208. Regenerative Agriculture with Ellen Gordon of the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve

Ellen Gordon of the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve in Maryland is an environmental activist spearheading an effort to help transition local farmland to regenerative farming practices. She joins Mary in this episode to discuss the benefits of regenerative farming, including the improvement of soil health, enhancing biodiversity, reducing costs and sequestering carbon. Ellen shares her journey from studying biology and working in ocean and coastal issues to her involvement with a local nonprofit and becoming an advocate for sustainable farming methods. The conversation also explores the challenges and rewards of regenerative agriculture and the importance of reconnecting with indigenous farming practices, the need to change the way we view and interact with the land, and the potential of regenerative agriculture in the mitigation of climate change.

Topics Discussed

· Sustainable Farming

· Regenerative Agriculture

· The Importance of Regenerative Agriculture

· Challenges and Resistance in Transitioning to Regenerative Farming

· Education on Sustainable Practice

· Green Revolution

· How to Grow New Soil

· The Value of Biodiversity

· Creating Resilient Food Systems

· From Ocean Studies to Regenerative Farming

· The Difficulties of Open Land

· Indigenous Practices

· Modern Hurdles to Farming

· Supporting Healthy Soil, Water, and Air

· Handling Resistance to Change

· Plans for the Future

Episode Resources:

· The Montgomery County Maryland Agriculture Reserve

· Sugarloaf Citizens Association

· The Montgomery Countryside Alliance

· Read "Dirt to Soil: One Family's Journey Into Regenerative Agriculture" by Gabe Brown

· Rockland’s Farm Winery

· White Oak Pastures

Connect with Elle Gordon:

· Website: The Montgomery County Maryland Agriculture Reserve

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Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.

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· Wendy Gray