Deep Seed - Regenerative Agriculture

Raphael Esterhazy
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Earth Sciences
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to the Deep Seed Podcast, your ultimate source for all things regenerative agriculture, soil health, and ecosystem restoration! Join your host, Raphaël, on an exciting journey into the heart of sustainable farming and environmental resilience. The podcast is packed with inspiring conversations with regenerative farmers, cutting-edge innovators, and leading experts who are pioneering the movement towards a more regenerative food system. Whether you’re a passionate advocate for sustainability, a professional in agriculture or environmental science, or just curious about the future of our food systems, the Deep Seed Podcast is your gateway to the vibrant world of regenerative agriculture. Key topics discussed include: Agroecology and its role in creating sustainable food systems The power of agroforestry in boosting biodiversity and productivity How carbon farming can fight climate change while benefiting farmers The benefits of no-till farming for soil health and erosion prevention Holistic grazing practices that restore ecosystems and enhance animal welfare Crop rotation and polyculture for nutrient-rich soils and resilient farms Exploring the potential of food forests and other nature-based solutions The critical link between soil microbiology and plant health Restoration agriculture and the future of land regeneration Climate solutions that leverage regenerative practices to sequester carbon Promoting biodiversity through sustainable farming approaches Insights into the importance of sustainable diets and their environmental impact Rewilding and its role in ecosystem restoration and preservation Produced in partnership with Soil Capital, a leader in supporting regenerative agriculture and rewarding farmers for improving soil health, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in sustainable farming and climate action. Get in touch with me LinkedIn - Raphael Esterhazy Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  1. 5d ago

    How China Brought 4 Million Hectares Back to Life | John D. Liu

    What if humanity already knows how to restore the ecosystems we have degraded? For more than three decades, filmmaker and ecologist John D. Liu has documented some of the world’s most ambitious efforts to bring damaged landscapes back to life. His work documenting the restoration of China’s Loess Plateau showed him something that would shape the rest of his life: large-scale ecological degradation is not necessarily irreversible. So if restoration is possible, why aren’t we doing it everywhere? In this conversation, John takes us from the Loess Plateau to the possibility of restoring the Sinai Peninsula. We explore how vegetation, soil, biodiversity and the water cycle interact, why degraded landscapes struggle to retain water, and what happens when ecological function becomes the starting point for how we manage land. But John’s argument goes much further than ecosystem restoration. We discuss why our economic system often rewards extraction rather than ecological health, why GDP is such an incomplete measure of wealth, whether perennial polycultures and regenerative agriculture could reshape our food system, and what it would mean to organise human civilisation around restoring the living systems on which we depend. John also reflects on ageing, responsibility, his friendship with Jane Goodall, the creation of the Ecosystem Restoration Communities movement, and his work as an Ecosystem Ambassador for Commonland. At 73, after decades spent documenting both ecological destruction and extraordinary recovery, John remains convinced of something profoundly hopeful: Humans don’t have to be a destructive force on this planet. We can become a restorative one. This episode was produced in partnership with Commonland, a global organisation working to enable large-scale landscape restoration through its holistic Four Returns approach. ⎯⎯⎯ 🎙️ JOHN D. LIU John D. Liu is a filmmaker, ecologist and ecosystem restoration advocate whose documentaries have helped bring global attention to the potential of large-scale landscape restoration. ✨ COMMONLAND Commonland works with communities around the world to restore degraded landscapes and create thriving futures for people and nature through its Four Returns approach. https://commonland.com/ ✨ THE DEEP SEED The Deep Seed explores the people, ideas and solutions helping regenerate our food systems and ecosystems. Through long-form conversations with farmers, scientists, entrepreneurs and leading thinkers, we explore regenerative agriculture, soil health, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity and how we can build a healthier relationship with the living world. 🔔 Follow The Deep Seed for more conversations on regenerative agriculture, soil health, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity and the future of food. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    How China Brought 4 Million Hectares Back to Life | John D. Liu

