Regenerative by Design

Joni Kindwall-Moore
Regenerative by Design

Regenerative by Design Podcast where we get to the root of health, climate, economics and food.  Host, Joni Kindwall-Moore, is an RN, an Ethnobotanist and the founder of Snacktivist Foods. Join us on this journey as we explore the ideas, stories and personalities behind the regenerative food system movement including climate change, human health, economics and food as well as other deeply interconnected topics.  In this podcast, we will be “going there” and leaning into topics that might make you squirm… just a little.  We want to challenge ourselves to think outside of the box and to discover the deeper side of our world’s problems so that we can better understand how to solve them.  We aim to unpack some of the most dynamic issues of our day with some of the most inspiring minds who are pushing the boundaries of our current norms and thinking paradigms.  We have seen incredibly disruptive events in the past few years like pandemics, climate events, disasters and war. These often trigger system changes that are reactionary and have short term gains. When these are practiced over the long term, they often have a degenerative effect on health and the environment. Regenerative design thinking is the opposite, and is an intentional, premeditated process that involves a high level of observation, analysis, creativity, and looking beyond reductionistic principles while embracing systems thinking and additionality to create regenerative solutions. Regenerative agriculture has become a powerful force for positive transformation and hope in todays world. And no discussion about agriculture is complete without a conversation about food.  Food is the connection between people and the planet so grab a cup of coffee or your favorite running shoes and get ready to take a mental and philosophical leap into the future of food and our planet. 

  1. 9 HR. AGO

    Transforming Health through Food: Alison Patt's Journey and Innovations

    Summary: In this enlightening episode of Regenerative by Design, host Joni Kindwall-Moore talks with Alison Patt, who spearheads transformative initiatives in institutional food service. Alison shares her personal journey and professional experiences that led her to advocate for high-quality, real food. She discusses her son's health challenges, which were significantly ameliorated through dietary changes, sparking her passion for improving food quality. This episode delves into how her personal insights have been integrated into her work, transforming food service practices in hospitals and other institutions to promote health and well-being through nutrition. Show Notes: Host: Joni Kindwall-Moore Guest: Alison Patt, a leader in institutional food service reform Topics Covered: Alison's background in luxury hospitality and her evolution into a food quality evangelist.The personal health challenges her son faced and how dietary changes dramatically improved his condition.The impact of real food on health and how Alison's professional life reflects her personal discoveries.Thomas Cuisine's mission to revolutionize institutional food services by focusing on quality, real ingredients, and sustainable practices.The introduction of high-quality beef supply chains and other initiatives to improve food standards in hospitals and beyond.Key Takeaways: The profound impact of diet on health, particularly in managing conditions like autism through reduced processed food intake.Institutional roles in promoting health through better food quality can lead to systemic changes in health care and food service industries.Success stories and challenges in shifting institutional food practices towards health-promoting models.Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-patt-878a759/ Thomas Cuisine: https://thomascuisine.com/ Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to think about the source and quality of the food they consume and advocate for better food practices in their local institutions. Closing Thought: The episode underscores the potential of regenerative practices not just in agriculture but in everyday health and community well-being, highlighting food's pivotal role in shaping a healthier future. Regenerative by design is hosted by Snacktivist.  Snacktivist creates baking mixes and finished products that are allergy-friendly, soil, water, and carbon-focused, all while radically impacting human nutrition by transforming staple foods into something more than just empty calories.   Visit snacktivistfoods.com to learn more.

