Sourcing Matters.show

Sourcing Matters is a talkshow for critical issues and the wonderful stories woven into our food system. Broadcasting from the Northeast U.S. - we host less-than-an-hour conversations with interesting characters from all over the globe. Visit our dialogues library to hear more from these folks making all kinds of good things happen. #Tunein for a dose of optimism.

ep. 115: Forces-of-Nature miniseries -ft. Eric Soubeiran 04/07/2023

ep. 115: Forces-of-Nature miniseries -ft. Eric Soubeiran FORCES OF NATURE: A talkshow miniseries featuring dynamic leaders from across food & environmental movements. Tune-in for a dose of optimism. FORGING A STRONGER VALUE CHAIN w/ host: Aaron Niederhelman In a perpetual dance between value creation and supply chains, hear how Souberian pushes the envelop w/ Unilever's 400 in-house brands. --- Eric Souberian Executive Director of Climate and Nature Fund, & Vice-President Business Operation Sustainability at Unilever --- INTRODUCTION With over two decades of international work experience in sustainability, general management, sourcing, and M&A, Eric Soubeiran is a leading force behind Unilever’s massive value chain. In his role as the VP Business Operation Sustainability, Eric manages the environmental impact of one of the largest CPGs companies in the world. Soubeiran is also the Executive Director of the € 1 billion Climate and Nature investment fund that Unilever launched to take decisive action, and support the collective efforts of their 400 in-house brands seeking to protect the health of the planet. Eric focuses efforts on building multi-stakeholder environments, and he leverages a convening capacity to bring key stakeholders together to drive transformation and establish impact at scale. Leadership skills that he’s picked up throughout the years from mentors like Alan Jope and Emmanuel Faber. Prior to Unilever, Soubeiran was Chief Sustainability Officer and VP of Nature and water cycle at Danone, and he’s currently a non-executive director of the Carbon Trust and The Gold Standard Foundation. --- RADICAL TRANSPARENCY Soubeiran talks about pioneering transparency, “It’s about knowing where you are sourcing things from. We are investing quite a lot of time in traceability because our value chains are quite complex, and most of the world’s supply chains are very complex too. For this to work you must do it in collaboration and with suppliers. We are dialoguing with our suppliers to put in place our climate action programs.” “Last year we piloted transparency initiatives with a group of 60 diverse suppliers. We looked at how we could connect our value chain -with- their value chains. This is being very transparent with key stakeholders; we all have to share what you know and what you don’t know. The program has been successful, so we’re scaling it up to 300 suppliers next year – which represents 65% of our (Unilever's) carbon footprint.” --- A BILLION € EUOR CLIMATE & NATURE INVESTMENT FUND To accelerate climate action, Unilever’s brands will collectively invest €1 billion in a dedicated Climate & Nature Fund. These resources will be allocated over the next ten years to take meaningful and decisive action, with projects (likely) to include landscape restoration, reforestation, carbon sequestration, wildlife protection and water preservation. "The climate & nature fund is to transform some of the key ingredients that we use in our products to a more sustainable manner. The objective is to fulfill the promise that the brands have to the world. We want to create a movement around this fund so that we’re attracting the right partners along the journey.” --- ABOUT UNILEVER: Unilever products are used by more than 3.4 billion people every day in over 190 countries. In 2022, Unilever had a total turnover €60 billion and employed 150,000 people. Unilever has more than 400 brands sold around the globe – with 14 reaching sales over €1 billion, and 81% of all brands being in the top two in respective markets. /episode/index/show/sourcingmatters/id/26475708

ep. 114: Forces-of-Nature miniseries -ft. Sara Farley 03/05/2023

ep. 114: Forces-of-Nature miniseries -ft. Sara Farley ep. 114: Sara Farley · The Rockefeller Foundation Forces of Nature is a talkshow miniseries featuring dynamic leaders from across food & environmental movements. Tune-in for a dose of optimism. FOOD AS CLIMATE & SOCIAL ACTION w/ host: Aaron Niederhelman Sara Farley leads the global portfolio for The Rockefeller Foundation’s food team. In this capacity she is driving the Foundation’s inaugural regenerative food systems strategy and leading the articulation of a “Big Bet” for Food + Climate for the foundation. Sara is leading such signature initiatives as the Food Systems Vision Prize, and directs the diet quality portfolio and is expanding the good food purchasing portfolio and true cost accounting work globally with the aim of shifting the diet quality of 500 million underserved people by 2030. We’ll witness all kinds of interesting climate actions in many forms over the next decade, but what feeds us may just possess the greatest potential to drive lasting change across large and diverse populations. Food and its production impact everyone; everyday. In fact, improving food systems and supporting the proper management of the resources required to produce more food in the future is a pillar of the Rockefeller Foundation’s Climate-First mission. With a storied history of supporting the greater good, The Rockefeller Foundation investments in food-as-climate-&-social-action will cast a long-shadow over the future of giving. Furthermore, documenting the lasting wins for the poorest to the wealthiest populations will influence State sponsored resources and traditional investment dollars seeking the mutually-beneficial returns from taking food actions. REGENERATING ACROSS A SPECTRUM At the Rockefeller Foundation they have embraced the benefits of regenerative food production across a spectrum. The transition away from big ag won’t be easy, but from what Sara tells us – it’s all about the long game. “Regenerative agriculture is not just one thing. It covers a range of outcomes, and the practices to achieve beneficial impact on varied landscapes,” says Farley, VP of Global Food Portfolio at The Rockefeller Foundation. Sara talks to us about just how important it is for like-minded benefactors to collaborate on big Regen efforts moving forward. “It’s not just the size of the undertaking to transition towards regenerative that requires funders to go at it together; it’s because of the multiple complexities that we’ll face in supporting the transition,” explains Farley. GETTING BETTER WITH EACH & EVERY COP "Food arrived at COP27. We no longer the little kid at the back of the room. We did have a voice. There were 200 food focus in Egypt. There 4 or 5 Food-focused pavilions. It felt like a feast. What was also existing was the food conversation wasn’t only in the food pavilion, but food was central to climate discussions in all COP pavilions,” Sara shared while explaining some of the good things that came from COP 27. “I think within the food tent we need more discipline. We need to get clearer and sharper for what we’re advocating for. Let’s tighten up the aperture. Let’s become very clear about high ambition countries. Let’s come clear about Regen financing mechanisms, and I think we’ll come to a shorter list to COP 28.” – ep. 114 guest, Sara Farley. Tune-in to hear more... /episode/index/show/sourcingmatters/id/26130741

ep. 113: Forces-of-Nature miniseries -ft. Benedikt Bösel 11/27/2022

ep. 113: Forces-of-Nature miniseries -ft. Benedikt Bösel ep. 113: Benedikt Bösel · Land Use Pioneer Forces of Nature is a talkshow miniseries featuring dynamic leaders from across food & environmental movements. Tune-in for a dose of optimism. ECOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES IN LAND USE w/ host: Aaron Niederhelman Benedikt Bösel is founder and CEO of Gut & Bösel, a 3,000 hectare ecological farm and land use research center east of Berlin, Germany. The site is quickly becoming an epicenter for the future of food & fiber production. It’s the whole ball of wax from regenerative food production practice, forestry management, savvy land use, stewardship initiatives, animal centric integration, and even a royal bed & breakfast to welcome new guests to the movement. It’s a gem of a spot and a big win for the EU Regen. In 2016, Benedikt took over management of the land that’s been in his family for 300 years. He changed the operating system to farm and forest by improving the ecology. In just a few short years, Gut & Bösel has grown from a concept to now tabulating positive outcomes of systemic land use management trials. Brought together in Brandenburg, this epicenter will expand everyone’s capabilities to understand and to work smarter with natural systems. Buy-in has been good. Agtech is woven into the fabric of this innovation hot-bed, and influential players from around the Brandenburg region, across Germany and throughout Europe have responded to Gut & Bösel with resounding support. In the blink of an eye, Benedikt has laid the foundation for a Stone Barns, EURO. --- LAND USE PIONEER --- FARMING THE ELEMENTS Mitigating climate change & biodiversity loss, staving off hunger & malnutrition and even offering equal opportunities for all, at Gut & Bösel they believe that land use is the key to addressing many pressing problems. Through holistic pasture management, composting, syntropic agroforestry and forest conversion, and even the development of new software and technology – they’re working on methods of multifunctional agriculture to build healthy, resilient and thriving ecosystems. The Brandenburg region has little precipitation and very sandy soils. It’s a challenging place to farm. Benedikt came to Alt Madlitz with a grand idea. Then drought came, and everything changed. This forced him to innovate years before originally planned. Benedikt doubled down on closing the nutrient cycling loop of ecology to keep healthy production from his land. He’s weathered that storm and now built resiliency. AWARD WINNING EFFORTS & DEFT TOUCH Benedikt was named 2022 Farmer of the Year in Germany by the Federal Minister of Agriculture. The Gut & Bösel team was recently the subject of a six-part Disney+ miniseries titled ‘The Farm Experiment‘, which is expected to drop in 2023. The release of a book sharing more of the good, the bad and the journey to date is on the docket. In ep. #113 we chat about the soon to begin World Cup 2022. You get some insight into Benedikt’s POV on global affairs, and where he believes change is going to come from. We also learn that despite being a German football fan at heart, it’s the NBA that gets Benedikt to kick back and have a few beers. In fact, it’s my hometown Boston Celtics may be his team. Go GREEN (C’s & The Planet). I’m pulling for team USA in Qatar, but no matter what happens I’m just excited to see the beautiful game played on its grandest stage. Despite all the problems that brings. /episode/index/show/sourcingmatters/id/25138350