  2. Aug 20

    From Soil to Plate: The Chef Who Became a Farmer

    A few years ago, Anna Wynants decided to combine her two biggest passions: farming and cooking. She opened ‘De Keukentafel’, which is both a small organic regenerative farm and a fine dining restaurant. Every morning, she walks into the gardens with her coffee to see what’s thriving, what’s ripe, and which ingredients are ready to find their way onto the menu. For a creative chef like her, it’s like paradise: a whole range of fresh and delicious ingredients to choose from. She then expertly and lovingly harvests, transforms and elevates these ingredients to create beautiful, original and delicious dishes. I had the pleasure of trying some of her food, and it’s truly exceptional. I left De Keukentafel deeply inspired by both the place and the person behind it. I hope this conversation leaves you feeling the same. ✨TOP 50 FARMERS Anna is one of 50 farmers selected for Top 50 Farmers 2026, a farmer-first accelerator program designed to empower, connect, and elevate regenerative farmers across Europe.  This episode was produced in collaboration with Top 50 Farmers to bring you an example of how regeneration is being pursued in many contexts and many ways.  Discover more - www.top50Farmers.com ✨DE KEUKENTAFEL https://www.de-keukentafel.com/ ✨DEEP SEED PODCAST Follow us for more stories about regenerative pioneers, scientists and experts (click on the ‘subscribe’ button under the video) Email us at raphael@deepseed.eu Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    From Soil to Plate: The Chef Who Became a Farmer

  3. Jun 30

    🇫🇷 Pierre Weill - la santé humaine commence dans les sols!

    Et si notre santé ne commençait pas dans l’assiette… mais bien plus bas, dans les sols ? Dans cet épisode, je reçois Pierre Weill, agronome, auteur de Une seule santé et pionnier d’une approche qui relie santé des sols, santé des plantes, santé animale, alimentation humaine et santé publique. On parle de One Health, de densité nutritionnelle, d’agroécologie, de maladies chroniques, d’oméga-3, de polyphénols, de goût, de prévention, mais aussi d’un sujet essentiel : comment créer un nouveau contrat entre agriculteurs, citoyens, scientifiques, entreprises et décideurs pour produire une alimentation qui régénère les écosystèmes au lieu de les épuiser. Pierre explique pourquoi une tomate peut avoir le même nombre de calories qu’une autre, mais pas du tout la même richesse en micronutriments. Pourquoi la vie du sol influence la qualité nutritionnelle des aliments. Pourquoi la diversité est une clé fondamentale du vivant. Et pourquoi la transition agricole ne peut pas reposer uniquement sur les épaules des agriculteurs. DANS CET EPISODE • Le concept de One Health : pourquoi la santé des sols, des plantes, des animaux et des humains est indissociable. • Pourquoi la densité nutritionnelle de nos aliments est l’un des grands enjeux de santé publique du XXIᵉ siècle. • Comment les pratiques agricoles influencent directement la qualité nutritionnelle de notre alimentation. • Pourquoi les maladies chroniques explosent et quel rôle joue notre alimentation. • Les preuves scientifiques derrière les bénéfices de l’agriculture régénérative. • Peut-on produire une alimentation plus saine sans la rendre inaccessible ? • Comment reconnaître des aliments réellement nutritifs en tant que consommateur. • Pourquoi la santé pourrait être le moteur le plus puissant pour accélérer la transition agricole. PARTENAIRES DE CET EPISODE 🌱 Regenacterre accompagne les agriculteurs qui souhaitent faire évoluer leurs pratiques vers une agriculture plus régénérative. À travers du conseil technique, des formations et un accompagnement de terrain, leur objectif est d’aider les fermes à restaurer la santé des sols, renforcer leur résilience, améliorer leur rentabilité et produire une alimentation de meilleure qualité, tout en régénérant les écosystèmes. 🌾 Cultivae est une coopérative qui développe des filières agricoles régénératives en Wallonie. Elle accompagne les agriculteurs dans leur transition et travaille à mieux valoriser leurs productions en créant des débouchés pour des aliments issus de pratiques favorables aux sols, à la biodiversité et au climat. Son ambition est de faire émerger une économie capable de récompenser les agriculteurs qui régénèrent le vivant. 🌿 Le GAL Culturalité est un Groupe d’Action Locale qui rassemble citoyens, agriculteurs, entreprises, associations et pouvoirs publics autour de projets de développement territorial. Son objectif est de renforcer la vitalité économique, sociale et environnementale de la région en soutenant des initiatives locales innovantes, notamment dans les domaines de l’agriculture, de l’alimentation, de la biodiversité et de la transition écologique. 🔔 Abonnez-vous à Deep Seed pour explorer les liens entre agriculture régénérative, santé des sols, biodiversité, alimentation, climat et transformation de nos systèmes alimentaires. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    🇫🇷 Pierre Weill - la santé humaine commence dans les sols!

