Arthur Haines is a Senior Research Botanist at The Native Plant Trust.

Arthur is a plant biologist specializing in the taxonomy and identification of New England tracheophytes. He is the senior research botanist for Native Plant Trust and author of Flora Novae Angliae published by New England Wild Flower Society and Yale University Press, and several other books, including Flora of Maine, A New Path, and Ancestral Plants (a two-volume set on edible, medicinal, and useful plants). In addition to his work studying advancement in plant systematics, Arthur is an administrator for the Go Botany and Plant Share websites and a Flora of North America regional reviewer.

TOPICS EXPLORED

0:00 – 1:27 – Introduction

1:27 – 2:15 – What is The Native Plant Trust and what type of work does it do?

2:15 – 5:10 – How did you become interested in native plants, foraging, and become a senior research botanist at The Native Plant Trust?

5:10 – 8:10 – What are some of the native plants that are common in different regions, including New England?

8:10 – 9:51 – Can you tell me about the New England Wild Flower Society's Flora Novae Angliae you completed and how people can use it?

9:51 – 14:01 – What are examples of your favorite edible native plants?

14:01 – 15:49 – What is foraging?

15:49 – 18:32 – How can people learn how to forage?

18:32 – 20:28 – What are your favorite things about foraging?

20:28 – 24:03 – What do you think will be the future of foraging?

24:03 – 27:25 – How have these populations of native plants changed over time with industrial agriculture, invasive species, and other challenges?

27:25 – 28:55 – Can you tell me about your book Ancestral Plants: A Primitive Skills Guide to Important Wild Edible, Medicinal, and Useful Plants of the Northeast?

28:55 – 32:40 – What are some of the benefits of native plants?

32:40 – 34:39 – How can people grow native plants in their gardens or communities?

34:39 – 36:45 – What are some things you wish everyone knew about native plants and foraging?

36:45 – 38:41 – Things to share and wrap up

NATIVE PLANT TRUST INFORMATION

https://www.nativeplanttrust.org/

ARTHUR HAINES INFORMATION

https://www.arthurhaines.com/

RESOURCES

Native Plants for Your Garden: https://www.nativeplanttrust.org/for-your-garden/

Go Botany Plant Identification: https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/

New England Wild Flower Society's Flora Novae Angliae: https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300171549/new-england-wild-flower-societys-flora-novae-angliae/

FOOD FOR YOU AND THE PLANET PODCAST INFORMATION

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/food-for-you-and-the-planet/id1739416396

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7pkAIuXxl9dzD48b7qMOL1

RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/506343/rss

Podcast Instagram: @foodforyouandtheplanet

TAGS

Food

Environment

Health

Podcast

Sustainability

Native Plants

Foraging

Native Plant Trust

Kate Mendenhall is the Executive Director of the Organic Farmers Association.

Kate Mendenhall has served as the Executive Director of Organic Farmers Association since it was founded in 2016. Before OFA, she built a career working with organic farmer organizations from California (CUESA & PAN), New York (NOFA-NY), and Iowa (IOA) getting to know what organic farmers need to be successful in different regions and markets. She now lives in her hometown of Okoboji, Iowa where she balances running a small diversified organic livestock farm, raising two kids, and leading OFA. Her nationwide experience and dedication to organic farmers throughout her career make leading the Organic Farmers Association her dream job and she is a fierce advocate for what organic farmers need and want from the ground up!

TOPICS EXPLORED

0:00 – 1:38 – Introduction

1:38 – 2:35 – What is the Organic Farmers Association and what type of work does it do?

2:35 – 5:34 – How did you become interested in sustainable food and agriculture and become the Executive Director of the Organic Farmers Association?

5:34 – 8:43 – Can you tell me a little bit about how you implement organic practices on your farm?

8:43 – 10:50 – What are some of the challenges and benefits of becoming USDA Certified Organic?

10:50 – 13:28 – Can you tell me about the USDA National Organic Program and why the National Organic Program is important?

13:28 – 16:09 – There are some people who are critical of USDA Certified Organic and believe it should be stronger. What would you say to people who may be hesitant about getting certified or considering dropping certification?

16:09 – 18:16 – Can you tell me about the educational work the Organic Farmers Association does?

18:16 – 19:36 – The Organic Farmers Association has farmers circles – what are they and how can they benefit farmers?