ep. 112: Forces-of-Nature miniseries -ft. Jennifer Hashley 11/13/2022

ep. 112: Forces-of-Nature miniseries -ft. Jennifer Hashley ep. 112: Jennifer Hashley · Friendly Neighborhood Food Superhero Forces of Nature is a talkshow miniseries featuring dynamic leaders from across food & environmental movements. Tune-in for a dose of optimism. LOCAL FOOD SUPERHERO w/ host: Aaron Niederhelman Rooted in the Tufts Friedman School of nutrition, the New Entry Sustainable Farming Project is one of the first initiatives nationwide to help immigrants and refugees develop commercial farming opportunities. Change-agent Jennifer Hashley grew New Entry into a sustained effort while she was getting her Master’s in Agriculture and Public Policy at Tufts. The goal since the beginning has been to help farmers thrive in the fields, the office and within their communities. Today, 25 years later and New Entry has established a framework that will teach anyone that’s ready to learn how to operate a successful sustainable farming business. New Entry is teaching an approach to farming that could eventually become the model that everyone uses to produce food in the future. A model that is smaller scale, regional, diversified and using production that is bathed in ecological best practice. Each and every food purchase from these farms is a circular dollar spent in local economies. Jobs are created, and in using this production approach the land, natural resources and nature are looked after in more responsible manner. New Entry farms are also beneficial in dealing with food waste, water and this healthy farmland sucks down and stores carbon. Additionally, farming the landscape to combat climate change is real, and as a whole local food is significantly less taxing on the environment as compared to conventional. The biggest win of all is the opportunity for more community members to eat more fresh and nutrient dense foods from nearby farms. --- LOCAL FOOD SUPERHERO --- For others, with current geo-political instability and what was exposed as weak spots in global food supply chains during COVID, local food from regional production is actually all about guaranteeing food security for the future. More New Entry farmers on local lands helps with food surplus for any region or community. Local food is also about stability. After all, “Every society is (only) three meals away from chaos.” The long and short of it, New Entry brings contemporary farmers up to speed. Jennifer has developed a system that is chock-full of creative ways to gain land access, grants and funding programs. She help farmers work with multipliers, to figure out distribution and value-ad, and they offer a network to help with staffing. This all adds up to capacity building of local and regional food production. Here we have a trained workforce that is champing at the bit to work their butts off. What’s needed is access to good land, some capital, and a community commitment to make it all grow. New Entry is infrastructure that will change food system by serving the needs and interests of this vested communities of eaters. CALL TO ARMS Jennifer is optimistic for the future. She wants you to share in her vision of stability through focus on production of good local food. Her call to action is to simply support the things that we believe in. Use your purchasing power of this good local food as a way to exercise those beliefs. When more of this is done in your community, more folks that you care about will benefit. That’s actually true for any community that gets a New Entry farmer to start farming for them. She’s got the IP to train a workforce and drive food systems change. So, time to break some bread with Jennifer and find out how to light this local food candle! Who wants in? So, tune in to hear how Jennifer is making it all happen… /episode/index/show/sourcingmatters/id/24991509

ep. 111: Forces-of-Nature miniseries -ft. Volkert Engelsman 11/03/2022

ep. 111: Forces-of-Nature miniseries -ft. Volkert Engelsman ep. 111: Volkert Engelsman · Marketing Mastermind | Guru of Differentiation Forces of Nature is a talkshow miniseries featuring dynamic leaders from across food & environmental movements. Tune-in for a dose of optimism. FOOD FULL OF THOUGHT w/ host: Aaron Niederhelman Volkert Engelsman is CEO of EOSTA, the EU’s largest importer of organic and biological fruit. Volkert is nothing short of a mastermind when it comes to marketing product differentiation, and amplifying how those differences benefit each stakeholder involved. In this conversation we hear what it has taken for Engelsman to become a leading force connecting the worlds of healthier food and thriving soils. “When you commoditize products, you anonymize origin and backstory,” explains Engelsman in describing why he launched food integrity platform Nature & More. The Sustainability Flower by Nature & More is used to evaluate, manage and communicate the net positive environmental impact and social welfare achievements of organic growers and supply. It’s a sticker that validates production and sourcing claims on each piece of fruit, and a robust platform behind it all that gives it the integrity to make the storytelling stick with consumers. If you’re a grower, retailer or consumer like us all - listen-in to this episode to hear how we'll get to a point of food full of thought. - THE KAYAK OF REGEN INCENTIVES In an effort to establish financial rewards for the positive externalities derived from regenerative land management, Volkert has initiated the Business Alliance for Regenerative Agriculture (BARA). The objective of BARA is to work with existing initiatives, and suss-out new reward structures that incentivize more stakeholders for ecosystem health and the social benefits tied to regenerative agriculture. COALITION OF THE WILLING Eighty (80) initiatives and companies from all over the world have come together to launch BARA. At October’s kick-off gathering held at EOSTA’s home office in Waddinxveen, Netherlands, cohosts Climate Farmers of Berlin and EOSTA defined seven working groups to build upon: Carbon Methodologies, Policy Engagement, Trading Positive Externalities, Sharing & Exchanging Experiences, Consumer Awareness & Retail Storytelling, Setting up Farms & Transforming Regions, and Organic Meets Regenerative. A next BARA conference is scheduled for 2023. It's been designated to review initial working group findings, and to continue to move the ball. For decades, Volkert has used a unique marketing prowess to differentiate better quality foods grown in healthy soils as acts of climate & social action. The Nature-&-More platform and now BARA are intuitive POCs that are ripe to translate the positive impacts of food with the UN's 17 SDGs. It is palatable action in every mouthful that benefits people and the planet. - “Tomorrow’s profit will include externalities, and social and environmental costs – which is precisely what is happening right now in Europe. In fact, you see it everywhere this is gradually descending into the DNA of financial markets, taxonomies, and fiscal incentives. The definition of profit is changing.” - Volkert Engelsman - CALL TO ARMS Volkert Engelsman has a call to action for us all in food / planetary movements... get out there and Dream, Dance and Deliver. According to Engelsman, we need more skilled and ambitions (big) dreamers on this stuff. We learn that if you really want to make change happen – it’s on you – so, you'd better learn how to dance. Figure out how to make nice with others, how to choose partners, and how to keep dancing. This creates results. Often smaller wins, but more results. It’s consistency of those small wins that gets us to tackling those big dreams. /episode/index/show/sourcingmatters/id/24892536

ep. 110: Forces-of-Nature miniseries -ft. Henk Ovink 10/26/2022

ep. 110: Forces-of-Nature miniseries -ft. Henk Ovink ep. 110: Henk Ovink · World Water SuperAgent Forces of Nature is a talkshow miniseries featuring dynamic leaders from across food & environmental movements. Tune-in for a dose of optimism. QUARTERBACKING A WATER SMART PLAYBOOK w/ host: Aaron Niederhelman Water is a fundamental part of all aspects of life. Yet, today, 40% of the world’s people are affected by water scarcity; 80% of wastewater is discharged untreated into the environment, and more than 90% of disasters are water-related. And despite all of these real concerns – we still suck down 70% of available freshwater to lavishly manage antiquated cropping systems chock full of chemical externalities. The long and short of it – we need awareness of the problems and more solutions for the vast water crises enveloping the planet. So, to find out what should be done to manage water better in the future – we’ve turned to the guy that the United Nations has asked to quarterback their big 2023 Water Conference. We welcome Henk Ovink. How we all decide to consume will play a major role in eradicating pressing water concerns. Spurring on more awareness and incentivizing change in stakeholder behavior is ultimately what’s needed to evolve our relationship with nature. Food seems a logical place to begin taking action, and from my POV it’s all about good storytelling that'll be the remedy here. Tune-in to hear what this Force of Nature has to say about the future of water and our shared future. - Aaron – BIO: HENK OVINK Henk Ovink was appointed by the Dutch Cabinet as the first Special Envoy for International Water Affairs in 2015. As the Ambassador for Water, Henk is responsible for advocating water awareness around the world, focusing on building institutional capacity and coalitions among governments, multilateral organizations, private sector and NGO’s to address the world’s stressing needs on water and help initiate transformative interventions. Ovink is also Sherpa to the High Level Panel on Water, installed by UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and President of the World Bank Jim Kim with 10 Heads of State / Heads of Government including Prime Minister Rutte from The Netherlands, in a effort to catalyze change in water awareness and implementation. Henk is Principal for REBUILD BY DESIGN – an innovation competition that would forever change how natural disaster clean-ups look at resilience. Ovink is also a founding father of the Dutch-founded public-private partnership “Water as Leverage”. – SUPERSTORM SANDY REBUILD: In 2012, Henk Ovink was appointed by President Obama and the Secretary of HUD, Shaun Donovan, to become the special envoy of Water to the US. He was directly responsible for launching the HUD & Rockefeller funded program REBUILD BY DESIGN – a global crowdsourcing initiative of top designers and planners to pool the best ideas which would rebuild using federal resources after Hurricane Sandy. The program was such a success it reformulated the approach the US government used for federal payouts on natural disasters, and became the linchpin for commitment to “resilience” in infrastructure rebuilds following future incidents. /episode/index/show/sourcingmatters/id/24806583