    53 min
  2. FEB 7

    Investing in Regenerative Agriculture: A Conversation with Agriculture Capital

    Summary In this episode of Regenerative by Design, host Joni Kindwall-Moore is joined by Ben Vitale and Wood Turner from Agriculture Capital to discuss their approach to regenerative agriculture and how they are reshaping investment in the agricultural sector. They explore Agriculture Capital’s mission to integrate sustainability with financial investments, their focus on crops like blueberries and citrus, and their commitment to soil health and carbon sequestration. The conversation delves into the complexities of carbon markets, the role of soil carbon as an asset class, and how farmers can leverage diversified revenue streams to build long-term resilience. Ben and Wood also share insights on the challenges and opportunities in transitioning to regenerative practices, the importance of data-driven measurement in carbon sequestration, and how the agricultural sector can contribute to climate solutions. Show Notes Host:  Joni Kindwall-Moore Guests: Ben Vitale – Expert in carbon markets and financial structures for regenerative agricultureWood Turner – Head of regenerative management at Agriculture CapitalTopics Covered: The origin and mission of Agriculture CapitalThe role of capital investment in regenerative agricultureAgriculture Capital’s focus on blueberries, citrus, and hazelnutsChallenges and opportunities in the transition to regenerative farmingCarbon markets and their impact on agricultureThe importance of soil carbon as a financial assetThe need for diversified revenue streams for farmersThe evolving methodologies for measuring and verifying soil carbonHow regenerative agriculture offers long-term resilience for farmersThe impact of financial tools on farmers' ability to scale and transitionThe importance of storytelling and knowledge-sharing in regenerative farmingKey Takeaways: Agriculture Capital invests in regenerative agriculture by purchasing farmland, integrating sustainability practices, and leveraging financial tools to support farmers.Regenerative agriculture is not just about carbon sequestration—it includes biodiversity, soil health, and long-term financial sustainability.The carbon market is diverse, with various types of credits ranging from $6 to $100+ per ton, depending on methodology and verification.Farmers can benefit from alternative revenue streams beyond crop sales, including carbon credits and biodiversity incentives.Measurement and verification of soil carbon are crucial to ensuring the credibility of carbon credits and maximizing financial return.Regenerative transitions can offer farmers long-term profitability and risk reduction, even in challenging climates.Call to Action: If you’re a farmer looking to transition to regenerative practices, Agriculture Capital may be able to support your journey.Connect with Ben Vitale and Wood Turner on LinkedIn to learn more about Agriculture Capital’s work.Share this episode with your network to spread awareness about regenerative agriculture and its financial opportunities.Closing Thought: Regenerative agriculture is more than just a farming method—it’s a long-term investment in soil, communities, and the future of food. By integrating financial tools with sustainability practices, we can create a more resilient and profitable agricultural system for generations to come. Regenerative by design is hosted by Snacktivist.  Snacktivist creates baking mixes and finished products that are allergy-friendly, soil, water, and carbon-focused, all while radically impacting human nutrition by transforming staple foods into something more than just empty calories.   Visit snacktivistfoods.com to learn more.

    54 min
  3. JAN 31

    Seeds of Change: Gary Wietgrefe on Proso Millet and Revolutionizing Regenerative Agriculture

    This episode of "Regenerative by Design" features an enlightening conversation with Gary Wietgrefe, co-founder of the North American Millets Alliance. Gary and host Joni delve deep into the subject of using Proso Millet in foods, discussing its implications for regenerative agriculture and the importance of crop diversity. Show Notes: Guest: Gary Wietgrefe, Co-founder of North American Millets Alliance Topics Covered: Overview of a recent panel discussion on Proso Millet and its use in foods.Gary’s extensive background in agriculture and his specialization in millet cultivation.The importance of crop rotation in spreading labor, preserving soil health, and preventing erosion.Economic and environmental benefits of diverse cropping systems.Challenges in market adoption for diverse crops due to lack of institutional support.The necessity for creating industry standards to make lesser-known crops like millet more marketable and reliable.Key Takeaways: Diverse crops contribute significantly to regenerative agriculture by improving soil health and reducing the need for synthetic inputs.Market adoption challenges for crops like millet stem from a lack of institutional support, not from their agricultural viability.Establishing industry standards is crucial for the recognition and reliability of lesser-known crops, facilitating their entry into mainstream markets.Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to explore more about Proso Millet and other diverse crops. Check out the resources linked in the episode notes for more information on how you can support and promote agricultural diversity.Share this episode on social media to help spread the word about the benefits of crop diversity and regenerative agriculture practices.Closing Thought: Embracing diversity in agriculture not only supports the environment but also enhances food security. As we learn more and adapt, we pave the way for a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future. Additional Resources: Link to North American Millets AllianceGary Wietgrefe’s Publications on MilletRegenerative by design is hosted by Snacktivist.  Snacktivist creates baking mixes and finished products that are allergy-friendly, soil, water, and carbon-focused, all while radically impacting human nutrition by transforming staple foods into something more than just empty calories.   Visit snacktivistfoods.com to learn more. Funding for Regenerative By Design Podcast was made possible by a grant/cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.

