Food Farm Talk

Food Farm Talk - Hot Topics in Farming and Food
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Food Farm Talk

Hot topics in food and farming in Ontario, Canada and beyond. We draw on stories in Ontario's agri-food community, research at University of Guelph, and global perspectives to inform listeners. The show celebrates the people, businesses, ideas, and research that shape the food we eat. Broadcast on radio Thursdays at 10 am on CFRU 93.3 FM in Guelph, streaming live on www.cfru.ca, or on podcast on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, and many other platforms. Produced by Paul Smith and Abdul-Rahim Abdulai.

  1. Everybody Wins - Ottawa's Just Food Farm

    10/02/2024

    Everybody Wins - Ottawa's Just Food Farm

    Wrapping up our Stories of Regeneration tour, we land in Ottawa at Just Food Community Farm, a 150-acre farmstead located in Ottawa’s Greenbelt that is championing small-scale, viable agriculture businesses and initiatives like Chi Garden and Urban Fresh Produce. Dedicated to cultivating a thriving local food economy and sustainable farming sector, Just Food integrates agroecology-based conservation with land stewardship. The farm is a testament to how community-led initiatives can redefine our food systems, offering food sovereignty for all, including newcomers to Canada. Its Start-up Farm Program addresses the critical barrier of land access, turning aspiring individuals into farmers and fostering community regeneration. Highlighting this unique model, Chadwick Lewis (Urban Fresh Produce) and Sun Shan (Chi Garden), participants of the program, share their experiences in our series finale, underscoring the farm’s role in sustainable agriculture and community building. Highlights: 6:45 – What is Just Food Community Farm? 15:25 – Chadwick and Sun Shan talk about their individual farms and how they got involved in agriculture. 23:14 – What regenerative practices do they implement on their individual farms? 34:33 – Sun Shan and Chadwick talk about food sovereignty. 46:02 – How can we support new Canadians who want to get involved in agriculture and ensure economic viability? 1:02:31 – Why did Sun Shan and Chadwick choose farming? Thanks to Regeneration Canada and Rural Routes to Climate Solutions for partnering to air this episode on Food Farm Talk and CFRU. Useful links: Stories of Regeneration Stories of Regeneration Short Film Series Regeneration Canada’s Farm Map Just Food Community Farm If you want to learn more, we recommend you check out the following: EP 47 – The Regen Mindset EP 67 – Total Grazing – SoR Part 1 EP 69 – Loyal to the Soil – SoR Part 2 EP 70 – Maximizing Soil Function – SoR Part 3 EP 71 – Sharing the Land – SoR Part 4 EP 72 – Connecting People to Place – SoR Part 5 EP 73 – Diversity is Resiliency – SoR Part 6 EP 75 – From Pastures to Cheese – SoR Part 7 EP 76 – Partners in the Ecosystem – SoR Part 8 EP 77 – Healthy Food, Healthy Communities – SoR Part 9  Our Farmers Blog shares stories about Alberta farmers who do an exceptional job of caring for the land, producing food, and building up their communities. This podcast has been partially funded by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada.

    1h 13m
  2. Healthy Food, Healthy Environment with ranchers Craig and Peter

    08/21/2024

    Healthy Food, Healthy Environment with ranchers Craig and Peter

    On this stop in the Stories of Regeneration tour, we returned to Alberta, making a stop at Peony Farms in Lacombe. Facing his daughter’s health issues, rancher Craig Cameron and his family turned to regenerative farming to grow the healthiest food possible for her. Craig, alongside his father-in-law Peter DenOudsten, shifted their traditional beef farm to a regenerative model. They now grow over 10 types of grass and clover, use less fertilizer, and produce some of the healthiest, most nutritious beef you can find. 5:22 – Peter shares the history of Peony Farms. 6:46 – How did Peter become aware of regenerative agriculture principles and practices? 9:15 – Why did the farm start heading down the regenerative agriculture path? 15:25 – Peter and Craig talk about the regenerative practices they use on the farm. 22:48 – Have Peter and Craig seen benefits from implementing regenerative agriculture? 25:06 – What is forage-finished beef? 30:53 – Why raise piedmontese cattle? 36:35 – Peter and Craig talk about testing. 46:34 – What role can consumers play in supporting the adoption of regenerative agriculture? 51:29 – What is the regenerative mindset? Stories of Regeneration Stories of Regeneration Short Film Series Regeneration Canada’s Farm Map Peony Farms If you want to learn more, we recommend you check out the following: EP 47 – The Regen Mindset EP 67 – Total Grazing – SoR Part 1 EP 69 – Loyal to the Soil – SoR Part 2 EP 70 – Maximizing Soil Function – SoR Part 3 EP 71 – Sharing the Land – SoR Part 4 EP 72 – Connecting People to Place – SoR Part 5 EP 73 – Diversity is Resiliency – SoR Part 6 EP 75 – From Pastures to Cheese – SoR Part 7 EP 76 – Partners in the Ecosystem – SoR Part 8 Our Farmers Blog shares stories about Alberta farmers who do an exceptional job of caring for the land, producing food, and building up their communities. This podcast has been partially funded by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada WANT TO LEARN MORE?

