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The Urban Farm Podcast with Greg Peterson

Urban Farm Team
The Urban Farm Podcast with Greg Peterson
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  • The Urban Farm Podcast with Greg Peterson

    991: Homesteading, Is It Really The Life For Me w/ Aly Nickling-Riddle

    19/06/2026 | 36 mins.
    In this Episode Aly Nickling-Riddle shares her journey from personal tragedy and corporate life to building a homestead in Northern Ontario. After leaving everything behind to travel in a vintage RV, she unexpectedly met her future husband, and together they pursued a simpler, more self-sufficient lifestyle. Aly discusses the realities of homesteading, the emotional and financial challenges many aspiring homesteaders underestimate, and the inspiration behind her book Homesteading: Is It the Lifestyle for You? This conversation offers a practical roadmap for anyone considering a move toward greater self-reliance.
    Our Guest: Aly is a Canadian author, keynote speaker, McGill lecturer, and freelance journalist who brings a refreshingly honest perspective to modern homesteading and self-sufficient living. With a background in media, business, and more than a decade of professional writing experience, she helps people think carefully before making major lifestyle changes. Her book, Homesteading: Is It the Lifestyle for You?, encourages aspiring homesteaders to look beyond social media ideals and understand the real physical, financial, and emotional demands of rural life. Through workshops, lectures, and presentations, she focuses on practical planning, resilience, sustainability, and building realistic paths toward long-term self-reliance.
    Key Topics
    Aly Riddle
    Riddle Ridge Homestead
    Homesteading: Is It the Lifestyle for You?
    Self-sufficiency and resilience
    Emotional challenges of homesteading
    Financial planning before buying land
    Community and neighbor relationships
    Rural versus urban lifestyles
    Infrastructure costs and land development
    Preparedness and disaster resilience
    Building realistic homestead plans
    Personal consultations for aspiring homesteaders
    Hurricane Helene recovery lessons
    The Encyclopedia of Country Living by Carla Emery

    Key Questions Answered
    Why did Aly choose the homesteading lifestyle?
    After experiencing multiple personal tragedies and a divorce, Aly decided to rebuild her life from scratch. She left the corporate world, traveled in an RV, and eventually found a path toward a simpler, more intentional lifestyle.
    What inspired the book Homesteading: Is It the Lifestyle for You?
    Aly and her husband noticed many people leaving homesteading after only a couple of years because they entered the lifestyle with unrealistic expectations. The book was created to help people understand what they are truly signing up for before they buy land.
    What makes this book different from other homesteading books?
    Most homesteading books focus on skills and projects after purchasing land. Aly's book focuses on the planning, financial, emotional, and practical considerations that should happen years before purchasing property.
    What is the biggest misconception about homesteading?
    Many people believe homesteading is a slower, stress-free lifestyle. In reality, it replaces urban stresses with different challenges that require resilience, adaptability, and commitment.
    How does Aly define homesteading?
    Homesteading is any effort to become more self-sufficient and less dependent on systems that can fail. It can happen in rural settings, suburban backyards, or even urban apartments.
    What hidden costs surprise new homesteaders?
    Infrastructure expenses such as wells, septic systems, driveways, utilities, and ongoing maintenance are often underestimated. Many people also overestimate how quickly a homestead can generate income.
    Why is community important for homesteaders?
    Strong neighbor relationships provide support, skill sharing, trade opportunities, and resilience during emergencies. Community often determines long-term success more than individual effort.
    What lesson did Aly learn from a tornado striking her property?
    The experience reinforced that no amount of planning eliminates uncertainty. Gratitude, adaptability, and resilience become essential when nature disrupts carefully crafted plans.
    What drives Aly's work today?
    She is passionate about helping people move from dreaming about self-sufficiency to creating practical, realistic plans that can succeed over the long term.
    Episode Highlights
    Aly rebuilt her life after personal tragedy by leaving corporate life and traveling full-time in a vintage RV.
    She met her future husband on the very first day of a work-camping opportunity in Florida.
    Their homesteading journey required far more planning and time than they originally expected.
    Emotional resilience is often more important than practical skills for long-term success.
    Homesteading can be practiced anywhere, not just on large rural properties.
    New homesteaders frequently underestimate infrastructure and development costs.
    Community relationships can be as valuable as land, tools, and equipment.
    A tornado that dropped over 100 trees on Aly's property became a lesson in gratitude and resilience.