19:36 – 21:40 – What are some examples of Organic Events the Organic Farmers Association helps coordinate?

21:40 – 22:51 – Can you tell me about the Organic Voice magazine?

22:51 – 26:08 – Can you tell me about the advocacy work the Organic Farmers Association does and some of the recent outcomes?

26:08 – 29:33 – What are some of the main challenges for the organic agriculture movement in the US right now?

29:33 – 30:39 – What can everyday people do to grow the organic agriculture movement?

30:39 – 32:16 – What are your hopes for the future of the organic movement?

32:16 – 32:45 – Things to share and wrap up

ORGANIC FARMERS ASSOCIATION INFORMATION

https://organicfarmersassociation.org/

RESOURCES

Organic Career Network: https://organiccareernetwork.org/

Organic Farmers Association Policy Positions: https://organicfarmersassociation.org...

Organic Voice Magazine: https://organicfarmersassociation.org...

FOOD FOR YOU AND THE PLANET PODCAST INFORMATION

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7pkAIuX...

RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/506343/rss

Podcast Instagram: @foodforyouandtheplanet

TAGS

Food

Environment

Health

Podcast

Sustainability

Farms

Farmers

Farming

Organic

USDA Certified Organic

Organic Farmers Association

Sally McGee is the Director of Climate and Strategic Initiatives at the Nature Conservancy and Leader of the Shellfish Growers Climate Coalition.

Sally McGee works for the Nature Conservancy where she is the Director of Climate and Strategic Initiatives for the Global Aquaculture Program. Her areas of focus include the Shellfish Growers Climate Coalition, Sustaining Oyster Aquaculture and Restoration (SOAR), and projects focused on seaweed cultivation. Sally also developed, owned, and operated an oyster farm, Sixpenny Oysters, in Noank, Connecticut. Previously, Sally was TNC’s Northeast Marine Program Director and focused on wild harvest fisheries and marine spatial planning. She was also a voting member of the New England Fishery Management Council, which governs wild harvest fisheries out to 200 miles offshore. Sally received her bachelor’s degree in economics from Smith College and her master’s degree in marine affairs from the University of Rhode Island. She also worked in the U.S. House of Representatives on natural resource, climate, and agriculture issues. Sally is a certified master gardener and volunteers in her local giving garden growing produce for food-insecure people in southeastern Connecticut.

TOPICS EXPLORED

0:00 – 2:06 – Introduction

2:06 – 4:51 – What is the Shellfish Growers Climate Coalition and what type of work does it do?

4:51 – 7:25 – How did you become interested in the ocean and sustainable aquaculture?

7:25 – 9:55 – Can you tell me about your time spent as the owner and operator of Sixpenny Oysters?

9:55 – 11:30 – What are some of the challenges shellfish growers currently face?

11:30 – 13:35 – What are some of the environmental benefits of shellfish in general?

13:35 – 16:00 – What are some of the environmentally sustainable practices shellfish growers use?

16:00 – 17:43 – How does the Shellfish Growers Climate Coalition work with key stakeholders beyond shellfish growers such as wholesalers, retailers, restaurants, and gear manufacturers?

17:43 – 19:14 – Are there any ways you recommend people eat shellfish?

19:14 – 22:42 – Can you share an example of innovative techniques sea farmers have used to grow shellfish and seaweed together?

22:42 – 25:06 – What are some examples of educational outreach shellfish growers and storytellers have done to build awareness about the benefits of shellfish growing?

25:06 – 27:23 – What do you think the future of sustainable food from the ocean will look like?

27:23 – 28:23 – Things to share and wrap up

SHELLFISH GROWERS CLIMATE COALITION INFORMATION

https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-priorities/tackle-climate-change/climate-change-stories/shellfish-growers-climate-coalition/

RESOURCES

Against the Tide Trailer: https://youtu.be/9h0RQ0K8rrk?si=eA-TSehGfIWzXOQo

Heard on the Half Shell – Shellfish Growers Share Their Voice: https://youtu.be/PUCbJL5rjvA?si=-5Jfh_S9r8MZ76Cn

Supporting Oyster Aquaculture and Restoration (SOAR): https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-priorities/provide-food-and-water-sustainably/food-and-water-stories/oyster-covid-relief-restoration/

FOOD FOR YOU AND THE PLANET PODCAST INFORMATION

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/food-for-you-and-the-planet/id1739416396

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7pkAIuXxl9dzD48b7qMOL1

RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/506343/rss

Podcast Instagram: @foodforyouandtheplanet

TAGS

Food

Environment

Health

Podcast

Sustainability

Aquaculture

Clams

Climate

Mussels

Oysters

Sea Farmers

Shellfish

Shellfish Growers

Shellfish Growers Climate Coalition

Abby Barrows is the Owner and Operator of Deer Isle Oyster Company and microplastics research scientist.