    1h 1m
  3. Partners in the Ecosystem with Rebecca Harbut and Mike Bomford

    07/10/2024

    Partners in the Ecosystem with Rebecca Harbut and Mike Bomford

    In this episode, we’ll be doing some exploration into the relationship between society and regenerative agriculture and how one can help advance the other. But the real meat and potatoes of the last three episodes, just like in all the other episodes in this series, will be about getting to know and understand the boots on the ground folks who are leading the way on this change that we are seeing in the agriculture sector. Meet Rebecca Harbut and Mike Bomford from Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) in Richmond, BC—prime examples of such trailblazers. Now, you might wonder, how do university professors fit the description of being ‘on the ground’? Well, let me tell you, KPU isn’t just any university; it boasts a farm that lies at the heart of Rebecca and Mike’s endeavors. Moreover, as we’ve touched upon throughout this podcast series, with Canada’s population nearing the 40 million mark, farm and ranch operators, along with farm laborers, represent a mere fraction—around 1%—of the populace. The takeaway here? It’s going to require a collective effort, involving many of us outside the traditional farming community, to partner with that crucial 1%. This collaboration is key to expanding regenerative agriculture from a niche practice to a widespread one. 8:33 – Rebecca and Mike help us get to know them better.  15:31 – How did the land that KPU sits on get involved in agriculture? 27:22 – What’s taking place on the KPU farm? 37:14 – What regenerative practices are used on the KPU farm?  40:13 – Mike talks more about the farm’s crop rotation. 48:08 – What is the story that KPU farm is trying to tell? 53:31 – How hard was it for the university to take that leap into establishing an ecosystem? 58:45 – Why are community partners an important part of the ecosystem at the KPU farm? Kwantlen Polytechnic University Stories of Regeneration Stories of Regeneration Short Film Series Regeneration Canada’s Farm Map If you want to learn more, we recommend you check out the following: EP 67 – Total Grazing – SoR Part 1 EP 69 – Loyal to the Soil – SoR Part 2 EP 70 – Maximizing Soil Function – SoR Part 3 EP 71 – Sharing the Land – SoR Part 4 EP 72 – Connecting People to Place – SoR Part 5 EP 73 – Diversity is Resiliency – SoR Part 6 EP 75 – From Pastures to Cheese – SoR Part 7 Our Farmers Blog shares stories about Alberta farmers who do an exceptional job of caring for the land, producing food, and building up their communities. This podcast has been partially funded by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada

    1h 14m
  4. Diversity is Resiliency, organic fruit production with Aaron Goddard

    06/12/2024

    Diversity is Resiliency, organic fruit production with Aaron Goddard

    During the growing season of 2023 as summer turned into fall, the Rural Routes to Climate Solutions podcast and Regeneration Canada were on the final leg of the Stories of Regeneration tour. After covering most of the Prairies and most of central and eastern Canada in the summer, our months-long journey came to an end in Canada’s two most western provinces around harvest time. This next phase of our journey brought us to Cawston, British Columbia, acclaimed as the Organic Farming Capital of Canada. At Snowy Mountain Farms, managed by Aaron Goddard and his family, you will find a 12-acre farm that boasts over 70 varieties of fruits such as cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, pears, apples, and quince. Aaron employs regenerative agriculture practices to cultivate and sustain living soils, which are essential for producing fruit that is not only delicious but also rich in nutrients. Highlights: 3:20 – Aaron talks about his farm. 5:55 – Aaron shares the story of how he got into agriculture. 8:34 – Aaron talks about his family and farmhands. 13:56 – When was the first time Aaron heard about regenerative agriculture? 21:02 – Aaron describes the landscape of Snowy Mountain Farms. 28:27 – Why is diversity important? 42:50 – What is Aaron doing to help stimulate fungal growth in the soil? 51:08 – Aaron talks about how, and why, he’s integrated livestock on his farm. 52:43 – What are some challenges Aaron faces as an agriculture producer? 56:04 – Why is regenerative agriculture important to Aaron? Useful links: Stories of Regeneration Stories of Regeneration Short Film Series EP 20 – The Brown Revolution EP 32 – Alley Cropping EP 39 – New Farmers EP 41 – New Farmers Part 2 EP 58 – Fungi in Drought The Holistic Orchard by Michael Phillips  Snowy Mountain Farms This podcast has been partially funded by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada.