ep. 109: Sourcing Matters with Dan Barber 04/08/2022

ep. 109: Sourcing Matters with Dan Barber ep. 109: Dan Barber of Blue Hill BUILDING A COLLECTIVE CONSCIOUSNESS w/ host: Aaron Niederhelman In a far-reaching 40 minute conversation, chef, advocate, writer and businessman Dan Barber joins host Aaron Niederhelman to discuss the future of food and production. From alternative proteins, the environmental brass-tacks of regenerative, how seeds rule the way we use the world, the mission of a well suited food system and the potential to stabilize the planet by tapping into our hedonistic self - it all gets airtime. - So, tune-in and be empowered to be part of a global environmental & social movement that asks you to partake by feeding your pleasures, vanity and soul some super-duper delicious, healthy, and responsible real foods! “What we need is a food system that is an engine for the improvement of ecological systems and the environment. Having to sacrifice the health of the environment for food production is a false choice.” – ep. 109 guest, Dan Barber - SMOOTH LIKE (Margarine) The dialogue begins by evaluating the current state of alternative meats. You see, sales of alternative proteins reached $7 billion last year. The market value is predicted to hit $25 bl. by 2030. The cultured and lab-grown arena is obviously big business with a lot of capital behind it, but come on! Are these growth expectations realistic? Are new folks really buying it?! Based on what we know now, can the trend be sustained? And, should it?! Comparing it to the adoption of the butter-alternative margarine by cutting-edge families of the 1970s, Barber says that current day consumers of animal protein alternatives have been given equal parts false hope, and false advertising. He explains, “It’s a technology that supposedly does it better than how nature does it!” - HEDONISM SPAWNS GREAT CONSCIOUSNESS When asked what it’ll take to create real change in food, Dan says that it’s all about deliciousness. “The practices that produce the best environmental conditions – are the same practices that produce the most delicious, hedonistic food experiences,” explains Barber. - PLEASURE PRINCIPLE The more you look into food systems – the more layers, reasons and rationale for change that you’ll find. For some of you eco-warriors who are just tuning in – check this out – the environmental food movement isn’t just for vegetarians and vegans anymore. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Pastured ruminants (hoofed herbivores) are the most elegant approach on the board to balance complex energy, nutrient and carbon cycles found in food production. Hey, even anti-meat agencies & NGOs are now stating that, “it’s not the cow, it’s the how.” Barber continues: “We will have to make sure that whatever we put in our mouth is an agricultural product that won’t degrade the environment, but instead improve it! Part of that is eating meat. If you are eating grass-fed meat from a cow that was truly raised on pasture, than you’re erasing the carbon footprint of the animal. You are eating net-positive. You’re not just doing less bad to the earth, you’re improving the environmental function of pastureland and the ecosystem.” - SEEDS DETERMINE HOW THE WORLD IS USED Conventional agriculture has long-since used breeding and genetic modifications to optimize seeds for intervention. Effectively, these are seeds that marry with treatments to address problems which arise only when managing large plots of monoculture crops. The impact and environmental degradation of this conventional seed playbook is well past an unsustainable threshold. And, the proliferation this approach has been so successful that we’ve reached a point in which how we grow food from these conventional seeds determines how the planet is being used. Today, the molecular scalpel of modern seed science can eliminate many of the environmental & human health externalities tied to this conventional production. Consumers seem interested in the change, the industry is evolving to a biological toolkit to adapt, and the appetite of big food has been whet. Is it progress?! Well, maybe?! Barber thinks that we need to look at it all differently. Tapping into that pleasure principle found in us all, he says that once again change will come down to deliciousness of food. As an example of how to leverage this hedonism and drive change through focus on taste over treatment or shelf-life, Dan shares the development story of the Row 7 honeynut squash. If that’s the future of organic & non-GMO – sign us up! - “Seeds have been bred for yield; bred for shelf-life; and they’ve been bred for long-distance travel – because our food travels thousands of miles. Flavor was not one of the criteria used for picking when to propagate a seed.” - Dan Barber - A HOPE & POTENTIAL FOR GENERATION NEXT “I’m pretty much a cynic through & through, but I tend to be an optimist when it comes to genZ & millennials. They know their stuff, and the bullshit quotient is very high,” Barber describing his lens on the future of the food & environmental movement. feeding the planet ✔️ employing communities ✔️ stabilizing the climate ✔️ REGIONAL FOOD WILL AGAIN HAVE ITS DAY “I do think that in light of COVID, and in light of some of the distribution challenges faced over the past couple years, that a regional food system is going to become more and more prevalent. To me, it’s deliciousness, it’s healthcare and it’s more responsible to the environment,” says chef, activist, author and businessman Dan Barber. - KINGFISH: Dan Barber Dan Barber is the chef and co-owner of Blue Hill and Blue Hill at Stone Barns, and the author of The Third Plate (2014). He opened Blue Hill restaurant with family members David and Laureen Barber in May of 2000 and two years later he was named one of the country’s “Best New Chefs” by Food and Wine magazine. Since, he has been addressing food issues through op-eds in The New York Times and articles in Gourmet, Saveur, and Food and Wine. Dan has been featured on CBS Sunday Morning, The New Yorker and Martha Stewart Living. Appointed by President Barack Obama to serve on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, Dan continues the work that he began as a member of Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture’s board of directors: to blur the line between the dining experience and the educational, bringing the principles of good farming directly to the table. Barber has received multiple James Beard awards including Best Chef: New York City (2006) and the country’s Outstanding Chef (2009). In 2009 he was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world. - FOOD SYSTEMS CHANGE As part of the series, in this episode you’ll hear that when we’re empowered as eaters to become the solution – good things will happen. /episode/index/show/sourcingmatters/id/22730555

ep. 108: Repurposing Subsidies with Todd Barker 03/05/2022

ep. 108: Repurposing Subsidies with Todd Barker ep.108: ‘Repurposing Subsidies for Favorable Outcomes’ Guest: Todd Barker of Meridian Institute --- Favorable Outcomes In this episode you’ll hear that when subsidies are dolled out based on positive outcomes instead of crop type – good things happen. You see, according to a Sept 2021 UN FAO briefing, agriculture contributes a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions, 70% of biodiversity loss and 80% of deforestation across the globe. And, it’s also true that nearly 90% of the $540 bn in global subsidies given to farmers every year are “harmful.” It’s true that the majority of well-intentioned agricultural support now damages human health, exacerbates the climate crisis, dwindles nature and drives inequality by excluding smallholder farmers. For real food systems change, support needs to be better aligned with favorable outcomes. To learn more about this whole ball of wax we connected with Meridian Institute CEO Todd Barker on the myriad ways that the organization is bringing together stakeholders in the U.S. and around the world to take action. Incentivizing Collaborative Efforts “Interest in food systems has never been greater. As challenging and controversial as the problems are, we at Meridian are seeing that while issues about partisanship, polarization, and conflict are capturing media headlines – the hunger for collaborative solutions to these problems has never been higher,” explains episode 108 guest Todd Barker. A Novel Angle at US Crop Insurance The AGree Economic and Environmental Risk Coalition (AGree E2 Coalition) advocates for federal policy improvements to drive broader adoption of conservation practices on working lands. Conservation practices such as cover crops, no-till, and other recognized good farming practices can reduce farm risk to extreme weather events while improving environmental outcomes and soil health. Meridian Institute launched the AGree Initiative more than 10 years ago after more than two years of collaboration with a diverse group of food and agriculture stakeholders. Multi-Stakeholder Initiative (MSI) Juggernaut Meridian is a mission-driven, nonprofit consultancy that has helped clients and partners develop and implement solutions to complicated, often controversial problems—big and small, global and local—for over two decades. They do it with an innovative approach that brings together a deep understanding of the issues at hand, as well as the people, politics, and power dynamics that surround them. Meridian not only shapes meaningful consensus and action in the near term, but also builds partners’ capacity for cooperation that often continues for years, even decades. Finding Common Goals to Drive Change The Meridian Institute offers five key services: collaboration, implementation, strategy, research, and philanthropic support. Meridian has a dedicated team of 80 experts and an ability to foster constructive discussions, manage decisions, and support actions that shape the world for the better. facilitating change: Todd Barker Todd Barker is CEO of Meridian. He currently leads projects that focus on agriculture, food systems, water, climate, big data, and clean energy. A highlight of his over 20 year tenure at Meridian has been the AGree Initiative, which successfully advocated and lobbied for changes in the 2018 farm bill that support soil health. He also has extensive international experience, including current work with the Global Alliance for the Future of Food. Todd cut his teeth as a mediator, facilitator, and strategist over 20 years ago, working on the cleanup of Rocky Flats nuclear weapons facility. He is a trusted advisor to foundations and funder collaboratives working on agriculture and food systems. He serves on the board of the DendriFund and chairs the board for the Clean Energy Group. /episode/index/show/sourcingmatters/id/22350677

ep. 107: Animal Centric Agriculture 02/19/2022

ep. 107: Animal Centric Agriculture Episode 107: Animal Centric Agriculture Host: Aaron Niederhelman Guest: Øistein Thorsen, CEO of FAI Farms Did you know that across the globe we process 70,000,000,000 (billion) land animals every year?! That includes nine billion food animals each yr. in the U.S. alone. And yet, it’s still difficult to find good meat! That’s so out of sync with where consumer trends are headed. Why isn’t better meat more of the norm? Elevating practices to reap the benefits at market is very feasible in (better quality) meat production. In this episode we hear more from upstart leader Øistein Thorsen of FAI Farms about the opportunities there are for evolving production practice and scaling supply of better quality animal proteins. With some tweaks and strategic investments into the well-being of the animal producing meat, fish, eggs and dairy – FAI thwarts impending supply chain concerns for big food companies while aligning with buying behaviors of contemporary consumer interests. As insurance & marketing tilth – it’s a no-brainer for these food companies with large scale needs. Investments that will benefit the eater, the producer, the environment and the planet all by improving farm animal qualify of life. Based out of Oxford, U.K., for twenty years the Food Animal Initiative (FAI) has been developing systems that improve the supply chains of big food companies through investments into the well-being of the food animal. Rich in knowledge and deep in insight, they’ve honed “animal-centric” operating models for each food animal category. As you’ll hear from Øistein, more commitments to elevate production practice in meat, dairy, farmed fish and eggs is is a tent post in repairing the broader broken food systems. And, since new growth in conventional meat and animal protein production proves more unsustainable with each passing year, the notion that this old system can manage more production load on top of the current through-put just seems irresponsible to plan around. Right?! Thorsen argues that the market opportunity for pushing the holistic view of personal well-being, planetary stability, and benevolence has a pinnacle in meat production. So, is the well-being of food animals the foundation for large scale food systems change? #Tunein to get more on that from Øistein. Getting us to Animal Centric Meat Production The reality is that people are going to eat meat in the future. A lot more of it as new folks adopt western lifestyles. In fact, experts say that 2050 demand for animal proteins will increase by 70%. Could you imagine what 2/3s more load would do to the impact of conventional meat? Leaders have arisen with new approaches to raise food animals and produce enough protein to meet this increased demand – while still respecting planetary boundaries, and tapping into those current POVs. Øistein Thorsen of FAI Farms is one of these upstart pioneers that’s instigating a values-based food system through focus on improving in the health and well-being of food animals. In our conversation Thorsen explains the approach as “Animal Centric Meat Production”. He describes it this way, “to keep a shrinking planet fed and nourished for decades to come – it all begins with respecting the food animal today.” Animal-Centric Food Systems in the Future The French expression Noblesse Oblige translates to “nobility obliges”. It effectively means that with power and privilege that we’re obligated to look out for the wellbeing of others that are less fortunate. Thorsen tells us that a bit more respect is needed here for the animals that sustain us. To clean-up the food system, this animal-centric mantra actually taps that obligation that is seeded in us all, while also fueling actions of consumer empowerment that will help sway consumer behaviors. Something like – knowing how we manage sentient animals that produce meat, eggs, and dairy will evolve everything about the food system – because we become more empowered eaters through deeper connection with these animals and nature. Animal Centric food production may actually scratch a primal itch to do better for all creatures, including those that sustain us. We are indebted. What do you think? Q: How much of the holistic continuum impacts your current food buying decisions? Q: Will you evolve your behavior if you knew of the direct impact? Q: Are you obligated? As we hear from Øistein, not only is this evolution the ethical thing to do, but the reality is the resulting food products are significantly better for you and your surroundings than anything coming from conventional streams. In fact, according to Thorsen – this good meat, dairy and eggs from healthy animals living in more natural environments is better than anything coming to market – especially all this newly concocted lab-grown protein derived from processed and artificial means. We need better meat and less of it. Despite all the buzz behind those plant-based / lab-grown proteins, or new noise from conventional climate-friendly propaganda – the only silver-bullet solution to big global problems like malnutrition, hunger, supply-chain disruption and even climate instability comes from doing a better job shepherding the regenerative natural resources underpinning the production of our food. So, let’s not throw the baby out with the bathwater; it’s not the cow that’s the problem, but the how we raise the cow for dairy and meat. Let’s start there. “It has mutually beneficial outcomes in which all stakeholders win,” explains Thorsen. A Holistic Approach to Producing Good Meat Farm Animal Initiative (FAI) Farms was founded in 2001 at the Oxford University farm estate. 20 years later they remain a ground-breaking research and advisory firm on a mission to help the food sector overcome key challenges and implement better practices on land and at sea. Utilizing their “3E” (Economic, Environmental, Ethical) approach, FAI works with farmers and many of the world’s largest food companies to implement practical solutions for climate and food security concerns in a contemporary world. The Growing Footprint of Animal Centric A purpose driven company committed to providing solutions to climate and food security, FAI offers services led by science, data, and the practice of holistic food production. FAI’s world leading multi-disciplinary team work in partnership with major food brands to create a high welfare, equitable and regenerative food system. FAI is headquartered in Oxford, UK, with representation in the USA, Norway, Brazil, New Zealand and partners in China. a next generation pioneer in food animal production: Øistein Thorsen As CEO of FAI, Øistein is responsible for the company’s growth and impact strategy, and new business development. He joined FAI in 2012, working with global partners including IKEA, Ferrero, McDonald’s and KFC, before leading the company through an MBO in August 2020. Øistein grew up in shuttle between Sudan, Norway, and Ethiopia. He holds an MSc in International Political Economy from the London School of Economics (LSE) and a BA in African Studies and Development Studies from SOAS. Before joining FAI he followed in his parents’ footprints pursuing a career in international development. He worked for VSO and Oxfam, focusing on community engagement, global agricultural trade policy, and humanitarian advocacy at the United Nations. Thorsen is the associate producer of “Black Gold”, a Sundance Film Festival feature-documentary film about coffee growers in Ethiopia’s place in the global coffee market. Øistein lives in Brooklyn with his wife and two children. DO YOUR PART: Stabilize the Planet by Investing in Animal Centric Agriculture With the huge uptick in global consumption of proteins over the next few decades, current conventional practice and cutting-edge tech will only continue to send natural systems out of whack. When scaled with proper knowhow, Animal Centric agriculture food solutions can have positive and lasting impact on the planet and all of its inhabitants. We learn that when animals are put in the middle and given due respect throughout food production – it becomes the tent pole to build the new food system, to return to natural order, and to benefit each involved party. Starting with the quality of life of the food animals themselves. As part of the series, in this episode you’ll hear that when Animal Centric Agriculture becomes part of our collective consciousness it’s the best opportunity that we’ve got for a stable future. /episode/index/show/sourcingmatters/id/22188719