Abby Barrows grew up and currently lives on an island off the coast of Maine. The ocean has been her passion driving her personal and professional path. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Tasmania and a Master of Philosophy in Human Ecology from the College of the Atlantic. Directing microplastics research since 2012, she initiated the first baseline data map of microplastic pollution distribution in Maine. She concluded her work as the Principal Investigator for the Global Microplastics Initiative with Adventure Scientists. Through the help of citizen scientists, they compiled one of the largest global datasets on every ocean and continent in the world, enabling a rare glimpse at the extent of plastic contamination in remote, understudied ocean and fresh waters. Her interests are in research, oyster and seaweed farming, field methodology, education, disruptive innovation, and utilizing scientific data to drive policy and legislation to reduce single-use plastic locally and globally.

TOPICS EXPLORED

0:00 – 1:46 – Introduction

1:46 – 2:40 – How did you become interested in the ocean?

2:40 – 4:44 – Can you tell me about your career path including your microplastics research?

4:44 – 6:29 – How did you make the leap into microplastics research and what were some of the big findings that you discovered?

6:29 – 9:06 – When did you first become interested in aquaculture and how did you start Deer Isle Oyster Company?

9:06 – 11:36 – Can you tell me a little about where you farm your oysters and what makes that location unique?

11:36 – 13:50 – What are some of the interesting characteristics about the oysters you grow?

13:50 – 17:07 – What do you wish people knew about oysters and aquaculture in general?

17:07 – 18:20 – What are some of your favorite ways to eat oysters?

18:20 – 21:48 – I understand you’ve been working to reduce plastic in the oyster farming industry. Can you tell me a little bit about this work?

21:48 – 24:12 – What are some of the challenges you face as an oyster farmer and may shellfish growers face in general and how can they be overcome?

24:12 – 25:50 – What are some of the ways you have worked to increase awareness about oyster farming?

25:50 – 27:02 – Things to share and wrap up

DEER ISLE OYSTER CO AND ABBY BARROWS INFORMATION

https://www.deerisleoysterco.com/

https://abbybarrows.com/

RESOURCES

Antarctica: At the Intersection of Technology and Climate Action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCCMekuepeg

Mushroom buoys could be contender in fight to reduce ocean plastics in Bangor Daily News: https://www.bangordailynews.com/2022/04/20/down-east/mushroom-buoys-ocean-plastics-joam40zk0w/

To cut ocean plastic pollution, aquaculture turns to renewable gear in Civil Eats: https://civileats.com/2022/06/27/to-cut-ocean-plastic-pollution-aquaculture-turns-to-renewable-gear/

The Maine microplastics researcher reenvisioning aquaculture in Down East: https://downeast.com/land-wildlife/microplastics-aquaculture-maine/

Aquaculture and the plastic problem in edible Maine: https://www.ediblemaine.com/stories/aquaculture-and-the-plastic-problem/

FOOD FOR YOU AND THE PLANET PODCAST INFORMATION

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/food-for-you-and-the-planet/id1739416396

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7pkAIuXxl9dzD48b7qMOL1

RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/506343/rss

Podcast Instagram: @foodforyouandtheplanet

TAGS

Food

Environment

Health

Podcast

Sustainability

Aquaculture

Oysters

Plastic

Michael Mazourek, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the School of Integrative Plant Science, Plant Breeding and Genetics, and Horticulture.

Michael Mazourek, PhD, is the Calvin Knoyes Keeney Associate Professor of Vegetable Breeding at Cornell University. Michael is a breeder of peas, beans, squash, cucumbers and peppers and has released numerous cultivars and breeding materials that are shared by small, regional seed companies and incorporated into breeding program of the world’s largest seed companies. Michael’s specialty is biochemical genetics in vegetables; he explores the diverse phytochemistry that plants use to repel pests and herbivores, reward and nourish pollinators and seed dispersers and cope with environmental stresses, with a goal of harnessing to maximize nutrition and sustainability. Michael shares the craft of plant breeding with students at Cornell, through grower conferences and field days.