    1h 9m
  5. Connecting People to Place on Rachel Lightfoot's organic, biodynamic vineyards

    05/15/2024

    Connecting People to Place on Rachel Lightfoot's organic, biodynamic vineyards

    2023 was a challenging year for Canadian farmers and ranchers and for humanity in general. We had droughts, wildfires, floods, an affordability crisis and a number of armed conflicts. According to scientists working with the European Union, 2023 smashed temperature records globally. And yet, someone like Nova Scotia organic and biodynamic wine producer, Rachel Lightfoot still finds ways of being optimistic even after her farm got hit by a polar vortex, a dry spring and a very rainy summer all in the same year. Welcome to Stories of Regeneration, a podcast series brought to you by Rural Routes to Climate Solutions and Regeneration Canada. Join me, your host Derek Leahy, as we delve into the importance of supporting an agricultural system that not only prioritizes the health of our land and ecosystems but also ensures the sustainability of our farmers and ranchers. Get ready to explore the transformative power of regenerative agriculture. 3:19 – Rachel shares her farming story. 8:12 – Rachel shares more about where she farms and the different types of products Lightfoot & Wolfville produce. 9:47 – What types of farming happen at Lightfoot & Wolfville? 12:43 – What styles of wine are produced? 16:51 – What is biodynamic agriculture? 26:19 – How was Lightfoot & Wolfville established? 30:40 – Rachel explains how reciprocity works on her farm. 41:31 – How is biodynamic agriculture helping make Rachel’s farm more resilient? 46:50 – By implementing these practices, are there benefits that extend outside of the farm? 51:51 – Why should consumers care about regenerative agriculture? 58:15 – Why does Rachel care about regenerative agriculture? 59:21 – How does the winery connect people with their product? Stories of Regeneration Stories of Regeneration Short Film Series Lightfoot & Wolfville Regeneration Canada Farm Map If you want to learn more, we recommend you check out the following: Regenerating Rural Opportunities Regenerating Humility EP 67 – Total Grazing – SoR Part 1 EP 69 – Loyal to the Soil – SoR Part 2 EP 70 – Maximizing Soil Function – SoR Part 3 EP 71 – Sharing the Land – SoR Part 4 Our Farmers Blog shares stories about Alberta farmers who do an exceptional job of caring for the land, producing food, and building up their communities. This podcast has been partially funded by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada

    1h 5m
  6. Sharing the Land with farmer Rébeka Frazer-Chiasson

    04/24/2024

    Sharing the Land with farmer Rébeka Frazer-Chiasson

    Fifth generation farmer, Rébeka Frazer-Chiasson believes strongly in the practices of regenerative agriculture. Located in Rogersville, New Brunswick, her farm Ferme Terre Partagee currently operates as a coop based on common values and objectives including peasant agroecology and food sovereignty. Welcome to Stories of Regeneration, a podcast series brought to you by Rural Routes to Climate Solutions and Regeneration Canada. Join me, your host Derek Leahy, as we delve into the importance of supporting an agricultural system that not only prioritizes the health of our land and ecosystems but also ensures the sustainability of our farmers and ranchers. Get ready to explore the transformative power of regenerative agriculture. 5:42 – How did Rébeka come to implement regenerative agriculture practices on her farm? 11:55 – Rébeka shares her farming story. 17:39 – Rébeka talks about the cooperative operating on her family’s land. 23:16 – What led to the decision to create a coop? 29:05 – Why doesn’t Rébeka sell her product to the big grocery store chain? 31:52 – Rébeka shares the unique challenges of the 2023 growing season. 38:00 – What does biodiversity mean to Rébeka and Ferme Terre Partagee 40:01 – What are some of the challenges of doing the closed loop system?  47:41 – Rébeka talks about the impact that local wildlife has on Ferme Terre Partagee. 54:23 – What methods does Rébeka use to support biodiversity? 1:01:35 – Why should consumers care about regenerative agriculture? 1:03:12 – Why should consumers support producers practicing regenerative agriculture? 1:13:57 – Why does Rébeka care about regenerative agriculture? Stories of Regeneration Stories of Regeneration Short Film Series Ferme Terre Partagee On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) If you want to learn more, we recommend downloading and listening to: Regenerating Rural Opportunities EP 32 – Alley Cropping EP 37 – Climate Farm Plan EP 67 – Total Grazing – SoR Part 1 EP 69 – Loyal to the Soil – SoR Part 2 EP 70 – Maximizing Soil Function – SoR Part 3 Experimenting with No-Till Regenerative Agriculture – Steel Pony Farms – Red Deer, AB Our Farmers Blog shares stories about Alberta farmers who do an exceptional job of caring for the land, producing food, and building up their communities. This podcast has been partially funded by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada.