    Calls to Action & Resources
    Book — Homesteading: Is It the Lifestyle for You? (Available through Amazon and local bookstores)
    Instagram — Riddle Ridge Homestead
    Facebook — Riddle Ridge Homestead
    Consulting Services — Personal planning consultations for new and aspiring homesteaders available through the website.
    Visit www.urbanfarm.org/RiddleRidge for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!
    Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges.You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.
  • The Urban Farm Podcast with Greg Peterson

    990: A Mesquite Treasure Trove - A Rosie Replay

    16/06/2026 | 35 mins.
    Harvesting, Milling, and Cooking with Arizona’s Native Superfood
    In this episode we explore mesquites as a desert food source, hosted by Romey Romero & Farmer Greg. This episodes guests are Peggy Sue Creekmore and Mike Clow and we explore one of the Sonoran Desert’s most abundant and overlooked food sources: mesquite beans. The conversation covers how to identify quality mesquite trees, harvest pods safely, dry them properly, and turn them into nutritious mesquite flour using a community hammer mill. Listeners learn why mesquite has been a staple food for centuries, how it compares to conventional flour, and how to transform this free local resource into delicious baked goods, drinks, and snacks. The episode also highlights educational workshops, harvesting walks, and community milling opportunities.
    Key Topics & Entities
    Mesquite bean harvesting
    Mesquite flour production
    Community hammer mill project
    Native desert food systems
    Peggy Sue Creekmore
    Mike Clow
    Farmer Greg Peterson
    Sonoran Desert edible plants
    Palo verde beans
    Carob pods
    Ironwood seeds
    Aflatoxin prevention
    Bruchid beetles
    Urban Farm mesquite milling events

    Key Questions Answered
    Why is mesquite considered a valuable food source?
    Mesquite pods are highly nutritious, naturally sweet, gluten-free, and rich in protein. Indigenous peoples and desert communities have relied on mesquite as a staple food across the Southwest and northern Mexico for centuries.
    Do all mesquite trees produce good-tasting pods?
    No. While all mesquite pods are technically edible, flavor varies significantly from tree to tree. Some are sweet and pleasant, while others can be chalky or have an unpleasant aftertaste. Tasting pods before harvesting is essential.
    What does mesquite flour taste like?
    Mesquite flour has a naturally sweet flavor often compared to graham crackers, caramel, or malt. Many recipes require little or no additional sugar because of the flour’s natural sweetness.
    When is mesquite harvesting season?
    Mesquite pods typically begin ripening in June, although weather and elevation can shift timing earlier or later. Pods should be fully tan, dry, and free of green coloration before harvesting.
    How should mesquite pods be harvested?
    Harvest pods directly from the tree rather than from the ground. Many harvesters use a tarp and gently shake or tap branches to collect ripe pods.
    Why shouldn't pods be collected from the ground?
    Ground-harvested pods can develop mold and aflatoxins, which may contaminate community milling equipment and reduce food safety.
    How can harvested pods be stored properly?
    Pods should be dried thoroughly in shallow boxes, baskets, dehydrators, ovens, or even a parked vehicle. Moisture is the primary cause of spoilage and milling problems.
    What is a mesquite hammer mill?
    A hammer mill is a specialized machine that pulverizes entire mesquite pods, including seeds and pod walls, into flour. Traditional grain mills cannot process mesquite effectively because its natural sugars gum up the machinery.
    What can be made with mesquite flour?
    Mesquite flour can be used in cookies, muffins, crepes, breads, energy balls, beverages, and other baked goods. It works particularly well in low-temperature baking and gluten-free recipes.
    What happens to the material that doesn't become flour?
    The coarse material, often called "chunky bits" or chaff, can be used to make tea, brewing mash, and other food products.
    Episode Highlights
    Mesquite flour is naturally sweet enough to reduce or eliminate added sugar in many recipes.
    Flavor quality varies dramatically between mesquite trees, making tasting an important step before harvesting.
    A mature mesquite tree can produce more than 100 pounds of pods in a season.
    Harvesters should only collect pods directly from the tree to prevent mold contamination.
    Proper drying is the single most important factor for successful milling.
    The Urban Farm community hammer mill converts harvested pods into food-grade flour.
    Mesquite flour is gluten-free and requires binders such as eggs, chia, or applesauce when baking.
    Desert trees such as palo verde, carob, ironwood, and mesquite offer significant edible resources often overlooked by modern food systems.

