The Real Cost of Cheap Food

Over the last 100 years, we have streamlined the process of food production. A hundred years ago, 99% of people were engaged in the agricultural process in some way. Today, that number is 1%. As a result, our relationship with food has become desperately impersonal. But what are the consequences of all that efficiency?

Embark on a transformative journey into the heart of our food systems with Jeff Tkatch (CEO of the Rodale Institute) and host Ron Steslow. In this captivating conversation, we dig deep into the living soil beneath our feet, our disconnection from nature, and the mechanisms driving our extractive farming systems.

Jeff provides a comprehensive understanding of the difference between soil and dirt, explaining why one gives life while the other is lifeless. He shares his personal journey towards regenerative agriculture and elaborates on the role Rodale Institute plays in shaping the future of farming.

Segments to look forward to:

(2:10) Understanding the difference between soil and dirt: "If soil could talk to us, what would it be saying right now? Feed me. Rest me. Water me. Feed me. Rest me. Water me. I'm a living, breathing organism just like you. And by the way, you depend on me for life."

(03:30) Jeff's journey into regenerative agriculture and the role of the Rodale Institute

(13:30) How we became disconnected from nature and our food

(15:30) Who feeds the world?

(16:20) A deep dive into the extractive farming system and the need for sustainable agricultural practices

(19:50) Unraveling the incentives that have shaped our agricultural system

(23:00) The various faces of agriculture: sustainable, regenerative, and organic regenerative

(27:35) The cost of organic food and the unseen cost of not eating organic

(30:00) “Agriculture is the great healer of our time”

(37:15) Policy changes that could revolutionize farming and an overview of the Pennsylvania State Farm Bill

(40:52) The challenge of organic food fraud

(51:10) How changing our understanding of food production could reduce polarization: “It starts with gratitude...when we begin to see our brother and sister through food, we're creating a metaphorical table. We're actually sitting down at a table every moment of every day here in this country and hopefully around the world."

Learn more about the Rodale Institute: https://www.rodaleinstitute.org/

Get involved and connect with local farmers near you. As Jeff says, "Everybody should get to know a farmer."

Follow Ron on Twitter: 

https://twitter.com/RonSteslow

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