmers. From transforming drought-stricken vineyards in South Africa to scaling regenerative practices worldwide, this conversation reveals why farmers are central to solving some of today’s most pressing environmental challenges. “The costs of doing nothing are far greater than the costs of change,” Chuck emphasizes. Join us to learn how empowering farmers with tools, incentives, and recognition can transform agriculture into a solution for climate change and food security. 📌 Don’t miss this episode if you care about farming, the environment, or creating a healthier planet for future generations. EPISODE CHAPTERS: Defining Regenerative Agriculture (0:01:30–0:02:44) • Chuck explains regenerative agriculture by contrasting it with extractive agriculture. • Historical context of soil degradation and the significance of reversing this trend. The Business Case for Regenerative Farming (0:02:44–0:06:39) • Chuck shares examples of profitability and resilience in regenerative farming, including a case study of grape farming in drought-stricken South Africa. • The pivotal realization that regenerative farming can outcompete conventional methods during climate stress. The Biggest Barrier: Changing Farmers’ Mindsets (0:06:39–0:08:10) • Challenges in convincing farmers to adopt regenerative practices. • The deep respect Chuck has for farmers and their connection to their land. Three Key Challenges to Adoption (0:08:10–0:10:02) • Lack of technical knowledge. • Fear of economic loss. • Absence of clear financial incentives. The Role of Financial Incentives (0:10:02–0:12:39) • The importance of economic motivations to drive adoption. • Parallels drawn to organic farming and its reliance on price premiums. Scaling Regenerative Agriculture Through Soil Capital (0:13:36–0:19:12) • Soil Capital’s approach to measuring and certifying carbon and regenerative practices. • How the program integrates food system stakeholders to make regenerative practices attractive for farmers. Why This Matters: Climate Change and Food Security (0:19:12–0:20:48) • The critical role of regenerative farming in addressing food security amidst climate stress. • The urgent need to scale regenerative practices to avoid supply chain disruptions. Can We Transition All Land to Regenerative Farming? (0:20:48–0:22:16) • Chuck’s belief that transitioning all farmland is not optional but necessary. • How regenerative agriculture flips the narrative for farmers from being blamed for environmental degradation to being climate heroes. Closing Thoughts: Farmers at the Center (0:22:16–0:23:21) • Summary of Soil Capital’s mission to reward farmers for regenerative practices. • A call to action for listeners to support the podcast and its mission. ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ * Email - raphael@deepseed.eu [raphael@deepseed.eu] Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

In this Rewind episode of the Deep Seed Podcast, we revisit an inspiring conversation with food forest pioneer, permaculture designer, and author Louis De Jaeger. Louis is a passionate advocate for transforming our food systems through regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, and the creation of thriving food forests. His work spans from designing edible ecosystems to restoring landscapes around the world. Together, we explore the incredible potential of tree-based agriculture and why shifting from annual to perennial crops is essential for a resilient, sustainable future. Louis shares the history of food forests, their ecological benefits, and how they can combat climate change while improving biodiversity and soil health. Key topics include: • What is a food forest? Learn about its origins and how it mimics natural ecosystems for sustainable food production. • The untapped power of perennial crops like chestnuts, walnuts, and acorns to replace conventional staples. • How food forests can store carbon, prevent floods, and create habitats for pollinators and wildlife. • The debate between annual agriculture and tree crops—and how combining systems can boost resilience. • Can food forests scale to feed the world? Louis tackles this tough question with innovative ideas like community-supported models and mechanization. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about regenerative farming, perennial agriculture, or the future of our food systems. Whether you’re dreaming of creating your own food forest or exploring large-scale solutions to feed the world, Louis offers valuable insights, practical ideas, and a hopeful vision for a greener future. ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ This podcast was produced in partnership with Soil Capital [https://www.linkedin.com/company/101126769/admin/feed/posts/#], a company that supports #regenerativeagriculture by financially rewarding farmers who improve soil health. ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ 👉 Useful links: * Louis de Jaeger - Linkdin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisdejaeger/] * Louis de Jaeger - Website [https://louisdejaeger.be/fr/accueil] 👉 Don’t forget to follow the Deep Seed Podcast for more stories like this, and help us spread the word about regenerative agriculture and ecosystem restoration. * Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/deep-seed [https://www.linkedin.com/company/deep-seed] * Email - raphael@deepseed.eu [raphael@deepseed.eu] * Instagram: @deep_seed_podcast Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