  4. May 20

    The Joy and Wonder of Being a Regenerative Farmer [Naomi Oakley & Gunnar Thelin]

    In this episode of Deep Seed, regenerative farmers Naomi Oakley and Gunnar Thelin explore what modern agriculture could become if we stopped treating nature as a machine and started listening to living systems again. This is not another conversation about agricultural policy, carbon markets, subsidies or food system bureaucracy. It is a deeply human conversation about regenerative farming, biodiversity, grazing animals, soil health, ecosystem restoration, community, belonging… and joy. For Naomi, farming is the privilege of waking up every morning to work alongside animals, landscapes and local communities she deeply loves. For Gunnar, regenerative agriculture is rooted in a profound feeling of connection to place: the understanding that the land does not belong to us — we belong to the land. Together, they discuss how regenerative grazing systems can restore ecosystems, improve water cycles, increase biodiversity, rebuild soil health and strengthen climate resilience, while also giving farmers back something many have lost: meaning, dignity and hope. This episode explores:• regenerative agriculture and holistic grazing• biodiversity and ecosystem restoration• soil regeneration and water retention• rewilding vs regenerative farming• how cows and grazing animals shape landscapes• why observation matters more than rigid agricultural recipes• farmer mental health, purpose and community• the role of farmers in solving climate and ecological crises• why many young people are rediscovering farming and land stewardship At the heart of the conversation is a powerful idea: farmers are not simply producers trapped inside industrial systems. They are observers, experimenters and caretakers of living ecosystems. Naomi and Gunnar speak honestly about how modern agriculture often disconnects farmers from nature, from their communities and even from themselves. Against that, they offer another path: one rooted in curiosity, humility, ecological intelligence and relationship with the living world. It is hopeful without being naïve. A conversation about farming, yes — but also about how humans might find their way back to meaning, resilience and connection in an increasingly fractured world. 🌿 SOIL CAPITAL This episode was made in partnership with Soil Capital - a company accelerating the transition to regenerative agriculture by financially rewarding farmers who improve soil health www.soilcapital.com 👨🏼‍🌾 EARA The conversation was recorded during a gathering organised by the European Alliance for Regenerative Agriculture (EARA), a growing network of farmers from across Europe working to regenerate soils, ecosystems, rural communities and food systems. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    The Joy and Wonder of Being a Regenerative Farmer [Naomi Oakley & Gunnar Thelin]

  5. Apr 29

    Why the Food System is Breaking and How to Fix it [IVO DEGN]

    Let me ask you this: do you think Europe can feed itself in 20–30 years under current conditions? In this episode of the Deep Seed Podcast, I sit down with Ivo Degn (Re:source) to unpack a reality very few people are willing to face: Europe’s food system is becoming more fragile, more volatile, and less resilient every year. We talk about rising food insecurity, collapsing soil health, fertiliser dependency on fossil fuels, ageing farmers with no one to replace them, and a system that was never designed for the world we now live in. This conversation reframes regenerative agriculture from a “nice idea” to a serious response to food system risk. Because at the end of the day, agriculture is not just another sector. It is the foundation of civilisation. — In this deep-dive masterclass, we explore: • Why the modern agrifood system depends on assumptions that no longer hold • How climate volatility (droughts, floods, shifting baselines) is destabilising food production • Why fertiliser, energy and geopolitics are tightly linked • The hidden structural barriers blocking regenerative agriculture in Europe • Why farmers are often trapped in a system they know isn’t working • How soil biology, biodiversity and regenerative practices are emerging as a viable alternative • What needs to change at a system level to unlock the transition — If you care about food security, climate change, regenerative agriculture, soil health, biodiversity, the future of Europe, or simply where your food comes from, this is one of the most important conversations you can listen to right now. — 🎙 ABOUT THE GUEST Ivo Degn is part of Re:source, working at the intersection of food systems transformation, regenerative agriculture, and systemic change across Europe. 🌱 ABOUT DEEP SEED Deep Seed explores the future of food, farming, and ecosystems — through long-form conversations with the people shaping the regenerative transition. 👨🏼‍🌾 SOIL CAPITAL The official partner of the Deep Seed podcast. Soil Capital is a company that accelerates the transition to regenerative agriculture by financially rewarding farmers who improve soil health and biodiversity ❤️ www.soilcapital.com Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    Why the Food System is Breaking and How to Fix it [IVO DEGN]

  6. Mar 31

    What If Kindness Is the Missing Piece in Regenerative Agriculture?

