This week, I had the pleasure of hosting Christian Holzleitner, the Head of Unit for Land Economy and Carbon Removal at the European Commission. This enlightening conversation delved into the intricacies of the EU's ambitious climate goals, the challenges of carbon removal, and the transformative potential of regenerative agriculture.

Christian unpacks the complexities of the voluntary carbon market. We explore how the Carbon Removal Certification Framework is set to revolutionize the way we approach carbon markets and carbon farming. Discover the critical role of regenerative agriculture and nature-based solutions in enhancing biodiversity and achieving sustainable carbon removal.

🎧 Key Topics:

• The evolution and challenges of the Voluntary Carbon Market.

• Understanding carbon removal and the importance of a robust certification framework.

• Insights into the European Commission's strategies for climate neutrality by 2050.

• Addressing permanence, additionality, and leakage in carbon markets.

• How initiatives like carbon farming, regenerative agriculture & agroforestry can provide additional income streams for farmers.

Christian shares valuable perspectives on the intersection of policy, technology, and agriculture, providing a roadmap for a sustainable and climate-positive future. 🌾🌍

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Episode Timeline:

00:03:19 - Introduction to Christian Holzleitner - Christian explains his role as the head of unit for Land Economy and Carbon Removal at the European Commission, discussing his responsibilities and key projects.

00:06:17 - Defining Climate Neutrality - Discussion on the terminology used in climate targets, specifically the difference between net zero, carbon neutrality, and climate neutrality.

00:14:13 - Financial Incentives and Emission Trading - Christian elaborates on the financial incentives and the emission trading system for energy, industry, transport, and buildings.

00:19:39 - Challenges of the Voluntary Carbon Market - Discussion on the issues faced by the voluntary carbon market and the measures to address these problems, such as permanence and transparency.

00:23:11 - Permanence of Carbon Removal - The importance of ensuring the permanence of carbon removal and dealing with natural disturbances like wildfires.

00:26:48 - Commitment Period for Farmers - Discussion on the commitment period for farmers in carbon farming and the importance of maintaining long-term carbon storage practices.

00:28:48 - Additionality in Carbon Removal - Explanation of the concept of additionality in carbon removal and the need for incentivizing more regenerative practices.

00:35:52 - Addressing Carbon Market Issues - Further exploration of the issues in the carbon market, such as leakage and ensuring additional carbon removals.

00:39:49 - Scaling Up Carbon Markets - Christian discusses the efforts to scale up and harmonize the carbon markets across Europe.

00:48:00 - Nature-Based vs. Technological Solutions - A discussion on the balance between investing in nature-based solutions and technological solutions for carbon removal.

00:50:02 - Impact of Diet on Land Use - How diet and lifestyle choices impact land use and the need for direct air capture to manage future emissions.

00:53:08 - Transparency and Nature-Based Solutions - The need for transparency in carbon markets and enhancing the credibility of nature-based solutions.

01:14:38 - Closing Remarks and Future Vision - Christian's vision for the future of carbon markets and sustainable practices, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive and transparent system.

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This podcast was produced in partnership with Soil Capital, a company that supports #regenerativeagriculture by financially rewarding farmers who improve soil health.

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Tommie Hooft van Huysduynen shares his journey from growing up in Nigeria to co-founding Proteen, a company leading a "compost revolution" using black soldier fly larvae to transform organic waste into high-quality fertilizer.

Tommie confidently demonstrates why his compost making system has the potential to create a tidal wave of positive change.

♻️ Rapid Composting: Proteen’s method reduces composting time from 4-5 months to just one, significantly increasing efficiency.

🌱 Soil Health Boost: The inclusion of larvae in the compost enhances soil health by boosting fungal activity, crucial for plant growth.

💰 Cost-Effective Solution: By processing waste on-site, Proteen eliminates transportation costs, making their fertilizer more affordable for farmers.

📈 Enhanced Yields and Profitability: Proteen’s fertilizer has outperformed traditional and chemical fertilizers in yield and profitability, offering a viable alternative for farmers.

Tommie’s vision is to collaborate with large food processing companies, turning waste into a valuable resource and driving sustainable change in agriculture. His insights offer a glimpse into the future of waste management and regenerative farming.

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This podcast was produced in collaboration with Soil Capital, a company that supports regenerative agriculture for food system resilience and climate action by financially rewarding farmers who enhance soil health.

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Useful Links:

• Proteen: https://weareproteen.com/

• Tommie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommie-hooft/

• Soil Capital: https://www.soilcapital.com/

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This week, I traveled to Amsterdam to meet with visionary business strategist Nikki Trott. Her successful journey from the fashion industry to regenerative investment highlights the power of aligning personal values with professional endeavors.

This episode covers a broad range of topics, including:

• The significance of self-reflection and internal growth

• Nikki's journey from the fashion industry to conscious business

• The founding and mission of Barefoot Ventures

• Challenges and insights in aligning personal and professional life

• The critical role of regenerative agriculture in human and planetary health

• Practical advice for integrating regenerative principles into business

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that explores the intersection of personal growth, business strategy, and regenerative practices. Learn how aligning your inner values with your professional life can lead to profound and lasting change.

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Useful Links:

• Conscious Accelerator: https://www.consciousaccelerator.com/

• Barefoot Ventures: https://www.barefoot.ventures/

• Nikki Trott's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkitrott/

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This podcast was produced in partnership with Soil Capital, a company that supports #regenerativeagriculture by financially rewarding farmers who improve soil health.

https://www.soilcapital.com/

Follow Us: Stay connected with us on social media for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content.

• Instagram: @deep_seed_podcast

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/deep-seed

• Email: raphael@deepseed.eu

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Timeline:

00:00:00 - Introduction to the podcast and guest Nikki Trott.

00:01:09 - Importance of internal transformation for fundamental change.

00:02:25 - Nikki's mission to help humanity heal and her personal identity.

00:03:30 - Nikki's journey from fashion industry to purpose-driven business.

00:08:00 - Explanation of transformation coaching and its unique approach.

00:10:25 - Aligning personal beliefs with business practices.

00:12:54 - Transition to working with purpose-driven businesses and overcoming fears.

00:15:16 - Changing perception and meaning of "conscious."

00:16:28 - The need for regeneration over sustainability in business.

00:19:18 - Personal experiments with local eating and food's impact on health.

00:22:43 - Integrating holistic well-being into business without giving nutritional advice.

00:24:23 - Learning from farmers and aligning business with natural rhythms.

00:26:10 - Concept of a regenerative business: company, product, leader, and capital.

00:29:11 - Issues with conventional investment and need for regenerative capital.

00:32:12 - Founding of Barefoot Ventures and its focus on regenerative agriculture.

00:38:15 - Overcoming fear of judgment and staying true to oneself.

00:42:03 - Coaching farmers and integrating diverse perspectives in business.

00:44:23 - Positive impact of regenerative practices on farmers' mental health.

00:47:24 - Encouragement to ask "What's the worst that could happen?" when making changes.

00:54:50 - Story behind Nikki's book "Sacred Business" and its holistic focus.

00:59:16 - Reflections on hope, love, community, and being true to oneself.

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