ep. 106: The Standard Bearer for Favorable Seas - MSC 02/12/2022

ep. 106: The Standard Bearer for Favorable Seas - MSC Episode 106: Standard Bearer of Favorable Seas - MSC Host: Aaron Niederhelman Guest: Rupert Howes, CEO of Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Rupert Howes explains it this way, “MSC is the standard setter. We have no ability whatsoever to influence the outcome of an independent certification.. That’s done by an independently accredited certifier. The science is independently peer-reviewed. There’s an independent objections process. We (MSC) have no financial interest or ability to influence any of that. The only time we generate an income, is if the market chooses. Once a fishery is certified, once the entire supply chain has a chain of custody audit, only then do we generate a modest fee for use of the MSC logo in the marketplace.” Sustainable Seafood from Stable Seas The Marine Stewardship Council(MSC) is a global, independent non-profit organization which sets a standard for sustainable fishing. MSC works with partners in an effort to make the world’s seafood markets sustainable. With credible standards for sustainable fishing and seafood traceability MSC seeks to increase the availability of certified seafood. The organization’s distinctive blue ecolabel recognized by consumers as the sustainable option. MSC’s vision is of the world’s oceans teeming with life, and seafood supplies safeguarded for this and future generations. MSC collaborates with fishers, retailers, processors, consumers, and others to drive change forward. They never compromise on the standards. MSC leads the world in wild capture fishery certification, with the most trusted, recognized, and credible seafood ecolabel. (SKOLL FOUNDATION PROFILE) Rigorous Objectives Build Favorable Seas The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Fisheries Standard defines fishery sustainability on the basis of the guidelines of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) code of conduct for responsible fisheries, and strives to incorporate internationally-established best practice and best available science. Rupert Howes - two decades at the helm: From an early age, Rupert Howes was passionate about nature. Influenced by conservationists like David Attenborough, he was determined to make the world more sustainable. Although he ultimately became an economist instead of a marine biologist, he never strayed from his childhood passion. He worked with environmental organizations, wrote a book on motivating industries to improve environmental performance and championed corporate responsibility. In 2004, he became CEO of Marine Stewardship Council. Rupert has been internationally recognized for his work to promote sustainable fishing practices. In 2014, Rupert was awarded a Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneurship Award, which recognizes leaders in sustainable social innovation. In 2009, he received the World Wildlife Foundation’s “Leaders for a Living Planet” Award, which recognizes individuals who make a significant personal contribution to the conservation of the natural world and sustainable development. He also received a Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship in 2007 for his contributions in establishing the MSC as the world’s leading fishery certification and ecolabelling program. /episode/index/show/sourcingmatters/id/22111067

Ep. 105: Regenerative Ocean Farming 02/05/2022

Ep. 105: Regenerative Ocean Farming EPISODE 105: Regenerative Ocean Farming Host: Aaron Niederhelman Guest: Bri Warner, CEO & Pres. @ Atlantic Sea Farms Guest: Chris Sherman, CEO @ Island Creek Oysters This latest episode is about how to re-build a food system that creates quality sustenance for people, new jobs on working waterfronts and healthier oceans through the adoption of smarter management practices on regenerative ocean farms. Regenerative ocean farming is an aquatic farming system that grows seaweed and shellfish on no inputs. As is the case with terrestrial production, aquatic regen farming is all about investing in the ecological health of an ecosystem to create good food. REGENERATIVE OCEAN FARMING US seaweed pioneer Bri Warner shares in her experience of having to make a compelling business case for kelp production in coastal communities in Maine. Ahead of the curve, Warner has leveraged some creative methods and core business fundamentals to establish a whole new kind of values-based food production company. We discover that what she’s producing actually has a pretty unfair advantage in catching the eye of contemporary consumers over almost everything else in the food value chain. “The three best foods that you can eat on the planet are (regenerative) aquaculture mussels, oysters and kelp. We’re all removing carbon from the water. We’re all doing this with zero arable land. Zero freshwater. Zero pesticides. The fact is, these three products grow more efficiently than any terrestrial food, especially any terrestrial food animal protein out there. What we can honestly say about these aquaculture products is that they’re actually making the planet better,” explains Warner – CEO & President of Atlantic Sea Farms. Island Creek Oysters (ICO) is a vertically integrated Regenerative Ocean Farming success story. They grow out their own oyster seed; they produce feedstuff algae to raise oysters; they sell that seed to other growers; they operate their own farms that grow-out seeds from adolescence -to- maturity; they aggregate & distribute mature oysters to diverse retailers and food service relationships – including their own restaurants; they invest in preserving and improving the marine ecological systems that grow their crops; they offer an experience for anyone to share-in the stories of their food with the community that produced it. “Through its benefit for the economy. The social, cultural and gastronomic benefits that we all get, and all of the nutritional values this seafood offers. And, the environmental gain – which gets at the concept of adding value back into the ecosystem from which we depend on to produce good food. This all culminates in us supporting the concept of ‘coastal communities’, which is core to our mission and values at Island Creek Oysters,” says Chris Sherman – ICO, CEO and Eisenhower Fellow. How Regen Business Backs the Planet As for environmental restoration, oysters grown not for consumption have become part of the equation for producers like ICO. Each mollusk can filter up-to 50 gallons of seawater a day, oysters bond together to create natural reefs that protect shorelines and cities, and these shellfish act as great neighbors in estuaries to keep oceans thriving with other keystone species and biodiversity. Sherman explains how they support NGO-backed restoration projects through a few different channels. But always interested in pushing the envelope, Sherman is evaluating how the farms can work in lockstep with restoration projects to instigate more environmental action for the industry. “We harness the power of private industry and profit to scale environmental impact. One of the things that we focus on is validating some of the claims that we make as an industry about the positive impacts of commercial farms. The questions that we’re trying to answer include: How do farms stack up to natural oyster reefs? How do farms compare to synthetic reefs brought online in restoration projects? How do we optimize nitrogen removal, and deliver habitat creation? Through scientific methods, we’re on a path to quantify the ecosystem value of commercial shellfish farms,” explains Sherman. An Innovation Economy Supporting Community Warner has built a creative business model that employs Maine lobsterman as her production team of this line-grown kelp coming from the clean, cold waters of the North Atlantic. With over 4000 boats working in the Maine lobster industry, Bri sees kelp production as a mutually beneficial relationship that offers existing boat owners a new revenue stream without requiring additional equipment or extensive operating expenses. The approach has been so successful that when Warner first took over as CEO of Atlantic Sea farms in 2018 the company was sourcing 30,000 lbs. of seaweed a year. Now, after building-out the required processing infrastructure, finding new markets ripe for this next super-food, and via that creative approach to employ a lobstermen workforce in their off-season – Atlantic Sea Farms will harvest 1.2 Million lbs. of human-grade kelp this year alone. With plenty of capacity to grow. As we’ve seen in our stories before, there are many creative ideas generating on the innovation economies of Regen farms. --- Listen-in to the full conversation with Bri, Chris, and Aaron as they discuss how we can achieve good for the people and planet through smarter ocean management on regenerative ocean farms. /episode/index/show/sourcingmatters/id/22032824