    What if restoring our soils isn’t just a scientific challenge… but an emotional, even spiritual one? What if the future of farming depends as much on beauty, connection, and intention as it does on data, yields, and carbon? In this powerful episode of the Deep Seed Podcast, landscape architect Marian Boswall takes us on a journey that starts with dead soil… and leads to a completely new way of seeing land, food, and life itself. This is not your typical conversation about agriculture. It’s deeper. Slower. More human. And, honestly, more hopeful. 🌍 Why You Should Watch This Episode If you care about: · Regenerative agriculture · Soil health & soil microbiology · Sustainable farming & food systems · Biodiversity & ecosystem restoration · Nutrient density & human health … this episode will expand how you think about all of them. Because regeneration isn’t just about techniques. It’s about how we relate to the land... and to each other! 🧠 What You’ll Learn · The fundamentals of soil health, composting, and the soil food web · Why nutrient density starts in the soil (and affects your gut health) · How biodiversity and agroecology can transform farms and landscapes · Why beauty, design, and even energy matter in regenerative systems · How anyone (yes, even in a city) can contribute to regeneration · The risks of greenwashing in the regenerative agriculture movement · Why beavers might be some of the best ecosystem engineers on Earth 🌱 A Different Perspective on Regenerative Agriculture Most conversations around regenerative agriculture focus on carbon, metrics, and productivity. This one adds something we don’t talk about enough: care, intention, and connection. Marian shares how landscapes can heal people, not just produce food. Farmers can reconnect with the food they grow Small actions (like compost or a balcony garden) can scale into ecosystem restoration “We don’t just grow food—we grow the conditions for life.” 🎙️ About the Guest Marian Boswall is an award-winning landscape architect, agroecology coach, and author. Her work bridges regenerative agriculture, ecology, and human wellbeing, helping design landscapes that restore both ecosystems and the people living within them. 🌿 SOIL CAPITAL This episode was made in partnership with Soil Capital, a company accelerating the transition to regenerative agriculture. www.soilcapital.com Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    What If Kindness Is the Missing Piece in Regenerative Agriculture?

  7. Mar 24

    The Crops That Could Save Our Food System (but we ignore them...)

    What if the future of food isn’t high-tech… but ancient wisdom? We’ve built a global food system on just four crops... and it’s starting to crack! The real question is: what happens when it breaks? In this episode of the Deep Seed Podcast, Professor Sayed Azam-Ali (University of Nottingham, Crops For the Future) reveals why the key to resilient, nutritious, and truly sustainable food systems might already exist—hidden in so-called “forgotten crops.” We unpack how modern agriculture became dangerously dependent on a handful of commodity crops like wheat, rice, maize, and soy—and why this lack of diversity is driving soil degradation, biodiversity loss, climate vulnerability, and hidden hunger. But this isn’t just a problem story. It’s a roadmap for transformation. You’ll discover: Why crop diversity is the foundation of regenerative agriculture and food system resilience How underutilised crops like Bambara groundnut and fonio can outperform industrial staples in harsh climates The hidden link between ultra-processed food, micronutrient deficiency, and chronic disease Why global supply chains (COVID, Ukraine, Suez Canal) exposed the fragility of our food system How indigenous knowledge and farmer-led innovation hold critical solutions we’re at risk of losing What needs to change—from seed systems and subsidies to consumer behavior and food culture We also dive into the bigger picture: Can regenerative agriculture scale without cultural change? What role should corporations, governments, and consumers really play? And why “cheap food” might be the most expensive mistake we’ve ever made This conversation sits at the intersection of agroecology, climate change, nutrition, and food sovereignty—and challenges everything we think we know about what we should grow and eat. Because the future of farming might not be about producing more… …but about growing differently. “We cannot fix the food system by tweaking it. We have to transform it.” ⸻ 🌿 SOIL CAPITAL - this episode was made in partnership with Soil Capital  www.soilcapital.com ❤️ Episode hosted by Federica Urso Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    The Crops That Could Save Our Food System (but we ignore them...)

