Sami Tellatin

I have known Patrick Smith for a loooong time, and he continues to amaze me with his entrepreneurial spirit. He's got a new start-up, this time a nonprofit called Soil Upside. Listen to this amazing interview about climate-friendly agriculture, regenerative agriculture, and how he's trying to live a different life as an entrepreneur this time around! Listen here: https://lnkd.in/eZASuMEP

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The Senate and House released drafts on their frameworks for the farm bill... My understanding: The U.S. Senate’s Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act signals a potential transformation in animal welfare and sustainable farming. The proposal includes groundbreaking support for transitioning factory farms to more humane, climate-friendly operations, and mandates public reporting on farm animal depopulation, contrasting sharply with controversial measures from the House that could undermine state regulations on animal confinement. With significant implications for farm animals, companion animals, and horses, advocates see a critical opportunity to influence future legislation. This document, posted by the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, details support from several stakeholders. https://lnkd.in/dXpfwAzH #regenerativeagriculture #farmbill #policy #agriculture #business

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Friday Fun with Water Where does the water come from and go? The below-referenced report came up while recording a soon-to-be-released episode of The Stream with Will and Tom. Tom Freyberg and I were discussing water use in the agricultural sector. A 2018 report from the US Department of Agriculture provides some interesting statistics. "Water resources drawn from on- and off-farm sources support agricultural production in arid regions and supplement erratic rainfall in more humid regions. According to USDA’s 2018 Irrigation and Water Management Survey, off-farm sources provide water for 28 percent of the total cropland area irrigated in the United States and account for 40 percent of total water applied to irrigated cropland. Delivering water from off-farm sources to irrigated farms requires extensive capital infrastructure to store, transport, and monitor water deliveries. Much of this infrastructure is owned by local irrigation organizations, such as irrigation districts, ditch companies, acequias (community irrigation associations), and groundwater management districts. The remaining infrastructure is owned by passthrough organizations, such as State and Federal water projects, that do not directly deliver water to farms and ranches. Lining water canals with quasi-impermeable materials such as concrete or plastic membranes can reduce conveyance losses, as less water is lost to seepage. However, a large proportion (about 72 percent) of the main and lateral canals owned by irrigation organizations remain unlined, mainly because of cost. According to SIO data, more than 75 percent of irrigation water delivery organizations in 2019 cited cost as a reason for not lining their canals. Some water delivery organizations had other reasons for not lining their canals. Nearly 30 percent of water delivery organizations cited groundwater recharge, which allows water to seep through conveyance canals into nearby aquifers. And more than 20 percent of irrigation water delivery organizations cited soil and geologic characteristics as a reason. For example, soil with a high clay content may minimize the seepage losses associated with unlined canals." So, if we want to sustainably manage water and agriculture, investing in the infrastructure, including conveyances, should be a higher priority. James Eklund John Hoholik Rylan Dobson Alexis Morgan Stuart Orr David Grant Garrett Kephart Jared Sheehan Tom Freyberg Imran Jaferey Colin Herron James Dalton Alex Money #water #climate #agriculture #americanwest #irrigation https://lnkd.in/g6dJPp7i

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It’s not surprising to see multiple definitions, opinions, conflict of interests, and claims around #regenerative agriculture out there these days. Whenever this topic comes up, I go back to this simple and powerful infographic our team created to show the different approaches to food and farming 🌎 Organic and Regenerative Organic (ROC) are regulated/third-party certified holistic agricultural systems many farmers are following and supporting around the globe. Whenever I choose Organic and ROC, I’m making a value-based decision, voting with my dollars and making a stand to protect both the health of people and the planet 🌾 When it doubt choose #organic, and be careful when you see #regenerative claims without organic as the foundation ❤️ #alwaysorganic | Nature's Path Foods | Regenerative Organic Alliance | Organic Trade Association | Canada Organic Trade Association | IFOAM - Organics International

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I’m leaning into this article because it literally hits home. It brought back memories of “Waters of the US” (WOTUS) and how it was chaos for actually doing good. Here are some WOTUS facts: >>> Who was most burdened by WOTUS? 🧑‍🌾👩🏽‍🌾👩🏼‍🌾 Farmers - farmers were led to believe this would be an infringement on their rights. In some cases, it would be possible to regulate privately held water bodies like ponds. 🏭 Big Corporate Interests - development projects would have to follow a new set of rules focused on protecting nearby and downstream water quality from blind development and expansion. >>> Who benefits from rules like WOTUS? 💧🚿🚰 Water Quality - a core purpose of WOTUS was to boost downstream water quality. As you see in the article; a critical problem in rural living. 🐞🌱🦆🐟🦦 Biodiversity - giving rural water quality a platform also provides the opportunity for habitat improvement, creating more ecosystem balance in rural areas. >>> Who are the top groups to oppose WOTUS? 🚱The AFBF - American Farm Bureau Federation (🌽 > 🐞🌱🦆🐟🦦) 🚱 Energy & Development Industries - Oil & Gas & shhh…ethanol. (Net pollution < cash) And here we are today, faced with massive water quality issues (driven by absent conservation) without much oversight. If I’ve learned anything in my time in ag it’s this: - most farmers want to do good ecosystem things while they get paid doing what they love. Some don’t care about ecosystem health, but most do. - farmers do not fully understand the impact of their practices on downstream health because they’re all upstream. When groups representing farmer rights take over the conversation, the emphasis is on halting change because the solution is scarier to the people that actually fund those organizations, not farmers. It’s not the $85 annual fee that keeps them alive. #water #ruralwater #farmer #farmerhealth #ruralhealth #cummunity #ecosystems #conservation https://lnkd.in/gNZ5iVJ6