Ep. 104: Where nature meets tech -ft. Jonathan Webb, AppHarvest 01/28/2022

Ep. 104: Where nature meets tech -ft. Jonathan Webb, AppHarvest ep. 104: Jonathan Webb || where tech embraces nature in controlled growing environments "To feed the population of 2050 we'll need to grow more food than we have in the entire history of human agriculture. That's what keeps me up at night. That's a need for more food than the previous 10,000 years of human food production combined," explains Jonathan Webb. A Kentucky native, Webb first made a name for himself in building-out clean energy infrastructure throughout Appalachia. In starting AppHarvest, Webb returned home to his Blue-Grass state roots to build-out a large-scale state-of-the-art value-based food production operation that is truly disrupting the apple cart. As you'll hear once again in this conversation, 'Good food is the foundation of genuine happiness'. --- NEW EXPECTATIONS FOR THE SALAD PLATE & FRUIT BOWL Something that I found especially insightful in my conversation with Jonathan was his storyline about regional food systems. He draws-upon an analogy of shipping coal to support growth of cities and spawn progress. Cities in his region first began to thrive much thanks to the innovative supply chain that sourced consistent energy from the hills of Kentucky. After years of learning about decentralized energy in the Solar industry, Webb leveraged a skill set gained in clean energy production and large-scale infrastructure to build-out and now source good food at scale in that region. Funny enough, it’s once again all about a consistent source of ‘energy-units’ to make these cities thrive and prosper, but now that energy comes in the form of better quality, fresher, tastier, and vibrant fruit and veg. It’s like a whole new green energy innovation economy spawning in the hills of Kentucky. Feeding neighbors, employing communities and having a net positive impact on the planet - this is a CORE SYSTEMS CHANGE in food production that takes the best that tech & nature have to offer. --- With a consistent supply of fresh quality produce, Webb and AppHarvest are making inroads into key supply chains. Through affiliations, partnerships and ambassadors - AppHarvest is also making headway for the entire CEA industry on both Main Street and Wall Street. Utilizing a proven Dutch solution for large-scale horizontal glass-house production farms - AppHarvest will have all the capacity it needs to become real competition for fresh and frozen markets alike across the US. So, look out fellow patriots on either-side of the aisle, you're about to experience a Green-Energy-Revolution coming straight out of coal-country. --- CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT AGRICULTURE (CEA) Once a regional market has been saturated with all kinds of good veg & fruits - AppHarvest can expand its footprint and grow into more. The Controlled Environment Ag (CEA) glass-house model that AppHavest has established is a turn-key scalable solution that will grow more good food in diverse regions in the United States for years to come. New footprints can made available anywhere there's a market ripe with evolving consumer POV and new expectations for food. From what we learn from Webb, the positive impacts for this better quality, healthier, fresher, smarter, and safer foods can be, and should enjoyed by everyone in his region; your region; all regions, really. With this first dip-of-the-chip in Morehead, KY - AppHarvest has only just begun to 'Fight the good Food Fight'. #SourcingMatters /episode/index/show/sourcingmatters/id/21938234

Ep. 103: Scientific study on 1000 US farms to prove-out Regenerative 01/23/2022

Ep. 103: Scientific study on 1000 US farms to prove-out Regenerative ep. 103 guest: Jonathan LundgrenEcdysis Foundation founding Scientist/ Farmer For ep. 103 we welcome Ecdysis Foundation founder, Jonathan Lundgren. What’s really needed to frame-out mainstream adoption of regenerative – “it’s good data,” explains Dr. Lundgren. Good and accurate data coming from bleeding-edge scientific studies, in fact. So, in January 2022, the Ecdysis Foundation launched their 1000 (Regen) farm initiative as the most ambitious agroecology experiment ever conducted. The belief is that it's the scientific analysis on oodles of rich data coming from all kinds of different farms in different regions, footprints and crop types that will ignite a regenerative movement from a slow-burn evolution – into a revolution. On-farm Scientific Analysis to Fuel the Regenerative Movement The millions of data-points coming from the 1000 Regen farms will be used to measure outcomes that are in accordance to best regenerative food production principles. Using a simple scoring matrix - they can already make some in-tune predictions for the farm's success. Lundgren says “The 1000 farm study is to establish a scientific spine that supports the transition to a regenerative food system.” ANGLE: The planet needs a paradigm shift in our approach to food. Nature has been shouldering the impact of externalities from input-based and extractive models of food production. In the contemporary world, that's just not going to cut it anymore. Demand for differentiated value-based food products is skyrocketing, and conventional commodities are melting under pressures and economic strain. GOLDEN NUGGETS: Bumping-up against planetary boundaries is the pressure-point that will change food. The solution begins with regenerative natural resource management on our farms, and with land use. Dr. Lundgren says that the straw that can stir the drink today is modern science. In his call to action to others in the scientific community, Lundgren sees an ecological enlightenment, "Scientists must connect with the problem that they are trying to solve. That means getting your hands dirty with agriculture." /episode/index/show/sourcingmatters/id/21867257

Ep. 102: Fred Kirschenmann | Land Use: Regen Ag & Soil Health 12/29/2021

Ep. 102: Fred Kirschenmann | Land Use: Regen Ag & Soil Health Ep. 102: Land Use: Regen Ag & Soil Health -ft. Fred Kirschenmann Fred Kirschenmann has been an agent-of-change in agriculture for five decades. His work at the Leopold Center at Iowa State University has introduced resilient farming practices to diverse stakeholders, and advanced the adoption of regenerative land management through building an awareness for soil health in the US breadbasket. As President of the board at Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture in Tarrytown, NY, Fred has worked with leaders from cuisine, food systems and production agriculture to establish a globally recognized epicenter of research and enrichment for food. As a whole, Fred’s collective efforts to reconnect us with nature through food and its production elevates him to an iconic stature in a time of ecological enlightenment. Tune in to hear what this true-action-hero icon has to say about the movement in 2022 and beyond. A statesman for a just and stable tomorrow. Every-time I sit down with Fred I learn something new. He's a philosopher and master craftsman of storytelling that has inspired many of us in the movement to take next steps in our own journeys. Despite holding multiple jobs, overseeing hundreds acres of farmland, and shouldering the weight of the world well into his 80s, Fred remains current on advancements and bleeding-edge research. Leveraging an impressive compendium of readings and on-going discussions with other iconic thought-leaders - Fred is a wealth of knowledge who continues to mold and sway new mindsets. This type of inspiration from action heroes like Fred serves up quality nourishment for the movement, and fuels deeper engagement. When I first stewed over the startup idea to coax food values through the supply chain, Fred coached me to think systematically and to adapt my focus to incorporate different stakeholders in the equation. He challenged me to include soil health, regenerative land management practice and regional food systems into a single frame that would focus on the betterment for all parties involved. A decade later, we have a long way to go to reach betterment, but after sitting down and chatting with Fred in this latest end-of-2021 chapter, it’s clear that the revolution has begun. IMO – what Fred has helped kindle over the last half century will reach a fever pitch within this next generation. I’ve seen first hand the inertia and passion of this generation to come. It’s real and it’s going to happen. Considering all of that, I’ve come to appreciate that how we produce our food and manage the living soil will ultimately determine the stability of the planet. Folks don’t follow new ideas alone. It’s the leaders of these ideas that motivates others to act, and it is people that drive movements of change. One thing is for sure, to stabilize this planet under threat we need to be do a better job listening to more of our iconic leaders - like Fred. Folks who've lived-it; folks with real chops in delivering "betterment" to more. For a more just and prosperous tomorrow, we need to listen to folks that know about instituting nature-based solutions. The folks worth their salt; the ones with unique wisdom worthy of leading they movement are the action heroes who bring real solutions to the table. An infomercial for Regenerative Agriculture & Soil Health, after hearing from an icon of food system and ecological change - be inspired to take the next step in your journey. Key Takeaways… EPISODE RECAP: LAND USE: regenerative agriculture is proper on-farm natural resource management HUMAN HEALTH: soil health harmonizes with gut health: microflora not too much different than soil CIRCULAR ECONOMY: investing in soil health results in positive human & public health, planetary stability LABOR: the future farming workforce wants to grow food for each other, and not commodities WHAT GOOD SOIL OFFERS: Soil is the lifeblood of every successful civilization. The positive results and impact of good soil health from regenerative land management practices include: Perpetual food production Carbon Banking & Planetary Stability No chemical and synthetic runoffs Cleaner / health living environment for all stakeholders Enhances nature and biodiversity Sweet water Storage and clarity GABE BROWN’S 5 PRINCIPLES OF REGENERATIVE: To get us there we need a new operating model to land management. Especially when it comes to the way we produce our food, we need a new operating model to land management. Here are the pillars to support change our relationship with nature and each other. No disturbance (no-till, no-synthetics) Bolstering Soil’s Natural Defense (the outer-layer protecting all that life) Bio-diversity (marrying nature’s way keeps the system healthy) A living root in the ground as long as possible (cover-crops & seasonal diversity) Animal & Insect integration (nature relies on the entire system working together) .. /episode/index/show/sourcingmatters/id/21625844

Ep. 101: Will Shafroth - National Park Foundation, CEO & President 11/18/2021

Ep. 101: Will Shafroth - National Park Foundation, CEO & President Ep. 101: Will Shafroth – National Park Foundation, CEO & President || Proper land use and natural resource management on public lands is a mechanism to foster greater planetary stability. Joining as guest of episode 101 is the President and CEO of the National Park Foundation, Will Shafroth. Throughout the 45 minute conversation we explore how exposure, experience and immersion into the US National Parks changes mindsets for the better. We hear how enlightenment, empathy and environmental consciousness is presented each and every year to over 330 million visitors in 423 National Parks. Spanning all 50 states, the parks encompass 84 million acres, 2400 historical sites, 17K miles of trails and 43K miles of shoreline, and are available to us all as a public service. Wallace Stegner famously called the National Parks “America’s Best Idea”. Will Shafroth and his team at the National Park Foundation (NPF) believe that this best idea should be common grounds available to each and everyone no matter background or history. Under Shafroth’s leadership, the National Park Foundation has spawned numerous initiatives to foster inclusion for all audiences and to cater to those who have been often overlooked in previous generations of visitors. Owning “the Good, the Bad and the Ugly” of National Parks and US History, Shafroth looks to the wide array of Parks, Sites and Monuments as learning laboratories and living classrooms that will progress social and environmental solutions for decades to come. The vast majority of the National Parks remain untouched wilderness. This wilderness combined with smart land use and proper natural resource management will help stabilize a planet under threat by coming at a new world from a few different angles. Not only will these public lands (with a collective footprint about the size of Montana) clean water, sequester & bank carbon, and nurture biodiversity, but the National Parks offer these living classrooms for deeper understanding and appreciation for the all important Nature-Based Solutions to climate change. Ultimately, reconnecting more of us with natural order is a required next step in (climate) action to mitigate climate change. In feeding our souls by reconnecting us with Nature and with each other, the public lands of our National Parks can teach us about who we were, who we are now, and what we can become if we strive for a more just and balanced future. /episode/index/show/sourcingmatters/id/21201254