TOPICS EXPLORED

0:00 – 1:52 – Introduction

1:52 – 3:44 – Can you give me a short overview of your plant science research at Cornell University?

3:44 – 6:26 – How did you become interested in plant science, food, and agriculture?

6:26 – 8:16 – What is the history of plant breeding? How and why did it begin?

8:16 – 9:55 – Why is plant breeding important?

9:55 – 14:25 – What are some of the methods for breeding plants?

14:25 – 17:22 – How does the type of breeding you do differ from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), or work done using CRISPR?

17:22 – 18:52 – What are some of the types of plants you have bred?

18:52 – 23:41 – What are some ways plants can be bred for great flavor? Can you give some examples of varieties you’ve created?

23:41 – 26:44 – How have you worked with local growers to breed plants?

26:44 – 29:00 – How can plants be bred to be more disease resistant?

29:00 – 30:40 – How can plants be bred to be more resistant to extreme weather events such as droughts or floods?

30:40 – 34:24 – What do you see as the future for organic, open-pollinated plant breeding?

MICHAEL MAZOUREK AT CORNELL UNIVERSITY INFORMATION

https://cals.cornell.edu/michael-mazourek

RESOURCES

Maz Lab Seeds: https://www.instagram.com/mazlabseeds/

FOOD FOR YOU AND THE PLANET PODCAST INFORMATION

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/food-for-you-and-the-planet/id1739416396

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7pkAIuXxl9dzD48b7qMOL1

RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/506343/rss

Podcast Instagram: @foodforyouandtheplanet

TAGS

Food

Environment

Health

Podcast

Sustainability

Agriculture

Organic

Plant Breeding

Seeds

Teresa Leslie, PhD, Director of the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program.

Teresa holds a doctorate in medical anthropology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, a master’s degree in medical anthropology from the University of South Carolina and a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Howard University. She has experience cultivating relationships with diverse stakeholder groups to create innovative, evidenced-based policy and practice solutions.

Founded in 1988, USDA’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) is a farmer-driven research and knowledge-sharing program that encourages farmers, ranchers, educators and researchers who are passionate about innovating to experiment and make growing food more rewarding for themselves, the environment and their communities. The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program offers grants and education to farmers, educators, service providers, researchers and others to address key issues affecting the sustainability of agriculture throughout the Northeast. The program serves Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The program is administered by Northeast SARE's host institution, the University of Vermont.

TOPICS EXPLORED

0:00 – 1:11 – Introduction

1:11 – 4:14 – What is the Northeast SARE Program and what type of work does it do?

4:14 – 5:45 – How did you become interested in sustainable food and agriculture?

5:45 – 8:49 – What are some of the key topics Northeast SARE is focused on?

8:49 – 10:36 – What are some examples of impactful research that has been funded by Northeast SARE and what have some of the key findings been?

10:36 – 13:19 – What are some ways you think agriculture can support communities?

13:19 – 17:08 – Why is it important to build local and regional food systems and how can Northeast SARE support that work?

17:08 – 19:36 – One challenge farmers face is climate change. What can be done to help farmers with this?

19:36 – 22:08 – Is there anything else you would like to share about Northeast SARE’s grants, training opportunities, and resources?

22:08 – 25:01 – What are some of the greatest challenges and benefits related to achieving sustainable food and agriculture systems?

25:01 – 27:16 – What do you think is the future of sustainable agriculture?

27:16 – 28:15 – Things to share and wrap up

NORTHEAST SARE INFORMATION

https://northeast.sare.org/

RESOURCES

SARE: https://www.sare.org/

30 Years of SARE: Our Farms, Our Future: https://www.sare.org/resources/30-years-of-sare/

SARE Funded Projects: https://projects.sare.org/search-projects/

SARE Resources and Learning: https://northeast.sare.org/resources/

Northeast SARE Grants: https://northeast.sare.org/grants/

FOOD FOR YOU AND THE PLANET PODCAST INFORMATION

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/food-for-you-and-the-planet/id1739416396

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7pkAIuXxl9dzD48b7qMOL1

RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/506343/rss

Podcast Instagram: @foodforyouandtheplanet

TAGS

Food

Environment

Health

Podcast

Sustainability

Agriculture

USDA

SARE

Northeast SARE