28: Policy Special Focus - Regenerative Agriculture Policy with NRDC Deputy Director Lara Bryant

Today I am talking with Lara Bryant, Deputy Director of NRDC (The Nature Resource Defence Council) in USA. Lara has a background in chemistry and studied plant and Soil Science and has a master’s degree in public administration in environmental science and policy from Columbia University. 

NRDC is a Non-Profit organization with more than 3 million members and online activists with the expertise of some 700 scientists, lawyers, and other environmental specialists to confront the climate crisis, protect the planet's wildlife and wild places, and to ensure the rights of all people to clean air, clean water, and healthy communities.

In this podcast we talk about regenerative agriculture and how policy and subsidies are driving the transition to regenerative agriculture. In this short episode, we take a look at USA farmers and what needs to change to drive the industry to be more sustainable. 

The following description was created automatically by AI :) 

Do you want to get a fresh perspective on regenerative agriculture? Then you don't want to miss my conversation with Lara Bryant, the Deputy Director of the Nature Resource Defense Council (NRDC). Lara brings to light the fascinating world of regenerative agriculture and the NRDC's mission. We explore the significance of soil health, and how the U.S. federal crop insurance program could be revamped to reward farmers who prioritize it. 

Imagine an agricultural world where the transition to regenerative practices is supported by policy and resources. We discuss this and more as Lara shares findings from her study with 115 U.S. farmers. We lay out the groundwork for cultivating the next generation of farmers, focusing on providing them with essential resources such as loans, health insurance, and retirement savings. We dive into the complexities of regenerative agriculture, comparing it to organic farming and discussing the regenerative organic certification.

Finally, we explore the challenges of regenerative agriculture, the potential of carbon credits, and the exciting prospect of policy changes to support more farmers in this transition. Lara reflects on how her theories on agriculture have transformed over the years and gives her insights on the percentage of American farmers already practicing bio or regenerative farming. So, put on your headphones and tune in to this compelling conversation about the future of agriculture, soil health, and how you can get involved with the NRDC. You're sure to learn something new!

Please check out show notes and background information: www.sustainnow.ch
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