'Laying Down Tracks’ ep.8: Join the Conversation - ft. Agnes Kalibata 07/26/2021

'Laying Down Tracks’ ep.8: Join the Conversation - ft. Agnes Kalibata a UN Food System Summit & Sourcing Matters project Together, the UN Food Systems Summit and Sourcing Matters launch their new and thought-provoking podcast series, Laying Down Tracks. This inspiring 8-part miniseries, led by Aaron Niederhelman, will feature world experts on issues related to world hunger, malnutrition, climate change, and much more. Focused on the real experiences of rolling out the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, each episode will bring forward solutions through motivating discussions. We are laying down tracks to head into a new world where our food systems mean prosperity for people and the planet. Listen now to Laying Down Tracks (LDTs) to learn how you, too, can help save our planet. EPISODE EIGHT: Join the Conversation Host: Aaron Niederhelman, Sourcing Matters podcast Guest: Dr. Agnes Kalibata, UN Special Envoy for Food System Summit _______ 'Laying Down Tracks' ep.8: What better way to finish off the UN FSS than to listen to the last episode of the Laying Down Tracks series with guest and UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy to the 2021 Food Systems Summit, . This episode touches on a lot of ground but focuses on the importance of the summit being a “people’s summit” and on the significance of having all voices be part of the Summit process to achieve true food systems transformation and meet all 17 SDG’s. Whatever problem a country or community is struggling with there is a solution to match. “The fact that too many people are going hungry does not mean that we aren’t producing enough. The challenge is in the inequities that live in our food systems. Through the solution clusters we have been able to mobilize and identify game changing ideas that have been consolidated into 52 solutions,” says Dr. Kalibata as she describes how these innovative solutions can help solve specific challenges in Food Systems. Don’t miss this last episode on the importance of all actors coming together for true food system transformation and learn more about Dr. Kalibata’s journey on how she came to be so passionate about helping bring this change. /episode/index/show/sourcingmatters/id/19931135

'Laying Down Tracks’ ep.7: Good Food For All - ft. Paul Polman and Chantelle Nicholson 07/21/2021

'Laying Down Tracks’ ep.7: Good Food For All - ft. Paul Polman and Chantelle Nicholson a UN Food System Summit & Sourcing Matters project Together, the UN Food Systems Summit and Sourcing Matters launch their new and thought-provoking podcast series, Laying Down Tracks. This inspiring 8-part miniseries, led by Aaron Niederhelman, will feature world experts on issues related to world hunger, malnutrition, climate change, and much more. Focused on the real experiences of rolling out the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, each episode will bring forward solutions through motivating discussions. We are laying down tracks to head into a new world where our food systems mean prosperity for people and the planet. Listen now to Laying Down Tracks (LDTs) to learn how you, too, can help save our planet. EPISODE SEVEN: Good Food For All Host: Aaron Niederhelman, Sourcing Matters podcast Guest: Paul Polman, Co-founder & Chair at IMAGINE Guest: Chantelle Nicholson, chef owner at Tredwells and All's Well _______ 'Laying Down Tracks' ep.7: “If you work in silos you will never get these changes implemented because the farmer can’t afford it, but if big corporations come to work together across the value chain; you create value at a different level,” says influencer, businessman and campaigner, Paul Polman. This latest episode is all about how to build a food system that’s dedicated to nutrition and health of people and the planet. Joining in this conversation is Chef, writer, and regenerative food system advocate, , who talks about the importance of consciousness as the first step and asking questions on where do you buy your food and how many plants are you eating a week, as something we can all do to bring in more good food for all. Listen to this conversation with Paul, Chantelle, and Aaron as they discuss how we can achieve good for the people and planet, as we continue to Lay Down Tracks to the UN Food Systems Summit. /episode/index/show/sourcingmatters/id/19878725

'Laying Down Tracks’ ep.6: Food for all Corners of the Planet 06/29/2021

'Laying Down Tracks’ ep.6: Food for all Corners of the Planet a UN Food System Summit & Sourcing Matters project Together, the UN Food Systems Summit and Sourcing Matters launch their new and thought-provoking podcast series, Laying Down Tracks. This inspiring 8-part miniseries, led by Aaron Niederhelman, will feature world experts on issues related to world hunger, malnutrition, climate change, and much more. Focused on the real experiences of rolling out the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, each episode will bring forward solutions through motivating discussions. We are laying down tracks to head into a new world where our food systems mean prosperity for people and the planet. Listen now to Laying Down Tracks (LDTs) to learn how you, too, can help save our planet. EPISODE SIX: Food for all Corners of the Planet Host: Aaron Niederhelman, Sourcing Matters podcast Co-host: Ruth Richardson, Executive Director for the Global Alliance for the Future of Food and Chair of Food Systems Champions Network Guest: Helianti Hilman, Founder and Executive Chairperson at Javara, and a Food Systems Champion _______ 'Laying Down Tracks' ep.6: Hope and true collaboration will help drive food system change and stabilize our planet. “Different people have different ways of thinking of food systems and that’s why I am such an advocate on building these systems on values and principles. This is what is going to lead us to a much more hopeful future,” says the Co-host and Executive Director for the Global Alliance for the Future of Food and Chair of Food Systems Champions Network, . This latest episode is all about diverse interests coming together to produce food for all corners of the planet. Food system transformation requires a true multi-stakeholder initiative to really make it work. Joining in this conversation as guest is the Founder and Executive Chairperson at Javara, and a Food Systems Champion, who talks about the importance of building the whole supply chain on true collaboration, diversity, inclusion, and respectful relationships with farmers and producers to create true system change. Listen to this conversation with Ruth, Helianti and host Aaron Niederhelman as they discuss how food systems connect us all and must be built on values to lead us all to a much more hopeful future, as we continue to Lay Down Tracks to the UN Food Systems Summit. /episode/index/show/sourcingmatters/id/19646162

'Laying Down Tracks’ special episode: Food Solutions for the Forcibly Displaced 06/18/2021

'Laying Down Tracks’ special episode: Food Solutions for the Forcibly Displaced a UN Food System Summit & Sourcing Matters project Together, the UN Food Systems Summit and Sourcing Matters launch their new and thought-provoking podcast series, Laying Down Tracks. This inspiring 8-part miniseries, led by Aaron Niederhelman, will feature world experts on issues related to world hunger, malnutrition, climate change, and much more. Focused on the real experiences of rolling out the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, each episode will bring forward solutions through motivating discussions. We are laying down tracks to head into a new world where our food systems mean prosperity for people and the planet. Listen now to Laying Down Tracks (LDTs) to learn how you, too, can help save our planet. SPECIAL EPISODE: Food Solutions for the Forcibly Displaced Host: Aaron Niederhelman, Sourcing Matters podcast Guest: Valerie Newsom Guarnieri, WFP Assistant Executive Director Guest: Raouf Mazou, Assistant High Commissioner of Operations at the UNHCR Guest: Malish James, WFP Storyteller refugee _______ 'Laying Down Tracks' special episode: It's and we are bringing to you a special encore episode to tune into. This episode touches on the importance of . “People leave their home because of food insecurity and then results in even more food insecurity because they cannot produce anymore,” says the Assistant High Commissioner of Operations at the UNHCR, . Episode guest and WFP Assistant Executive Director, , similarly echoes the importance of creating self-reliance: “A big problem for a lot of refugees is access to land. One exciting solution we have been working on is adapting a low-tech hydroponics technique that allow people to grow food in impossible places. Whenever there is an opportunity with a little bit of land for refugees to grow some of their food needs, we take that opportunity.” Listen to this conversation with Raouf, Valerie, and WFP Storyteller refugee Malish James as they discuss who the forcibly displaced really represent and why we are seeing such an increase in number, as we continue to Lay Down Tracks to the UN Food Systems Summit. /episode/index/show/sourcingmatters/id/19521911

'Laying Down Tracks’ ep.5: System Resilience 06/15/2021

'Laying Down Tracks’ ep.4: Equitable Livelihoods, Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment 06/07/2021

'Laying Down Tracks’ ep.4: Equitable Livelihoods, Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment a UN Food System Summit & Sourcing Matters project Together, the UN Food Systems Summit and Sourcing Matters launch their new and thought-provoking podcast series, Laying Down Tracks. This inspiring 8-part miniseries, led by Aaron Niederhelman, will feature world experts on issues related to world hunger, malnutrition, climate change, and much more. Focused on the real experiences of rolling out the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, each episode will bring forward solutions through motivating discussions. We are laying down tracks to head into a new world where our food systems mean prosperity for people and the planet. Listen now to Laying Down Tracks (LDTs) to learn how you, too, can help save our planet. EPISODE FOUR: Equitable Livelihoods, Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Host: Aaron Niederhelman, Sourcing Matters podcast Co-host: Dr Jemimah Njuki, Director for Africa at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and Lead of the Summit’s Gender Lever of Change Guest: Dr. Shakuntala Thilsted, the Global Lead for Nutrition and Public Health at World Fish, and 2021 World Food Prize Laureate. -- What better way to mark then listening to episode 4 of Laying Down Tracks? This week’s episode brings a fascinating discussion about planet, gender equality, and how we can best engage with the Ocean. “We need women’s voices and leadership to be prominent in food systems. It’s the only way to guarantee that food systems are just. I’ve been working as the custodian for gender equality…working with all of the Action Track leaders…to make sure that gender equality, the empowerment of women, is embedded in these solutions,” says Dr. , Director for Africa at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and Lead of the Summit’s Gender Lever of Change, who joins Aaron as co-host in this conversation about equitable livelihoods, gender equality and women’s empowerment. Aquatic foods in the future can become a key forum for equality and inclusion. Guest in this episode, Dr. , The Global Lead for Nutrition and Public Health at World Fish, and 2021 World Food Prize Laureate, explains how she hopes that winning the Food Prize will inspire young women and girls to study science: “It is extremely rewarding, extremely invigorating-you can reach far - and you can have a good time!” she says. Listen to this conversation on gender equality, and women empowerment within the aquatic food economy as we continue to Lay Down Tracks to the UN Food Systems Summit. /episode/index/show/sourcingmatters/id/19391846

