Alain Peeters has been involved in sustainable agriculture and nature conservation since the 70s and he is one of the pioneers of agroecology in the world. In this conversation, he describes how agroecology offers a powerful solution to transform our food system from a destructive to regenerative, while improving the wellbeing of farmers.

Unlike conventional agriculture, which often entails a struggle against nature, agroecology advocates for cooperation with natural systems, recognizing their resilience and efficacy. Rooted in the fusion of agricultural science and ecology, agroecology represents a holistic approach that integrates traditional wisdom with contemporary scientific insights. Central to this paradigm is the promotion of biodiversity across all facets of agricultural production, from soil health to landscape management. As societies confront the imperative of transitioning away from fossil fuel dependency, agroecology emerges as a viable pathway towards sustainability, leveraging practices such as minimal soil disturbance and the integration of livestock and crops.

The conventional farming model, epitomized by the green revolution, faces mounting challenges, including diminishing returns and escalating debt burdens for farmers. While agroecology promises increased profitability and sustainability, its adoption hinges on overcoming entrenched practices and embracing change. Alain's NGO, Terres Vivantes, offers invaluable support to farmers transitioning towards agroecological practices, providing experiential guidance and fostering collective learning through peer exchanges.

Terres Vivantes employs the OASIS system to assess farms' agroecological evolution across multiple dimensions, including farming methods, economics, social dynamics, and environmental resilience. Emphasizing the holistic well-being of farmers, Alain underscores the need to alleviate financial pressures and streamline administrative burdens, thereby fostering a conducive environment for sustainable agriculture.

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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 improve soil health.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In the heart of Brandenburg, Germany, lies the story of Benedikt Bösel, a visionary farmer who embarked on a journey to transform his family farm into a beacon of regenerative agriculture.

After studying economics in the UK and spending three years in the banking industry, Benedikt realized his true passion lay in the fields of his family farm. However, his initial vision of relying heavily on technology quickly gave way to a deeper understanding of the importance of soil health and ecosystem vitality. Recognizing the dire state of the land and the need for a radical shift in farming practices, Benedikt embarked on a quest for knowledge and collaboration.

Through relentless outreach and collaboration, Benedikt connected with pioneers in agroecology, agroforestry, and regenerative agriculture. Armed with newfound knowledge and a deep sense of purpose, he set out to implement regenerative practices on his 550-hectare arable operation. With a focus on composting, holistic grazing, and diverse cover cropping, Gut & Bösel became a living laboratory for soil regeneration and ecosystem resilience.

Central to Gut & Bösel's approach is the integration of agroforestry and forest conversion. Inspired by Ernst Götsch and the principles of syntropic agroforestry, Benedikt and his team are experimenting with diverse tree species and planting techniques to create resilient, multifunctional landscapes. By transforming monoculture forests into biodiverse ecosystems, Benedikt aims to restore balance to the land while sequestering carbon and enhancing biodiversity.

At the core of Gut & Bösel's philosophy is the belief in the symbiotic relationship between livestock and land. Through holistic grazing practices, their Salers and Angus herd play a vital role in soil regeneration and biodiversity promotion. By mimicking natural grazing patterns and allowing for ample recovery time, Gut & Bösel ensures the health of both pasture and soil, thereby creating a virtuous cycle of abundance.

Compost serves as the lifeblood of the farm’s soil regeneration efforts. By utilizing a wide variety of organic waste materials, they produce nutrient-rich compost that nourishes the land and fosters biodiversity. From their tree nursery to agroforestry plots, compost plays a pivotal role in enhancing soil health and ecosystem resilience.

As Benedikt and his team continue to pioneer regenerative agriculture, their vision extends beyond their own farm gates. Through collaboration with universities and research institutes, they aim to share their knowledge and experience with fellow farmers around the world. By demonstrating the economic, ecological, and social benefits of regenerative practices, Gut & Bösel seeks to inspire a global movement towards a more sustainable and resilient food system.

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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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Support our journey towards a sustainable future by

1️⃣following the Deep Seed page

2️⃣leaving a 5-star review (Spotify / Apple Podcast)

Together, we can make a difference!

Thank you for tuning in,

Raphaël

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Since taking over his family farm, Alfonso Chico de Guzman has transformed La Junquera 🇪🇸 into one of the largest regenerative farms in Europe. Climate change is already pushing the Spanish agricultural system to its limits, and Alfonso is leading the way in showing that regenerative agriculture can make farms far more resilient.

🌍 Transitioning to Regenerative Agriculture:

Alfonso's journey from traditional to regenerative practices is a testament to his commitment to sustainable farming. He shares insights into how La Junquera has evolved, highlighting the farm's successful strategies to combat soil erosion and significantly enhance soil organic carbon levels within just six years. This shift not only revitalizes the land but also strengthens its resilience against the escalating impacts of climate change on Spanish agriculture.

💧 Innovations in Water Management and Climate Resilience:

La Junquera's introduction of 100 ponds and 14 kilometers of swales stands as a monumental effort to buffer the farm against Spain's increasingly arid conditions. These water management techniques are crucial in fostering biodiversity, enhancing soil moisture retention, and building a robust ecosystem capable of withstanding environmental stressors.

📡 Leveraging Technology for Efficiency:

The strategic use of advanced technologies, including drones and GPS-enabled cow collars (by NoFence) exemplifies Alfonso's forward-thinking approach. These innovations streamline farm operations, reduce labor, and optimize land use, further elevating La Junquera's productivity and sustainability.

👬 Building Community Through Regenerative Networks:

Alfonso underscores the importance of collaboration and community in the regenerative movement. By aligning with networks such as Commonland and AlVelAl, Alfonso taps into a wealth of knowledge, resources, and shared values, catalyzing broader adoption of regenerative practices and strengthening supply chains.

💸 Securing Financial Backing for Regeneration:

Significant investments from entities like SLM Partners, coupled with government payments for ecosystem services, have been instrumental in accelerating La Junquera's regenerative transformation. These financial mechanisms enable Alfonso to expand his efforts, underscoring the economic viability of regenerative farming.

⚛ Carbon Certification and Farm Economy:

La Junquera's commitment to measuring and certifying carbon sequestration is a pioneering step towards integrating regenerative farms into the carbon economy. This initiative not only contributes to global climate solutions but also promises to enhance the farm's economic sustainability.

Join us on the Deep Seed Podcast as Alfonso Chico de Guzman shares his inspiring story of regenerative agriculture at La Junquera, offering valuable lessons on resilience, ecosystem restoration, and the pivotal role of regenerative practices in shaping a sustainable future for 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.

🙏Special thanks to Sarah Day Levesque for introducing us at RFSI Europe and making this episode possible.

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Support our journey towards a sustainable future by

1️⃣following the Deep Seed page

2️⃣leaving a 5-star review

Together, we can make a difference!

Thank you for tuning in,

Raphaël