I had the pleasure of speaking with Andrew Meseha, the founder of Happy Soils, on the latest episode of “Secrets of the Soil.” We had a thought-provoking conversation about the biological advantages of happy soils and the urgent need to prioritize soil health for a sustainable future.
Here are three key takeaways from our discussion:
1️⃣ Soil Health Impacts Everything: Soil health is not only crucial for agricultural success but also plays a vital role in environmental and human health. We discussed how the use of agricultural chemicals can impact soil and plant communication pathways, emphasizing the need for regenerative rehab programs to detox and improve soil health. This directly correlates with the gut biome in humans, highlighting the interconnectedness of all living systems.
2️⃣ Advocacy and Resistance: We delved into the challenges faced by farmers in transitioning to regenerative agriculture, including the influence of big chemical companies on research and the pressures farmers face to continue using their products. Andrew shared his experiences of facing threats and attacks due to his advocacy for regenerative agriculture, stressing the need for collective resistance and the importance of challenging the influence of these companies and regulatory bodies.
3️⃣ Hope and Action: Despite the challenges, our conversation focused on the power of hope and action. We discussed the importance of conscious consumerism, supporting local and regenerative agriculture, and the potential economic benefits of the hemp industry. Andrew emphasized the role of individuals in working towards positive change and highlighted the significance of spending time in nature and finding purpose to address greed and human behavior.
For more insights into the biological advantages of happy soils and the urgent need to prioritize soil health, tune in to the “Secrets of the Soil” podcast episode featuring Andrew Meseha.
Let’s continue to support and advocate for sustainable agricultural practices and soil health – they are the foundation of a thriving planet.
Who is ‘Urban Green Farms’:
The purpose of Urban Green Farms is to create awareness and action around the things that matter the most. The human species needs to adapt and evolve into a much more collective community that embraces the fact that our natural resources are precious and need to be protected. Our approach is to supplement conventional farming until it is permanently replaced with regenerative agricultural methods. Our pillars are simple and based on five important elements; food security, combat climate change, eating local, eating clean and protecting our future generations.
Founder, Andrew Meseha has spent years working in Australia, USA, New Zealand and across Asia in the Hydroponics and aquaponics Industry. His passion and desire to see a healthy and sustainable planet led to the inception of Urban Green Farms. He realized that the industry was delivering great adaptable technology that was primarily being used for medical plants. The surge in demand for highly productive, low-energy products meant that the application of these technologies could grow food in a range of much more sustainable methods.
Unlocking the Secrets Beneath Our Feet
Healthy Soils, Healthy Planet
In a compelling episode of “Secrets of the Soil,” host ‘Regen Ray’ Milidoni and his guest, Andrew Meseha from Happy Soils, delve deep into the critical role soil health plays not just in agriculture, but in our overarching environmental and global health. It is increasingly evident that the health of our soil directly parallels human gut health—both comprising complex, vital biomes that require balance and diversity to function optimally.
Revolutionizing Soil Treatment
As Andrew Meseha highlighted, the advent of a groundbreaking ‘regenerative rehab program’ for soils is set to transform the landscape of modern farming. Developed by a microbiologist and former dairy farmer, this program employs carefully designed products that detox soils while boosting their natural, beneficial bacteria, much like probiotics work in the human digestive system. These initiatives not only relieve the soil of harmful agricultural chemicals but also re-establish natural communication pathways within the soil and between plants, mirroring immune mechanisms in human bodies.
The Hidden Battle for Soil Autonomy
One of the darker themes explored in the podcast revolves around the overwhelming influence of large chemical companies on agriculture. Andrew did not shy away from discussing how these corporations entrap farmers with contracts that discourage sustainable practices, and sometimes even lead to the foreclosure of farms when trying to transition to regenerative techniques. Such manipulations underscore a broader theme of control over food production perceived as a potential tool for societal manipulation, touching upon conspiracy theories and deeper socio-political issues tied to food scarcity.
Supporting Local: A Call to Arms
This discourse naturally transitioned into the need for embracing local and regenerative agriculture. Andrew encourages listeners to champion small-scale farmers and support direct distribution networks that dilute the power large corporations hold over the global food supply. This includes encouraging consumers to ask better questions about where their food comes from and advocating for policies that support regenerative practices over chemical-laden agriculture.
A Global Impact: Economic and Environmental Ramifications
Furthermore, the conversation shed light on the economic models and environmental strategies that could revolutionize the agricultural landscape. Among these, the discussion of hemp as a sustainable crop stood out. With its rapid growth and soil-repairing capabilities, hemp symbolizes a shift towards agricultural practices that prioritize ecological and economic sustainability. Andrew’s involvement with the Victorian hemp inquiry points to broader legislative and industrial shifts that could herald significant changes, emphasizing the potential of a booming hemp industry to contribute remarkably to the GDP while reducing carbon emissions.
Rising from Exhaustion to Hope
Concluding on a powerful note, Andrew underlined the crucial role of fostering hope and resilience among farmers and consumers alike. Amidst challenges like land acquisition controversies, high suicide rates in the farming community, and the threats posed by big corporations, the fortitude to persist in advocating for change remains indispensable. Regenerative agriculture isn’t merely about returning to old methods but is a forward-thinking approach that integrates respect for nature with scientific advancement to heal and enrich our planet.
The Path Forward
“Secrets of the Soil” leaves us with a potent reminder of the urgency and necessity of caring for our soils as if our lives depend on it—because they do. As we advance, the hope is that more individuals recognize the pivotal role of soil health in sustaining future generations and a healthier planet. This isn’t just about agriculture; it’s about survival, resistance, and ultimately, regeneration.
This episode with Andrew Meseha not only enlightens but also invites us to act. It’s time to rethink our connection with the earth beneath our feet and to fight for a future where happy soils mean a thriving world for us all.