    53 min
  4. 12/27/2024

    Redefining the Rules of Engagement in Regenerative Farming

    Summary: In this episode of Regenerative by Design, host Joni Kindwall-Moore welcomes Anna Jones-Crabtree, Jessica Roberts, and Colleen Kavanagh to discuss the transformative potential of regenerative organic farming in Montana’s Northern Great Plains. The conversation dives into the challenges and opportunities of building sustainable food systems prioritizing environmental stewardship, economic resilience, and community health. Show Notes: Guests: Anna Jones-Crabtree, Jessica Roberts, Colleen Kavanagh Anna Jones-Crabtree Anna Jones-Crabtree is a first-generation organic farmer and co-owner of Vilicus Farms, a 12,500-acre dryland crop farm in Northern Montana. She and her husband, Doug, have cultivated a diverse array of heirloom grains, pulses, oilseeds, and broadleaf crops using innovative five and seven-year rotations, integrated grazing, and extensive conservation practices. Vilicus Farms, which devotes over 26% of its land to non-crop conservation and pollinator habitats, is Bee Better and Real Organic Project Certified, with plans for Regenerative Organic and Biodynamic certifications. Anna is also the Executive Director of the Vilicus Institute, a learning hub supporting sustainable farming systems in the Northern Great Plains. With a Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering and a focus on sustainable systems, Anna has served in leadership roles for the Xerces Society, USDA Advisory Council, and Iroquois Valley Farmland REIT. In addition to her farming and advocacy work, Anna is the Regional Director of Data, Information, and Geospatial Resources for the US Forest Service. Link:https://www.vilicusinstitute.org/ Jessica Roberts With over 20 years of hands-on farming experience, Jessica Roberts has dedicated her career to cultivating crops, developing value-added products, and driving systemic change in the food industry. She honed her expertise through roles at Wegmans grocery stores and their Organic Farm & Orchard, where she focused on research and development to strengthen regional food systems. As Associate Director of Certification for the Real Organic Project, Jessica led programs supporting over 1,100 farmer members, conducting more than 200 farm inspections to advance organic farming practices. Guided by principles of reciprocity and a belief in humanity’s role as co-creators of resilient ecosystems, Jessica strives to build a food system that honors and rewards farmers for their essential contributions to their communities and the environment. Link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-roberts-803034191/ Topics Covered: The role of Villicus Farms and Villicus Institute in fostering regenerative organic practices.Barriers and innovations in crop diversity, soil health, and ecosystem services.Economic challenges of first-generation farming and market access for diverse crops.The need for a collaborative "supply circle" model to de-risk regenerative practices.The impact of local sourcing and shorter supply chains on community resilience and carbon emissions.Key Takeaways: Regenerative organic farming systems require fundamental shifts in market and policy support.Farmers often bear the greatest risk in a supply chain that needs collective risk-sharing strategies.Collaborative initiatives, like those from Villicus Institute, aim to transform how farmers are supported economically.Shortening supply chains and prioritizing US-grown products can significantly reduce CO2 emissions and strengthen local economies.Call to Action: Explore the work of Villicus Farms and the Villicus Institute through the links provided in the show notes. Share this episode to spread awareness of the importance of regenerative farming. Rate the podcast and connect with the team for more updates on their groundbreaking projects. Closing Thought: "Redesigning our food systems isn't just about farming differently; it's about showing up for one another in ways that build a more resilient and equitable future." The Regenerative by Design is hosted by Snacktivist. Snacktivist creates baking mixes and finished products that are allergy-friendly, soil, water, and carbon-focused, all while radically impacting human nutrition by transforming staple foods into something more than just empty calories. Visitsnacktivistfoods.com to learn more. Funding for the Regenerative By Design Podcast was made possible by a grant/cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.

    42 min
  5. 12/20/2024

    Breaking Ground with Regenerative Farming: A Conversation with Aaron Viebrock

    In this episode, host Joni Kindwall-Moore welcomes Aaron Viebrock, a leading regenerative farmer from Central Washington. Aaron shares insights into his journey of transitioning from conventional to regenerative farming practices on his 1,500-acre farm. The discussion explores topics like no-till farming, continuous cropping, reducing chemical usage, and improving soil health through biological methods. Aaron highlights the challenges of farming in an arid climate with low rainfall, innovative approaches to weed management, and the potential of crop diversity to enhance sustainability. The episode emphasizes the importance of farmer education, market development for diverse crops, and aligning policy to support regenerative agriculture. Show Notes Episode Title: Breaking Ground with Regenerative Farming: A Conversation with Aaron Viebrock Host: Joni Kindwall-Moore Guest: Aaron Viebrock Topics Covered: Aaron’s transition to regenerative farming and his collaboration with local groups like the Spokane Conservation District and FarmSmart.Challenges of farming in a low-rainfall region and innovative practices like no-till farming.The benefits of continuous cropping and reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers and herbicides.Exploring crop diversity with companion planting and cover crops to improve soil health and control weeds naturally.Insights into soil health, rhizophagy, and the role of biology in creating nutrient-dense crops.The importance of developing markets for alternative crops like sorghum and millet to support regenerative farming.Policy and insurance challenges for farmers adopting regenerative practices.Key Takeaways: Regenerative agriculture can reduce chemical dependence, improve soil health, and increase farm sustainability.Collaboration and knowledge sharing among farmers are vital for innovation and success.Consumer demand and market development are critical for supporting diverse, nutrient-dense crops.Policies must evolve to better support farmers transitioning to regenerative systems.Call to Action: Follow Aaron on Facebook under "O & V Brock" or contact Joni to connect with him directly.Share this episode with your community and leave a review on Apple Podcasts to support the podcast’s mission.Closing Thought: Together, we can make regenerative agriculture the norm, ensuring a healthier planet and better food for future generations. Regenerative by design is hosted by Snacktivist.  Snacktivist creates baking mixes and finished products that are allergy-friendly, soil, water, and carbon-focused, all while radically impacting human nutrition by transforming staple foods into something more than just empty calories.   Visit snacktivistfoods.com to learn more. Funding for Regenerative By Design Podcast was made possible by a grant/cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.