'Laying Down Tracks’ ep.3: Nature-Based Production 06/01/2021

'Laying Down Tracks’ ep.3: Nature-Based Production a UN Food System Summit & Sourcing Matters project Together, the UN Food Systems Summit and Sourcing Matters launch their new and thought-provoking podcast series, Laying Down Tracks. This inspiring 8-part miniseries, led by Aaron Niederhelman, will feature world experts on issues related to world hunger, malnutrition, climate change, and much more. Focused on the real experiences of rolling out the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, each episode will bring forward solutions through motivating discussions. We are laying down tracks to head into a new world where our food systems mean prosperity for people and the planet. Listen now to Laying Down Tracks (LDTs) to learn how you, too, can help save our planet. EPISODE THREE: Nature-Based Production Host: Aaron Niederhelman, Sourcing Matters podcast Co-host: Joao Campari, Global Leader of the WWF’s Food Practice and Chair of the UN Food Systems Summit Action Track 3 Guest: Peter Thomson, UN Special Envoy for the Ocean _______ 'Laying Down Tracks' ep.3: The oceans and their coastal areas are an essential component of the Earth's ecosystem hosting between 500,000 and 10 million species that provide a wide range of ecosystem services. “We cannot have a healthy planet without healthy oceans, and in any global discussion on biodiversity the ocean must be front-and-centre,” explains , who is a guest on this episode, co-hosted by Joao Campari, Global Leader of the and Chair of the UN Food Systems Summit . Approximately 3 billion people in the world rely on wild-caught and farmed seafood as a , while at the same time agriculture uses up 38 percent of the global land surface. Whether on land or at sea, we are using up our precious resources and destroying others that can help us recover like biodiversity. With only nine more harvests remaining on a promise to meet the by 2030, it is important we find the right balance both for the health of our planet but also for the health of people everywhere. Listen to this conversation on nature-based solutions and the blue economy as we continue to Lay Down Tracks to the UN Food Systems Summit. /episode/index/show/sourcingmatters/id/19312061

'Laying Down Tracks’ ep.2: Sustainable Consumption 05/25/2021

'Laying Down Tracks’ ep.2: Sustainable Consumption a UN Food System Summit & Sourcing Matters project Together, the UN Food Systems Summit and Sourcing Matters launch their new and thought-provoking podcast series, Laying Down Tracks. This inspiring 8-part miniseries, led by Aaron Niederhelman, will feature world experts on issues related to world hunger, malnutrition, climate change, and much more. Focused on the real experiences of rolling out the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, each episode will bring forward solutions through motivating discussions. We are laying down tracks to head into a new world where our food systems mean prosperity for people and the planet. Listen now to 'Laying Down Tracks' (LDTs) to learn how you, too, can help save our planet. --- --- LAYING DOWN TRACKS - ep.2: SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION If was a country, it'd be the third biggest global greenhouse gas emitter. “We waste at least a third of the world's food sources. So, a third of all that environmental impact is happening for no good reason, just for food to be left to rot,” said author and activist as he joins Aaron Niederhelman as co-host for this second episode. Stuart is known for his craft beer line Toast Ale, which turns a potential food waste magically into beer. That is something we can all cheers to. He is joined by Lana Weidgenant, Deputy Director of and UN Food Systems Summit Vice-Chair for , and Webster Makombe, a law student and youth activist from . Sustainable consumption is becoming more of a priority from each generation to the next says Weidgenant, while Makombe shares how local foods are changing consumption habits in Zimbabwe. Join us to hear all about how you can change your consumption habits – and your beer choice – to create lasting changes in our food systems. --- Host: Aaron Niederhelman Co-host: Tristram Stuart, co-founder of and founder of Guest: Lana Weidgenant, Deputy Director of Zero Hour International and UN Food Systems Summit Vice-Chair for Guest: Webster Makombe, law student and youth activist from Scaling Up Nutrition Movement /episode/index/show/sourcingmatters/id/19231562

'Laying Down Tracks’ ep.1: Food Access 05/18/2021

'Laying Down Tracks’ ep.1: Food Access a UN Food System Summit & Sourcing Matters miniseries Together, the UN Food Systems Summit and Sourcing Matters launch their new and thought-provoking podcast series, Laying Down Tracks. This inspiring 8-part miniseries, led by Aaron Niederhelman, will feature world experts on issues related to world hunger, malnutrition, climate change, and much more. Focused on the real experiences of rolling out the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, each episode will bring forward solutions through motivating discussions. We are laying down tracks to head into a new world where our food systems mean prosperity for people and the planet. Listen now to 'Laying Down Tracks' (LDTs) to learn how you, too, can help save our planet. --- --- LAYING DOWN TRACKS - ep.1: FOOD ACCESS - co-host: Dr. Lawrence Haddad, Executive Director at GAIN - guest: Maureen Muketha, founder of Tule Vyema - guest: youth activist Sophie Healy-Thow One of the exciting things about the summit is that it brings these five different communities together. There’s the community that I’m immersed in; hunger, nutrition, and food safety – but there are these other communities involved. People that are worried about climate, environment, livelihood, and resilience. Food systems affect all of those things, and all of those things affect food systems,” Said Dr. Lawrence Haddad, Executive Director of the and Lead of the United Nations Food Systems Summit Track 1, as he kicks off the conversation as co-host with Aaron Niederhelman. The discussions in this first episode covers a lot of ground, but always seems to return to two subjects: food access, and the involvement of younger people. A successful movement lead by youth takes more than just a retweet or share; it requires meaningful conversations. Maureen Muketha, the founder of , and youth activist Sophie Healy-Throw join as guests to discuss how to solve big problems tied to food access. Tune-in to hear what’s really going on with your food in this first episode as we begin laying down tracks heading into the UN Food Systems Summit. /episode/index/show/sourcingmatters/id/19151582

TRAILER | The UN & Sourcing Matters team up to showcase leading voices from the food systems summit in the new series: 'Laying Down Tracks' 05/18/2021

TRAILER | The UN & Sourcing Matters team up to showcase leading voices from the food systems summit in the new series: 'Laying Down Tracks' In collaboration with the UN FOOD SYSTEMS SUMMIT, Sourcing Matters has launched the 2021 miniseries 'Laying Down Tracks'. Joined by the Summit’s five Action Track leaders as cohosts of episodes, host Aaron Niederhelman curates an 8-part series featuring conversations with influencers and champions who are set on making this once in a decade gathering have impact. “Food is our most intimate connection to nature and our best chance to save a shrinking planet,” explains Sourcing Matters host Aaron Niederhelman. “It’s the food we eat that is the elixir to instigate conversations and evolve mindsets which can stave off existential threats. It’s food and its production that acts as the primary course of action for improving the human condition and advancing climate action,” Niederhelman continues. To amplify an appreciation for the role of well sourced food in addressing hunger, malnutrition, social welfare and climate change – Sourcing Matters show is collaborating with the UN Food Systems Summit to capture leading voices defining solutions of change. The goal of the miniseries is to crawl into the ears of more folks through diverse discussions about how we can all be part of this historical movement. Episodes take a deep dive into the Summit’s Action Tracks and frame these chats around real world experiences in rolling out the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to stimulate new perspectives. We believe that engaging in fun, informal and informative conversations gives us all a better chance to get to know a bit more about the mettle of the people who are leading the fight for a more just and stable tomorrow. You see, In all corners the process of producing and sourcing food in a modern world has evolved with consequence on our health and that of the planet. “Three times daily we can vote for the planet and each other in what we decide to eat,” concludes Niederhelman. /episode/index/show/sourcingmatters/id/19151336

Ep. 100: Janis Searles Jones - Ocean Conservancy, CEO 12/14/2020

Ep. 100: Janis Searles Jones - Ocean Conservancy, CEO Ep. 100: Janis Searles Jones – CEO, Ocean Conservancy || Ocean Conservancy educates and empowers citizens to take action on behalf of the ocean. From the Arctic -to- the Gulf of Mexico -to- the halls of Congress, Ocean Conservancy brings people together to find solutions for our blue planet. Driving forward progress built on science, policy, advocacy, and citizen engagement, for 48 years, Ocean Conservancy has fought relentlessly to protect the ocean and its wildlife we rely upon. Thanks to these efforts tangible progress has been made on a range of issues including ocean plastic pollution, smart ocean planning, sustainable fisheries, ocean acidification and sea turtle protection. The ocean is the great global commons and the Ocean Conservancy keeps that sentiment front and center for key policymakers in the U.S. and abroad. This approach allows us, mankind, to become better shepherds of the bounty of the sea and preserve the sanctity of our oceans for generations to come. In our 50 minute discussion we learn about the lineage and focus of the Ocean Conservancy. I ask Janis Searles Jones, CEO of the Ocean Conservancy, about the organization’s strategic priorities and how they have evolved since she has taken the leadership role in 2017. We learn about their diverse ocean health efforts, and about what has successfully percolated to the domain of public knowledge. We hear what’s really working and how certain pathways to broader awareness – initiatives focused on the likes of plastic straws & sea turtles – are serving as an impetus to drive real change by empowering end users, consumers and voters. We discuss the state of biodiversity in our oceans and the capacities for the seas to continue to keep buffering the excess amounts of heat and carbon we’re spewing into the atmosphere. We learn what Ocean Conservancy is doing to instigate climate action in projects ranging from local clean-up initiatives, all the way up to global policy making in multi stakeholder relationships like the Paris Accord. We discuss seafood and the state of our global fisheries. In our chat we learn how we may or may not be able to continue to feed over 3 billion global citizens reliant on seafood as their main caloric intake – on oceans threatened to be exhausted within a decade. I ask about Searles Jones’ interest and enthusiasm for Regenerative Ocean Farming. How this smart and pragmatic management practice of generative natural resources can spawn a sea change in our relationship and management of the oceans. BIO: Janis Searles Jones champions the work of the Ocean Conservancy’s fight against the growing threats of oil and gas development, increased maritime shipping, overfishing, contamination and climate change. As CEO of Ocean Conservancy, Searles Jones helms the efforts of this leading conservation organization’s strategic direction to preserve the health of our oceans – bringing her passion, logic and commitment to their work throughout global waters. Searles Jones is a respected expert in the marine conservation field – authoring numerous pieces on the sustainable use and proper management of ocean resources. Janis was a 2017 Pew Marine Fellow, and prior to taking the leadership role at the Ocean Conservancy – she was senior regional counsel and policy advisor for Oceana, and the staff attorney for the Alaska office of Earthjustice. We must stop exhausting the health of oceans in our mining of biodiversity and exploitation in using them as our dumping grounds. Representing 70% of the face of the panet, oceans constitute our best opportunity to balance a planet under threat by enveloping the ideas of systems thinking which will save our own asses through investing in the well being or others. It’s an opportunity to coexist with life on the planet by stepping-up and acting as a steward of the seas. Janis Searles Jones book recommendations: “” – Rachel Carson – 1951 “” – Rachel Carson – 1955 “” – Ayana Elizabeth Johnson & Katharine Wilkinson – 2020 /episode/index/show/sourcingmatters/id/17187677