    Calls to Action & Resources
    Mesquite Harvesting Walks — https://urbanfarm.org/mesquite
    Mesquite Milling Appointments — https://urbanfarm.org/mesquite
    Urban Farm Educational Programs — https://urbanfarm.org
    Desert Food Tree Guide — https://learn.desertkitchen.net/trees

    Visit www.UrbanFarm.org/990 for the show notes and links on this episode!
    Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges.You can chat with Greg, Janis or Ray to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!
    *Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.
  • The Urban Farm Podcast with Greg Peterson

    989: Why Local Farm's Matter with Beth Cole

    12/06/2026 | 36 mins.
    In this Episode Beth Cole of Riverview Farms shares how local farms strengthen communities, preserve farmland, improve food security, and support healthier ecosystems. Drawing from her experience as a market gardener in Western North Carolina, Beth explains the value of Certified Naturally Grown certification, community-supported agriculture (CSA), farmers markets, and home gardening. She also reflects on lessons learned from Hurricane Helene, the challenges of starting a farm, and why growing food is one of the most important skills families can develop.
    Our Guest: Beth Cole is a market gardener in Asheville, North Carolina. At their farm they grow a variety of certified naturally grown veggies and cut flowers, are passionate about preserving farmland in the region and growing real food that nourishes the community.
    Key Topics
    Beth Cole
    Riverview Farms
    Market gardening
    Asparagus production
    Certified Naturally Grown (CNG)
    Local food systems
    Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
    Farmers markets
    Hurricane Helene recovery
    Soil health and floodplain farming
    Garden plant starts
    Dirt Craft Living Soils
    Food security and preparedness
    Growing food in Western North Carolina