    40 min
  6. 12/13/2024

    Farming for the Future: A Conversation with Keith Morter

    Summary: In this episode of the Regenerative By Design podcast, Joni is joined by Keith Morter, a farmer from north-central Oregon, who shares insights about his transition to regenerative farming practices. The discussion explores innovative techniques, market access challenges for diverse crops, and broader implications for sustainable food systems and human health. Show Notes: Host: Joni Kindwall-Moore Guest: Keith Morter, regenerative farmer and President of the Pacific Northwest Direct Seed Association (www.directseed.org) Topics Covered: Overview of Keith's 4,000-acre farm in Oregon and his family's agricultural history.Transition from conventional to regenerative agriculture, including direct seeding and reduced reliance on chemical fertilizers.Challenges of balancing innovation with economic realities in farming.Importance of building resilient food systems and reducing the environmental footprint.Market barriers for regenerative products, better infrastructure, and consumer awareness.How healthier soil contributes to better crop quality and human health.The role of design thinking in addressing agricultural and environmental challenges.Key Takeaways: Regenerative agriculture requires both scientific understanding and intuitive knowledge of the land.Transitioning to regenerative farming has long-term benefits but demands patience and learning.Market development and consumer education are critical to making regenerative practices viable at scale.Innovation in farming can improve crop quality and help address global challenges like climate change and food insecurity.Collaboration among farmers, policymakers, and consumers is essential for systemic change.Call to Action:Explore the resources and connect with Regenerative By Design to learn more about sustainable farming practices. Share this episode with anyone interested in agriculture, sustainability, and the future of food. Closing Thought:Regenerative agriculture isn't just about farming differently—it's about rethinking our relationship with the land, food, and each other to create a healthier, more sustainable world. Regenerative by Design is hosted by Snacktivist Inc. Snacktivist creates baking mixes and finished products that are allergy-friendly, soil, water, and carbon-focused, all while radically impacting human nutrition by transforming staple foods into something more than just empty calories. Visit snacktivistfoods.com to learn more. Funding for the Regenerative By Design Podcast was made possible by a grant/cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.

    1h 15m
  7. 11/29/2024

    Rooted in Innovation: Unearthing the Power of Soil Health with Tainio Biologicals

    Host: Joni Kindwall-Moore Guests: Steve Becker (Chief Science Officer) and Dennis Warnecke (Director of Sales and Technical Support), Tainio Biologicals Episode Overview: In this enlightening episode of "Regenerative by Design," host Joni Kindwall-Moore sits down with Steve Becker and Dennis from Tainio Biologicals to discuss the transformative power of focusing on soil health in agriculture. This conversation explores the intricate relationships within the soil ecosystem, particularly the critical role of microbes in supporting plant health and nutrition. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The Origins of Tainio Biologicals: Learn about the innovative approach Bruce Tainio took in the 1980s to enhance plant resistance and health through microbial support and balanced nutrition.The Importance of Microbes: Steve delves into the role of microbes, including bacteria and fungi, in aiding plants to access essential nutrients and boost their immune systems.Practical Applications for Farmers: Dennis discusses how Tainio Biologicals assists farmers in implementing soil health programs that lead to sustainable crop production and improved food quality.Environmental Impacts: Explore how regenerative farming practices contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing harmful nitrogen runoff, increasing carbon sequestration, and enhancing overall ecosystem resilience.Future of Agriculture: The episode discusses the broader implications of regenerative agriculture practices in addressing global food system challenges and promoting long-term sustainability.Key Quotes: "Farmers in America can have a greater impact on human health than all the doctors or medicines that exist today." - Quoted from Bruce Tainio"Think of the rhizosphere like the digestive system of a patient in ICU. It's all about interdisciplinary care, but for crops." - Joni Kindwall-MooreEpisode Resources: Tainio Biologicals Website: Visit TainioContact: info@tainio.com for inquiries on how to integrate these practices into your farming operations.Call to Action: If this conversation inspired you, consider diving deeper into the principles of regenerative agriculture to see how you might apply them to your farming practices or support local farmers who do. Share this episode with friends and colleagues who are passionate about sustainable agriculture and the future of food. Rate and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts to rate and review the show. Your feedback helps us grow our audience and reach more listeners like you who are passionate about sustainable agriculture and innovation in food systems. Join Us Next Time: Tune in next week for another fascinating discussion on "Regenerative by Design," where we will explore innovative solutions to combat climate change through agricultural practices. Don't miss it! To learn more about Tainio Biologicals, Inc., please visit tainio.com. Regenerative by design is hosted by Snacktivist.  Snacktivist creates baking mixes and finished products that are allergy-friendly, soil, water, and carbon-focused, all while radically impacting human nutrition by transforming staple foods into something more than just empty calories.   Visit snacktivistfoods.com to learn more. Funding for Regenerative By Design Podcast was made possible by a grant/cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.