Ep. 99: Jennifer Morgan - Greenpeace, Executive Director 12/05/2020

Ep. 99: Jennifer Morgan - Greenpeace, Executive Director Ep. 99: Jennifer Morgan – Executive Director, Greenpeace International || Joining for episode 99 is the Executive Director of Greenpeace International, Jennifer Morgan. For 50 years, Greenpeace has been fighting for ecological justice. Now, arguably the pre-eminent non-governmental voice instigating environmental action, Greenpeace has a focused lens on addressing climate change, deforestation, overfishing, commercial whaling, genetic engineering and orchestrating anti-nuclear campaigns. In 2019, there were approximately 4000 Greenpeace staff working for Greenpeace International and its offices around the globe, alongside tens-of-thousands more volunteers and passionate activists! The co-ordinating body of Greenpeace International represents the collective actions of 27 independent national and regional organizations in over 55 countries and regions across Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia and the Pacific. In our 45 minute discussion we cover how Jennifer and her global team makes sense of all of the moving parts. We learn how the preservation of biodiversity is the lifeblood of Greenpeace’s activism. We hear more about the lineage of the organization, and how Jennifer came to lead efforts with this world renowned ecologically focused juggernaut set on “ensuring the ability of the Earth to nurture life in all its diversity”. We discuss where Greenpeace plays in the Paris accord, and how the United States should not just be re-entering the agreement, but lead in future efforts to define substitutive and quantifiable climate actions. A focus area of our conversation is the utilization and shepherding of regenerative natural resources. Specifically, with the production of food. What humans eat from land and sea has a vast impact on the planet and its inhabitants. In our conversation we explore how food values may materialize as a unique angle to drive environmental awareness with broader audiences. How much of the global population can choose these food values as a way to take environmental action, 3-times daily. We also explore concerns of food insecurity, for those who don’t have access to enough food or nutriment in the developing world and within some of the richest countries on the planet. Food insecurity is real, and we learn what Greenpeace is doing to address impending problems throughout these diverse corners for often marginalized communities. One thing is for sure, we can’t keep exhausting regenerative natural resources just to generate more calories that may never reach the target audience. It’s ecological suicide. Jennifer Morgan became Executive Director of Greenpeace International in 2016. Formerly, Morgan was ‘Global Director for the Climate Program’ at the World Resources Institute. Additionally, she was ‘Global Climate Change Director’ at Third Generation Environmentalism (E3G) and she led the ‘Global Climate Change Program’ at the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF). She is passionate about helping countries, governments and individuals take positive action to achieve a zero-carbon future, and is a strong proponent of the need of companies to “go green” and invest in sustainable technologies. Tune in to hear Jennifer’s thoughts on how antagonizing and instigating change has set forth numerous efforts by Greenpeace to realize lasting impact on a shrinking planet. /episode/index/show/sourcingmatters/id/17075000

Ep. 98: Joel Makower - GreenBiz co-founder & chairman 11/22/2020

Ep. 98: Joel Makower - GreenBiz co-founder & chairman Ep. 98: Joel Makower - co-founder & chairman of GreenBiz || For episode 98 we welcome Joel Makower, chairman of GreenBiz. For more than 30 years, Joel has been a well-respected voice on business, the environment, and the bottom line. Joel Makower is co-founder, chairman and executive editor of GreenBiz Group, Inc. Among his duties at GreenBiz, Makower hosts the annual GreenBiz forums and is author of the annual ‘State of Green Business’ report. A former nationally syndicated columnist, Joel is author or co-author of more than a dozen books, titles include: 'The New Grand Strategy', 'Strategies for the Green Economy', 'Beyond the Bottom Line: Putting Social Responsibility to Work for Your Business and the World', 'The Green Consumer' - just to name a few. Awarded the Hutchens Medal by the American Society for Quality, The Associated Press has referred to him as “The guru of green business practices.” In 2014, Makower was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the International Society of Sustainability Professionals. Much of our conversation in this episode focused on the Circular Economy. The United Nations Industrial Development Organizations (UNIDO) describes this holistic approach as, "A circular economy is a new way of creating value, and ultimately prosperity, through extending product lifespan and relocating waste from the end of the supply chain to the beginning - in effect, using resources more efficiently by using them more than once. In a circular economy materials for new products come from old products. As much as possible, everything is reused, remanufactured or, as a last resort, recycled back into a raw material or used as a source of energy. " Offering a more concise description of what a circular economy could do for the stability of the planet, Makower explains the system as "keeping molecules in play". Joel leverages an in-depth understanding and appreciation to evolve common practice of businesses and consumers alike. As such, his work focuses on three principal topics: How companies of all sizes and sectors are integrating environmental thinking into their operations in a way that produces business value. The creation of new companies and markets for clean energy, clean water, and advanced materials. The strategies and tactics that companies use in order to communicate and market their environmental efforts and leadership, especially to consumers. In our 50 minute discussion we cover stakeholder value vs. shareholder value. We discuss a bit of politics and the potential for sustainability and Green Business under the Biden administration. We learn where things stand with the Paris Accord and what we should do, now. We explore if biodiversity could replace the siren song of Carbon. I learn more about the history of GreenBiz and how Joel and his talented team have been able to not just weather the storm in 2020, but thrive. Additionally, we discuss the role of business leaders in climate action and how business itself as an arm of the voter/ consumer can influence policy moving forward. Joel Makower has been a commentator on environmental topics for public radio's "Marketplace" and appears frequently in both broadcast and print media. He serves as a board member or adviser to both for-profit and nonprofit organizations and speaks regularly to companies, industry groups and business schools around the world. I encourage all of listeners to get on the GreenBiz mailing list, to attend his conferences, and seek out other speaking engagements featuring this expert in all things sustainable. Tune in to ep. 98 to learn from a man with unique sagacity about what it'll take to save the planet through better business. As Joel explains it, "this is a massive economic opportunity masquerading as an environmental problem." /episode/index/show/sourcingmatters/id/16903469

Ep. 97: Rebecca Henderson - Harvard Business School Professor & Author 05/23/2020

Ep. 97: Rebecca Henderson - Harvard Business School Professor & Author Ep. 97: Rebecca Henderson - Harvard Business School Professor & Author || For episode 97 we welcome Professor and author Rebecca Henderson. Henderson is the John & Natty McArthur University Professor at Harvard University, where she has a joint appointment at the Harvard Business School in the General Management and Strategy units. Professor Henderson is also a research fellow at the National Bureau of Economic Research. She spent the first 21 years of her career at MIT, much of it as the Eastman Kodak Professor of Management. Additionally, she teaches 'Reimagining Capitalism' in the HBS MBA Program and sits on the boards of Amgen and of IDEXX Labs. For today’s show we focus the discussion on the engine of environmental change - the economy. Professor Henderson has recently released the book “Reimagining Capitalism - In a World on Fire” - which borrows from the name of a course she teaches at Harvard Business School. As she explains, "I am convinced that we have a secret weapon. I spent twenty years of my life working with firms that were trying to transform themselves. I learned that having the right strategy was important, and that redesigning the organization was also critical. But mostly I learned that these were necessary but not sufficient conditions. The firms that mastered change were those that had a reason to do so: the ones that had a purpose greater than simply maximizing profits. People who believe that their work has a meaning beyond themselves can accomplish amazing things, and we have the opportunity to mobilize shared purpose at a global scale." In our 45 minute discussion we cover stakeholder value vs. shareholder value. We learn about the role that companies and executives will have in environmental action and social responsibility in the near future. Additionally, we discuss food systems, regenerative natural resource management and how politics gets woven into this recipe of change. For those fans of water and environmental service marketplaces out there, hear Professor Henderson's recommendation for sending a new price signal through the novel notion of 'embodied water', and gain a deeper understanding for how markets will evolve to integrate more of these values into buy decisions. Joining as co-host for the conversation is Dutch-American Agricultural Economist, Renée Vassilos. Vassilos has spent over fifteen years in the production agriculture space. Her work experience includes time spent with the USDA, she’s started her own consultancy to help investors and Agtech companies, and she spent nearly a decade with John Deere; with much of that time in Beijing. Last year, Renée joined The Nature Conservancy as their Agriculture Innovation Director. She manages TNC’s investments in early stage agtech companies that will support regenerative agriculture production at scale. We all seek new mechanisms to coax values through the supply chain of food and its production. Tune in to ep. 97 to hear from an expert about engaging with diverse stakeholders to partake in a new economic system; a reimagined economic system that takes into account a true cost of production by reaping the benefits for product differentiation and decommoditization of these values. /episode/index/show/sourcingmatters/id/14540582

Ep. 96: Margaret O'Gorman - Wildlife Habitat Council 03/16/2020

Ep. 96: Margaret O'Gorman - Wildlife Habitat Council Ep. 96: Margaret O’Gorman – President of Wildlife Habitat Council || For episode 96 we welcome the President of the Wildlife Habitat Foundation, Margaret O’Gorman. O’Gorman operates at the intersection of business and nature. As President of the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC), she helps companies find value in natural resources conservation and mainstream biodiversity across operations. She has worked with Toyota, Owens Corning, Exelon, CRH Americas, General Motors and many more, and led the design of WHC’s signature Conservation Certification(R) recognition, a voluntary sustainability standard which defines corporate conservation worldwide. For 30 years The Wildlife Habitat Council has been promoting and certifying habitat conservation and management on working lands through partnerships and education. As the only international conservation NGO focused exclusively on the private sector, WHC provides a framework for voluntary conservation action on a wide variety of corporate lands. Wildlife Habitat Council corporate members represent some of the leading national and multinational corporations seeking to support sustainable ecosystems and the communities that surround them. These efforts have resulted in more than 1,000 certified programs across 48 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and 29 countries. In our 45 minute discussion we learn more about the work of Margaret and her WHC team. We hear about successful projects already completed, and the vast opportunities that business has for stabilizing the planet through a deeper commitment to mitigating climate and investing in biodiversity. Margaret explains the difference between a ‘Shareholder’ & ‘Stakeholder’ value creation; and what that means for the future of investing-in, and operating the businesses providing our goods and services. We also learn how O’Gorman’s recently released book – Strategic Corporate Conservation Planning: A Guide to Meaningful Engagement – has been received by her peers and followers. Tune-In to hear about what business can do for you, and the planet in the near future. /episode/index/show/sourcingmatters/id/13572539

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