    Key Questions Answered
    What is market gardening?
    Market gardening is small-scale intensive food production focused on growing a diverse mix of vegetables and flowers for local markets, restaurants, and consumers. Riverview Farms grows on roughly two acres while maintaining additional acreage for wildlife habitat, hay production, and floodplain preservation.
    How does asparagus grow?
    Asparagus is a long-term perennial crop typically started from crowns. Growers wait several years before harvesting heavily, with full production often beginning around year five. Well-maintained asparagus beds can remain productive for 15 years or longer.
    What is Certified Naturally Grown?
    Certified Naturally Grown follows standards similar to organic certification but is designed for smaller farms. The program emphasizes sustainability, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, and farmland preservation while relying on peer-to-peer farm inspections rather than third-party auditors.
    Why does buying from local farms matter?
    Purchasing from local farms helps preserve farmland, protect watersheds, support pollinators, strengthen local economies, and provide farmers with a sustainable livelihood. Local food purchases keep money circulating within the community.
    What is a CSA?
    Community Supported Agriculture allows customers to purchase a subscription to a farm's harvest. Members share both the risks and rewards of farming while providing farmers with critical early-season income.
    What positive lessons came from Hurricane Helene?
    Although the storm caused significant damage throughout the region, Beth observed that floodplain farmland acted as a natural sponge, reducing downstream impacts. In some areas, nutrient-rich sediments deposited by floodwaters improved soil quality and organic matter.
    Why should gardeners buy plants locally?
    Locally grown plant starts are better adapted to regional growing conditions and often outperform plants shipped long distances to big-box stores. Supporting local growers also strengthens the regional food economy.
    Why do new gardeners struggle?
    Gardening is a learned skill that requires time, observation, and experience. Success depends on understanding local conditions, improving soil health, and accepting mistakes as part of the learning process.
    Why are farmers markets important?
    Farmers markets provide the freshest possible produce, often harvested within 24 hours of sale. They create direct relationships between growers and consumers while supporting local agriculture.
    What motivates Beth's farming work?
    Beth is driven by concerns about chronic disease, declining food quality, and the disconnect between people and real food. She believes locally grown produce can improve both individual and community health.
    Episode Highlights
    Beth transitioned from humanitarian work and Montana grain farming into market gardening in North Carolina.
    Riverview Farms shifted from primarily asparagus production to diversified vegetable and flower production.
    Asparagus requires patience, often taking five years before reaching full harvest potential.
    Certified Naturally Grown certification strengthens farmer-to-farmer learning through peer inspections.
    Buying local food directly supports farmland preservation, pollinator habitat, and watershed protection.
    Hurricane Helene highlighted the important role farms play in absorbing floodwaters and protecting communities.
    Local plant starts provide gardeners with healthier, more resilient plants adapted to regional conditions.
    Farmers markets offer unmatched freshness while building relationships between farmers and consumers.
    Soil quality is one of the most important investments gardeners can make.
    Gardening success comes from persistence, observation, and continuous learning.

    Calls to Action & Resources
    Certified Naturally Grown
    https://www.naturallygrown.org
    Riverview Farms NC
    Facebook: Riverview Farms NC
    Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP)
    https://asapconnections.org
    Dirt Craft Living Soils
    https://dirtcraftorganics.com
    Recommended Book
    Grow Great Vegetables in North Carolina — A practical guide for understanding regional growing conditions, soil, weather patterns, and crop selection.
    Visit www.urbanfarm.org/RiverviewFarms for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!
    Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!

    *Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.
  • The Urban Farm Podcast with Greg Peterson

    988: Growing Food with the Intention to Preserve It

    05/06/2026 | 41 mins.
    The Preserver's Garden: Featuring Staci and Jeremy Hill of Gooseberry Bridge Farm
    In this Episode Staci and Jeremy share their journey from suburban living to operating an 11-acre farm in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri. What began as a small raised-bed garden evolved into a lifestyle centered on food production, preservation, agritourism, and self-sufficiency. In this conversation, they discuss how preserving food became a cornerstone of their family's food security strategy, why they intentionally grow crops for canning and freeze-drying, and how planning a "preserver's garden" differs from traditional gardening. They also share lessons learned from preservation failures, the economics of home food production, and the inspiration behind their book, The Preserver's Garden.
    Our Guests: Stacy and Jeremy Hill are the owners of Gooseberry Bridge Farm, located in the Ozark Mountains of Southwest Missouri. They moved from the typical house at the end of a cul-de-sac in a subdivision to an 11-acre farm almost 10 years ago, and haven't looked back. In addition to producing and preserving as much of their own food by canning, freezing, dehydrating, and freeze-drying their garden harvests, they also operate a you-pick flower farm with different varieties of flowers throughout the year. Their goals are to share their farm with the community and to be as self-sufficient as possible within the boundaries of what is realistic in today's world.
    Key Topics
    Gooseberry Bridge Farm
    Staci and Jeremy Hill
    The Preserver's Garden
    Food preservation strategies
    Canning and water bath processing
    Freeze-drying food for long-term storage
    Growing for food security
    Building a year-round pantry
    Preserving tomatoes, peaches, beans, and zucchini
    Family involvement in food production
    Agritourism and farm experiences
    Teaching lost homesteading skills
    Foxfire books and traditional knowledge
    Reducing grocery costs through food production