    47 min
  8. 11/07/2024

    Transforming Agriculture: Merlin Yockstick's Journey from Iowa to Regenerative Innovation

    Joni Kindwall-Moore welcomes Merlin Yockstick to discuss his extensive educational publishing background and innovative contributions to regenerative agriculture. Born and raised on a small family farm in Iowa, Merlin shares his transformative journey from the educational sector to spearheading regenerative initiatives across the United States. His career shift from publishing to sustainable development exemplifies a lifelong commitment to learning and adaptation, reflecting on historical agricultural practices and forward-thinking soil and community health strategies. Key Points Discussed: Early Life and Career Shifts: Merlin's upbringing in Iowa, his initial career in education, and his pivot to publishing educational materials focused on state history, which later influenced his approach to regenerative agriculture.Innovative Educational Materials: Development of interactive, multimedia educational programs that diverged from traditional textbooks, which set a new standard across the industry.Return to Iowa and Sustainable Development: After successful ventures in publishing, Merlin returned to Iowa to address the challenges of modern agriculture and its impact on community health and soil degradation.Regenerative Agriculture Initiatives: Details of Merlin’s current projects, including statewide and national efforts to promote sustainable farming practices that enhance soil health and food quality.Links: FarmHero.com Connect with Merlin Yockstick: LinkedIn: Merlin Yockstick Quotes: "We don't really retire; we transition to work on things we're passionate about." — Merlin Yockstick"Education is not just about filling a bucket, but lighting a fire." — Joni Kindwall-MooreConclusion: Merlin's work encapsulates the essence of regenerative design by integrating historical insights with innovative solutions to restore ecological and community health. His story is a testament to the power of lifelong learning and adaptation in facing global challenges. Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to explore regenerative agriculture more and consider how they can support sustainable practices in their communities. ***** Regenerative by Design is hosted by Snacktivist.  Snacktivist creates baking mixes and finished products that are allergy-friendly, soil, water, and carbon-focused, all while radically impacting human nutrition by transforming staple foods into something more than just empty calories. Visitsnacktivistfoods.com to learn more. Funding for the Regenerative By Design Podcast was made possible by a grant/cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. Its contents are solely the authors' responsibility and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.

    52 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Regenerative by Design Podcast where we get to the root of health, climate, economics and food.  Host, Joni Kindwall-Moore, is an RN, an Ethnobotanist and the founder of Snacktivist Foods. Join us on this journey as we explore the ideas, stories and personalities behind the regenerative food system movement including climate change, human health, economics and food as well as other deeply interconnected topics.  In this podcast, we will be “going there” and leaning into topics that might make you squirm… just a little.  We want to challenge ourselves to think outside of the box and to discover the deeper side of our world’s problems so that we can better understand how to solve them.  We aim to unpack some of the most dynamic issues of our day with some of the most inspiring minds who are pushing the boundaries of our current norms and thinking paradigms.  We have seen incredibly disruptive events in the past few years like pandemics, climate events, disasters and war. These often trigger system changes that are reactionary and have short term gains. When these are practiced over the long term, they often have a degenerative effect on health and the environment. Regenerative design thinking is the opposite, and is an intentional, premeditated process that involves a high level of observation, analysis, creativity, and looking beyond reductionistic principles while embracing systems thinking and additionality to create regenerative solutions. Regenerative agriculture has become a powerful force for positive transformation and hope in todays world. And no discussion about agriculture is complete without a conversation about food.  Food is the connection between people and the planet so grab a cup of coffee or your favorite running shoes and get ready to take a mental and philosophical leap into the future of food and our planet. 

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