🌱 What if I told you that beneath every step you take lies a universe of microscopic heroes transforming the soil and keeping our planet alive? This week’s rewind episode of the Deep Seed Podcast dives deep into the incredible world of mycorrhizal fungi with expert Natallia Gulbis. Discover how these fungi form symbiotic relationships with plants, increasing their root capacity by up to 700 times, unlocking nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen, and even acting as nature’s underground “internet,” allowing plants to communicate and share resources. 🚀 Fun fact: the mycorrhizal hyphae in just two wheelbarrows of soil could stretch all the way to the Moon! 🌕 Key topics covered: • 🌍 Mycorrhizal fungi: Their role as soil’s secret nutrient foragers. • 🧬 How these fungi act as an extension of plant roots, creating a secondary root system. • 🌱 The importance of cover crops and reducing tillage for healthier, more fertile soils. • 🌾 How regenerative farming techniques harness these networks for sustainable agriculture. • 💡 Mind-blowing fungal facts, like their ability to sequester carbon and stabilize soil structure with the “soil glue” glomalin. This episode will transform the way you think about soil health and its role in regenerative agriculture, ecosystem restoration, and even climate resilience. Whether you’re a farmer, gardener, or just curious about the magic beneath your feet, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. 🎧 Listen now on your favorite streaming platform and take a giant step towards understanding how these microscopic allies are the foundation of all life on Earth. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

In this special rewind episode, we revisit an inspiring conversation with Alfonso Chico De Guzman, a regenerative farmer in Spain tackling one of the region’s most pressing challenges: water scarcity. Spain’s agricultural landscapes are battling extreme dry spells followed by torrential rains, and Alfonso has been leading the charge in transforming his family’s centuries-old farm using innovative regenerative practices. 🔑 Key topics discussed in this episode: • Regenerative Hydrology: How digging swales and creating ponds helps retain water, reduce erosion, and recharge groundwater. • Reviving Degraded Soils: Transitioning from conventional to regenerative farming to double soil organic matter and boost fertility. • Technology for Regeneration: Virtual fencing for cows and drones to map water flow are game-changers in Alfonso’s approach. • Biodiversity & Erosion Control: Vegetation strips between trees not only prevent erosion but create vibrant ecosystems. This conversation dives into the practical side of regenerative agriculture, showing how small, strategic changes can revolutionize a farm’s resilience and ecological health. Whether you’re a farmer, a sustainability advocate, or simply curious about how we can better manage our natural resources, this episode is packed with actionable insights and hope for the future. 🎙️ Tune in to learn how Alfonso is not only regenerating his land but inspiring others to embrace nature-based solutions. ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ This podcast was produced in partnership with Soil Capital [https://www.linkedin.com/company/101126769/admin/feed/posts/#], a company that supports #regenerativeagriculture by financially rewarding farmers who improve soil health. ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ 👉 Useful links: * La Junquera: https://www.lajunquera.com/ [https://www.lajunquera.com/] * Alfonso: https://www.linkedin.com/in/achicodeguzman/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/achicodeguzman/] 👉 Don’t forget to follow the Deep Seed Podcast for more stories like this, and help us spread the word about regenerative agriculture and ecosystem restoration. * Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/deep-seed [https://www.linkedin.com/company/deep-seed] * Email - raphael@deepseed.eu [raphael@deepseed.eu] * Instagram: @deep_seed_podcast Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

In this special rewind episode of the Deep Seed Podcast, we revisit an inspiring conversation with Anthony Pearce, a dedicated regenerative farmer from the UK. Anthony shares his journey from conventional farming to embracing regenerative practices, talking us through the challenges and rewards of transitioning to a farming system that prioritizes soil health, biodiversity, and resilience. We explore: • What it’s like for farmers to shift from conventional methods to regenerative agriculture. • The farm economics of regenerative practices: balancing yields, cutting input costs, and leveraging carbon credits. • The role of incentives, resilience against extreme weather, and overcoming the often-overlooked social pressures farmers face during this transformation. • Why regenerative agriculture appeals to a new generation of farmers—and how it’s reshaping the future of farming. Anthony also provides fascinating insights into the tools of regenerative farming, like strip-till drilling, and explains how minimizing soil disturbance can reduce carbon emissions, improve soil fertility, and create healthier, more productive ecosystems. If you’ve ever wondered why regenerative agriculture is crucial for our food systems and the environment—or why some say we only have “50 harvests left”—this episode is packed with powerful answers. Tune in to uncover how farming that works with nature can deliver nutritious food while securing a better future for our planet. ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ This podcast was produced in partnership with Soil Capital [https://www.linkedin.com/company/101126769/admin/feed/posts/#], a company that supports #regenerativeagriculture by financially rewarding farmers who improve soil health. ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ Useful links: * Antony Pearce Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@AntonysRegen [https://www.youtube.com/@AntonysRegen] * Moat Farm - https://www.farmgatetoplate.co.uk/ [https://www.farmgatetoplate.co.uk/] Get in touch: * Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/deep-seed [https://www.linkedin.com/company/deep-seed] * Email - raphael@deepseed.eu [raphael@deepseed.eu] * Instagram: @deep_seed_podcast Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.