    Key Questions Answered
    How did Staci and Jeremy transition from suburbia to farming?
    They began with a small raised-bed garden after getting married and gradually expanded their food production over two decades. After moving to an 11-acre property in Missouri, they increased their gardening, added livestock, and eventually turned the farm into their primary source of income through agritourism and value-added products.
    What inspired them to focus on food preservation?
    As their family grew, they became interested in preserving traditional skills they could pass on to future generations. Each year they learned a new preservation method, eventually mastering canning, dehydrating, freeze-drying, and food storage.
    What does a well-stocked pantry look like?
    A successful pantry is built around foods a family actually enjoys eating. Rather than preserving what is easiest, they recommend preserving crops you enjoy and grow well. Their pantry includes extensive stores of tomato sauce, salsa, green beans, soups, fruits, and freeze-dried foods.
    What crops provide the biggest return for food security?
    Their highest-performing crops include tomatoes, bush beans, zucchini, summer squash, and okra. They emphasize growing large quantities and "outplanting failure" rather than constantly battling pests.
    Why do they freeze-dry food?
    Freeze-drying dramatically increases shelf life, often up to 25 years, while preserving flavor and nutrition. It also expands the range of foods they can store compared to traditional canning.
    How do they handle large harvests of tomatoes?
    They harvest tomatoes at the blush stage, allow them to ripen indoors, process them in batches, and often freeze excess harvests for winter canning. This approach reduces summer workload and avoids heating the kitchen during hot weather.
    Why was The Preserver's Garden written?
    A publisher noticed a gap between gardening books and preservation books. The result was a book focused on planning a garden specifically for preservation goals rather than simply dealing with surplus produce after harvest.
    How has preserving food impacted their household finances?
    Despite having more children and growing teenagers, their grocery expenses have declined over the years while food quality has improved. Producing and preserving food has reduced their dependence on grocery stores.
    What preservation failures taught them valuable lessons?
    Experiments freeze-drying sweet hot sauce and banana puree resulted in spectacular messes due to sugar expansion during the freeze-drying process. These failures reinforced the importance of testing and learning through experience.
    What advice do they give beginners?
    Start small. Preserve one thing, grow one crop, and build confidence through small successes. Fear and misinformation often prevent people from getting started.
    Episode Highlights
    Staci and Jeremy moved from a suburban cul-de-sac to an 11-acre farm in the Ozarks nearly a decade ago.
    Their farm now supports agritourism, a flower operation, livestock experiences, and food production.
    A surprise harvest of 300–400 pounds of peaches led to a week-long experiment with new preservation recipes.
    Their pantry functions as a personalized grocery store stocked with foods their family regularly eats.
    They grow approximately 100 tomato plants and harvest up to 30–40 pounds of tomatoes per day during peak season.
    Freeze-drying transformed their food preservation capacity and significantly expanded their pantry.
    Their children actively participate in gardening, food preservation, and homesteading skills.
    An Instagram post featuring their pantry went viral and helped inspire the creation of their book.

    Calls to Action & Resources
    Book: The Preserver's Garden — https://thepreserversgarden.com
    Farm Website: Gooseberry Bridge Farm — https://gooseberrybridge.com
    Instagram: Gooseberry Bridge Farm — https://www.instagram.com/gooseberrybridgefarm
    Recommended Reading: Foxfire Book Series
    Visit www.urbanfarm.org/PreserversGarden for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!
    Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges.You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.
  • The Urban Farm Podcast with Greg Peterson