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Something amazing has been growing! 🌱 Earlier this year, I was fortunate enough to enthusiastically accept the call to return back to one of my favorite teams of change makers, Ponix. I was Ponix's first intern back in 2020 when the pandemic shifted my summer internship plans - summer at 'Ponix University' was my silver lining. Now, we're stepping into bigger arenas. We've embarked on an exciting USDA Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities grant to investigate which farming method produces less harm to the environment – Ponix's tech-driven indoor hydroponic vertical farming or conventional outdoor farming practices. Our research is housed in a modest 400 square foot industrial building, an unassuming space with incredible potential for increasing fresh food availability. Just 7 of our hydroponic racks equals 1 acre of traditional farming. We're packing a punch. We're extending our community impact by inviting 24 minority farmers to use and adopt Ponix farming systems and participate in an inclusive marketplace for sustainable vegetable producers, to sell both their produce and carbon credits to corporate buyers. Together, we're not just growing food - we're growing communities and opportunities. I am so grateful and proud to be part of advancing hydroponic farming in the Metro area and increasing fresh food access for all! Learn more about The Coalition For Food Security here: https://lnkd.in/eyxxMhzW #USDAPartnershipsforClimateSmartCommodities #FreshFoodAccess #CarbonStudy #FarmingOpportunity

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As sustainability has been a leading innovation driver in agriculture for the last ~5 years, I often wonder if we've made an impact yet? The EPA just released its Inventory of U.S. GHG Emissions & Sinks that ag reduced 1.8% of its GHG emissions from 2021 to 2022, accounting for 10% of national emissions in 2022. 1.8% is the most significant decline of all industries YOY (about 12M metric tons). Recognizing that this is data from one year and highly subject to crop selection & volumes, it's an encouraging number for those of us working day to day on sustainability in ag. I'm curious for your perspectives - is this progress or noise? https://lnkd.in/gBn-uBJS #sustainableag #GHGemissions

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Maybe we'll finally receive some legitimate guidance and standardization on the USDA's coined term "climate smart." USDA just published a Request for Information (RFI) regarding climate smart agriculture practices, particularly around quantifying & verifying the emissions reduction percentages tied to the production of feedstock used for low CI biofuel. This RFI is a step in the right direction to provide farmers and stakeholders guidance on the developing opportunities surrounding the IRC 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit. #CarbonIntensity #ClimateSmart #Biofuels #Corn #45Z #regenerative #agriculture #farmers

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It's more than dirt and seeds, folks! 🌱 Farming today is a high-tech, high-impact field, especially when we talk about bridging the gap between underprivileged community farmers and commercial giants. 🤝 If you're into #SustainableFarming, #TechInAg, or #CommunityEmpowerment, share your thoughts or hit us up for innovative solutions that make a difference! 🚀 #InclusiveGrowth cs

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We’re excited to be working alongside the Drought Venture Studio to get more local ideas about drought resilience into the hands of farmers. But you might have some questions: What is a Drought Venture Studio? Should I apply to be a part of Drought Venture Studio? How will the Venture Studio help innovators with drought resilience ideas and IP? Who are the innovators Drought Venture Studio is looking for? If you are looking for answers to these questions, there’s still time to join the 2nd Information Webinar TODAY! In this 45 minute session, the Venture Studio team will share more details about the application process, followed by a Q&A session. 👉 Register now: https://lnkd.in/gxG-xw_f 👉 Date & Time: Today, Tuesday, 25th June, 4:00 PM AEST. Can't attend live? Register now, to ensure you receive the recording. Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry #futuredroughtfund #climateresilience Beanstalk AgTech

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Awesome to see public-private partnerships like this coming to life with USDA’s commitment to catalyzing the market-based incentives for impact in agriculture. Ask anyone of the +140 projects in this initiative and they’ll tell you there’s plenty of room for improvements - we agree - but that is the point. From the now 4 projects we’re supporting both directly and indirectly through our services and infrastructure - across row crops, grazing and grassland, and agroforestry- we’re starting to see differentiation and value being created that we believe will be the gold standard for underwriting and rewarding impact in agriculture. There are three common characteristics we see: 1. Economics: Direct payments to farmers and land stewards both on an outcomes and pay for practice (there isn’t a one size fits all incentive) basis that at least meets or goes beyond the cost of adoption and abatement. 2. Science-backed: Rigorous data collection, quantification and verification practices that leads to high integrity environmental claims aligned with latest science and leading standards. 3. Uniqueness and guarantees of origin: buyers and investors want data-backed confidence to know they aren’t inappropriately double-claiming or double-counting the same acres and outcomes. We are here to support those that are interested in moving beyond paper attestations to generate value, mitigate risk and increase operational efficiencies when it comes to generating/trading/claiming environmental assets in ag.