  8. Mar 17

    The Farming System Is Broken... And Farmers Know It! [DAVID WHEATLEY]

    What happens when a farmer publicly admits that modern agriculture might be broken? In this episode, British farmer David Wheatley joins the Deep Seed Podcast to share the unfiltered reality of modern farming. After losing almost everything in a devastating farm fire and facing years of financial losses during COVID, David started posting honest videos about life on his farm — and unexpectedly built an audience of millions. Today, his content offers a rare window into the real economics of agriculture: volatile weather, rising input costs, global commodity markets, and the constant risk farmers face every season. David is a fourth-generation farmer from Cambridgeshire, UK, managing around 450 acres of arable crops, orchards and flowers. In this conversation we go beyond the viral videos to explore the deeper forces shaping farming today — and the new opportunities emerging through direct-to-consumer food systems, social media, and regenerative agriculture. You’ll hear: • how David nearly lost his farm after years of financial losses • why many farmers feel trapped in a system where “the more you grow, the less you get paid” • how social media unexpectedly became a lifeline for his farm • why he sells flowers and apples directly to consumers instead of supermarkets We also discuss David’s heritage orchards with over 250 apple varieties, why he refuses to certify them organic even though they are grown without sprays or fertilisers, and how customers are rediscovering what real food tastes like. The conversation also explores David’s first experiments with regenerative agriculture, cover crops, direct drilling, biodiversity and diversified farming systems, and the real risks farmers face when transitioning away from conventional agriculture. This episode is for anyone interested in: • regenerative agriculture • sustainable farming • soil health and biodiversity • the future of food systems • farm economics and agricultural policy • food security and resilience At its heart, this conversation reminds us that the future of agriculture may depend on rebuilding the relationship between farmers, land and the people who eat the food. ⎯ 👨🏼‍🌾 About the guest David Wheatley is a UK farmer, flower grower and orchard keeper known for sharing the unfiltered reality of modern farming with hundreds of thousands of followers online. His work highlights the economic pressures farmers face while exploring new ways to produce and sell food outside the traditional agricultural system. Instagram: @petitepeonys Website: petitepeonys.co.uk ⎯ 🌿 This episode was made in partnership with Soil Capital www.soilcapital.com ❤️ Special thanks to Federica Urso for the research and preparation of this episode. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    The Farming System Is Broken... And Farmers Know It! [DAVID WHEATLEY]
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About

Welcome to the Deep Seed Podcast, your ultimate source for all things regenerative agriculture, soil health, and ecosystem restoration! Join your host, Raphaël, on an exciting journey into the heart of sustainable farming and environmental resilience. The podcast is packed with inspiring conversations with regenerative farmers, cutting-edge innovators, and leading experts who are pioneering the movement towards a more regenerative food system. Whether you’re a passionate advocate for sustainability, a professional in agriculture or environmental science, or just curious about the future of our food systems, the Deep Seed Podcast is your gateway to the vibrant world of regenerative agriculture. Key topics discussed include: Agroecology and its role in creating sustainable food systems The power of agroforestry in boosting biodiversity and productivity How carbon farming can fight climate change while benefiting farmers The benefits of no-till farming for soil health and erosion prevention Holistic grazing practices that restore ecosystems and enhance animal welfare Crop rotation and polyculture for nutrient-rich soils and resilient farms Exploring the potential of food forests and other nature-based solutions The critical link between soil microbiology and plant health Restoration agriculture and the future of land regeneration Climate solutions that leverage regenerative practices to sequester carbon Promoting biodiversity through sustainable farming approaches Insights into the importance of sustainable diets and their environmental impact Rewilding and its role in ecosystem restoration and preservation Produced in partnership with Soil Capital, a leader in supporting regenerative agriculture and rewarding farmers for improving soil health, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in sustainable farming and climate action. Get in touch with me LinkedIn - Raphael Esterhazy Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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