    1h 20m
  7. Business Case for Climate Solutions - Arrell Food Summit

    04/03/2024

    Business Case for Climate Solutions - Arrell Food Summit

    A panel discussion exploring the business case for climate solutions was part of the 2023 Arrell Food Summit: Pathways to Change on November 14, 2023. Speakers included: - Mauricio Alanis, Director of Sustainability Strategy and Partnerships, Maple Leaf Foods - Mohamed Yaghi, Climate and Agriculture Policy Lead, Climate Action Institute, RBC - Julie Gartside, Global Head of Integration Management Climate Change Strategies Technical Director, SLR Consulting - Ellery Burton, Principal Managing Partner, Alterra Innovation - Sally Flis, Director, Sustainability Program Design & Outcome Management, Nutrien Ag Solutions The discussion explores the “why” behind adopting climate solutions in food and agriculture. While climate change can be seen only as a risk, many companies are seizing the opportunity to strengthen their resilience to climate impacts, reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, and adopt new technologies that will create a competitive business advantage and lead to economic growth. Many businesses also recognize that policy changes are already underway, and are moving to align their business practices with investor, stakeholder and consumer values. Perspectives from farming, industry and policy will inform this panel discussion, which helps companies, industry and decision-makers explore their ‘why’ behind adopting climate solutions in food and agriculture and helps to strengthen the business case for sustainable decisions. More information: https://arrellfoodinstitute.ca/

    59 min
  8. Loyal to the Soil with farmers Tannis and Derek

    03/20/2024

    Loyal to the Soil with farmers Tannis and Derek

    During the growing season of 2023, Rural Routes to Climate Solutions teamed up with Regeneration Canada to connect with agricultural producers across Canada who are tackling the pressing social and environmental crises through the adoption of regenerative agriculture.  One such farm is Axten Farms, situated in Minton, Saskatchewan. With a steadfast commitment to growing healthy grains, Axten Farms takes a regenerative approach focused on enhancing their land’s soil biodiversity, creating a thriving environment for food production. Their unwavering dedication is captured in their motto, “Loyal to the Soil.” Welcome to Stories of Regeneration, a podcast series brought to you by Rural Routes to Climate Solutions and Regeneration Canada. Join me, your host Derek Leahy, as we delve into the importance of supporting an agricultural system that not only prioritizes the health of our land and ecosystems but also ensures the sustainability of our farmers and ranchers. Get ready to explore the transformative power of regenerative agriculture. 3:42 – Tannis and Derek Axten share their farming experience and background. 8:11 – What are the future plans for Axten’s farm? 11:20 – Derek shares his experience learning about intercropping. 15:55 – What are the benefits of intercropping? 18:42 – What are the outcomes that Tannis and Derek have seen with intercropping? 23:58 – Derek and Tannis talk about where their farm is situated. 25:32 – How can soil be fragile? 28:10 – Why do Tannis and Derek keep their soil covered? 31:54 – How do they keep their soil covered? 37:05 – The Axtens talk about regenerative agriculture practices that they use on their farm. 42:30 – What are some of the inputs that the Axtens use on the farm? 47:34 – Is farming with a regenerative mindset more than ‘just farming’? 51:03 – What are the benefits of regenerative agriculture? 56:12 – Why do the Axtens implement regenerative agriculture practices on their farm? 58:23 – Derek talks about the differences between organic agriculture and regenerative agriculture practices. 1:04:12 – What can others do to increase the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices? Stories of Regeneration Stories of Regeneration Short Films Series Gabe Brown – Soil Health Academy Axten Farms If you want to learn more, we recommend downloading and listening to: Ep 67 – Total Grazing – SoR Part 1 Intercropping: Experimenting for Diversity – Andy Kirschenman Our Farmers Blog shares stories about Alberta farmers who do an exceptional job of caring for the land, producing food, and building up their communities. This podcast has been partially funded by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada

    1h 15m
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Hot topics in food and farming in Ontario, Canada and beyond. We draw on stories in Ontario's agri-food community, research at University of Guelph, and global perspectives to inform listeners. The show celebrates the people, businesses, ideas, and research that shape the food we eat. Broadcast on radio Thursdays at 10 am on CFRU 93.3 FM in Guelph, streaming live on www.cfru.ca, or on podcast on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, and many other platforms. Produced by Paul Smith and Abdul-Rahim Abdulai.

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  • Creator
    Food Farm Talk - Hot Topics in Farming and Food
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2024
  • Episodes
    89
  • Rating
    Clean
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    © Food Farm Talk - Hot Topics in Farming and Food
  • Show Website
    Food Farm Talk

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