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GTC 360° Advisors is proud to be a member of the Coalition of Food Security (CFS), an initiative funded by Climate Smart Commodities USDA grant to work with underserved farmers on developing a pilot marketplace for climate smart farming using Ponix's innovative hydroponic vertical farms. As part of the grant, GTC 360° Advisors will lead the development and rollout of new carbon credit methodology for hydroponic lettuce in collaboration with the HBCU University of the District of Columbia. This new methodology will allow farmers across the country - and around the world - to receive and sell carbon credits for their climate smart practices when growing indoor hydroponic produce. The CFS team will recruit and train 24 minority-owned landowners and underserved farmers in Georgia on how to use and adopt Ponix’s tech-enabled hardware and software solutions. Additionally, CFS is providing internships to HBCU students and agribusiness opportunities. Together, we are taking a bite out of food insecurity. #climatesmartcommodities #USDA #federalgrants #carboncredits #hydroponicfarming #foodinsecurity #verticalfarming

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🌾🤝 Connecting Farmers to Conscious Consumers with Gabe Brown 🎥 Dive into how Regenified is revolutionizing the agricultural market. Join Gabe Brown on the 'AgCulture Podcast' as he explains how this innovative platform rewards farmers and ranchers for their regenerative practices by connecting them with brands and supply chains that value sustainability. Learn how this alignment offers consumers greater confidence in their purchases, knowing they support environmentally friendly and sustainable farming. The episode is available on all main platforms: https://lnkd.in/g85SqSwP #AgCulture #AgCulturePodcast #Ag #Agriculture #AgPodcast #RegenerativeAgriculture #GabeBrown #SustainableFarming #Regenified #EnvironmentalFriendly #Sustainability #AgriculturalMarket #SupplyChains #ConsciousConsumers #FarmToTable #ConsumerTrust #AgriculturePodcast #EcoFriendly #Podcast #PodcastClip #PodcastGuest

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I'm learning how present and future farmers and ranchers work with nature for the long haul. "Mimic nature." We're not after sustaining the dry, thirsty soil but regenerating Earth's soil. What do today's farmers, ranchers, and growers think? I am interested in your point of view. #agriculture #farmer #rancher #renerativefarming #agbusiness #agonomist

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The “greenhouse effect”: How an oft-touted climate solution threatens US agricultural workers Summary: The growing popularity of greenhouses as a climate solution poses serious risks for US agricultural workers who endure extreme heat and humidity. Despite the controlled environment, many workers face temperatures nearing 38°C, leading to heat-related illnesses. Greenhouse and nursery worker numbers have risen significantly, yet they lack adequate protections against these harsh conditions. Workers like Estela Martinez and Eulalia Mendoza report severe symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and fainting. Although technology exists to manage greenhouse climates, poor implementation and lack of enforcement of safety regulations leave workers vulnerable. California has introduced indoor heat regulations, but nationwide standards and proper enforcement are still lacking. Greenhouses, intended to be part of a climate-resilient food system, often fail to protect their workers from heat stress. The collapse of startups like AppHarvest highlights the need for better management and safety practices. Experts stress the importance of monitoring temperatures, ensuring adequate breaks, and providing training to create a safe working environment. Effective management can make greenhouses a sustainable solution for both agriculture and worker health. #GreenhouseEffect #ClimateSolution #AgriculturalWorkers #HeatStress #WorkerSafety #IndoorAgriculture #SustainableFarming #HeatProtection #USAgriculture #GreenhouseSafety https://lnkd.in/gq6mtXmH

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What role can regenerative agriculture play in reshaping our food systems and meeting the rising consumer demand for sustainable and nutritious products? I discussed this and more with Melissa Gonzalez on MarketScale's Retailed Refined Podcast. Listen below:

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Really promising to see the role being carved out for USDA to help the market coalesce around a common soil carbon measurement methodology and measure the impact of related conservation activities envisioned in the Rural Prosperity and Food Security bill. At Carbon Country we see great promise in the intersection of agrivoltaics, rotational grazing and application of biochar as a soil amendment for soil carbon and health. Routing for these important "miscellaneous" aspects of the proposed bill to make it in the final legislation and that our elected representatives can put partisanship aside and get the Farm Bill passed. https://lnkd.in/e9DPim6x #soilcarbon #regenerativeagriculture #carbonmarket

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