    987: Rules for Global Seed Saving with Bill McDorman

    29/05/2026 | 45 mins.
    Join our monthly Seed Chat at SeedChat.org
    In This Podcast: In this monthly Seed Chat, Greg Peterson and Bill McDorman explore the global rules governing seed ownership, seed saving, biodiversity, and agricultural policy. The conversation dives into international treaties, plant patenting, farmers’ rights, and the growing tension between the Global North and Global South over control of genetic resources. Bill shares firsthand experiences attending United Nations treaty negotiations and working with Indigenous seed sovereignty issues through Native Seeds/SEARCH. The episode also highlights why everyday gardeners and farmers should become “seed citizens” by saving and sharing locally adapted seeds.
    Bill McDorman is a renowned seed saver, educator, and advocate for agricultural biodiversity. He co-founded the Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance and has spent decades teaching gardeners and farmers how to grow, save, and share heirloom seeds. Through workshops, speaking, and mentorship, Bill inspires communities to strengthen local food systems, preserve regional seed diversity, and protect seed sovereignty for future generations.
    Key Topics
    Seed libraries and locally adapted seed sharing
    International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA)
    UPOV and global plant variety protection laws
    World Trade Organization (WTO) seed policy influence
    Farmers’ rights and seed sovereignty
    Plant patenting and intellectual property in agriculture
    Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
    Nagoya Protocol and access-benefit sharing
    Digital Sequence Information (DSI) and genetic ownership
    Native Seeds/SEARCH and Indigenous seed stewardship
    Organic Seed Alliance and seed policy debates
    Global North vs. Global South agricultural power dynamics
    Seed banks and the Multilateral System (MLS)
    The importance of saving open-pollinated seeds
    The future resilience of local food systems

    Key Questions Answered
    What is the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture?
    The ITPGRFA is a legally binding international treaty created to govern the conservation, sharing, and equitable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. It officially entered into force in 2004 and now includes participation from more than 180 countries.
    Why do global seed treaties matter to everyday gardeners and farmers?
    These treaties influence who can save seeds, who profits from plant genetics, and how agricultural biodiversity is preserved. The policies affect food security, seed availability, farmer independence, and long-term resilience of local food systems.
    What is UPOV and why is it controversial?
    UPOV is an international agreement that grants intellectual property protections to plant breeders. Critics argue that newer versions of UPOV weaken farmers’ traditional rights to save and replant seeds while strengthening corporate control over agriculture.
    How does the WTO influence seed laws around the world?
    According to Bill McDorman, countries seeking participation in global trade systems often adopt UPOV-style protections as part of WTO-related trade expectations, creating pressure on smaller nations to align with industrial seed systems.
    What is the Nagoya Protocol?
    The Nagoya Protocol is an international agreement designed to ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources. It attempts to address historical exploitation of Indigenous and Global South biodiversity by pharmaceutical and agricultural corporations.
    What is Digital Sequence Information (DSI)?
    DSI refers to genetic sequencing data derived from crops and plant varieties. A major debate centers around who owns this information and whether communities that stewarded these crops for generations should share in the economic benefits created from their genetic data.
    What are farmers’ rights in global seed policy?
    Farmers’ rights include the ability to save, use, exchange, and sell farm-saved seed. These rights remain one of the most contested issues in international agricultural negotiations.
    Why are seed libraries important?
    Seed libraries help preserve locally adapted seed varieties while strengthening regional food resilience. They also create community networks for knowledge sharing and decentralized seed stewardship.
    How did Native Seeds/SEARCH navigate Indigenous seed stewardship?
    Bill shares stories from his time directing Native Seeds/SEARCH, including working with Zuni and Hopi communities to renegotiate relationships around seed stewardship, naming rights, and seed distribution.
    Why does Bill McDorman encourage people to attend UN treaty meetings?
    He believes participation in international seed policy discussions is critical for protecting biodiversity and farmers’ rights. Attending these events allows citizens, gardeners, and small farmers to directly engage with global agricultural policy.
    Episode Highlights
    Bill discovers a seed library inside a small-town New Mexico library and reflects on the importance of locally adapted seeds.
    Greg and Bill explain how seed laws emerged alongside industrial agriculture and large-scale seed commerce.
    Bill breaks down UPOV, WTO policy, and how plant patenting transformed global agriculture.
    The conversation explores how Indigenous plant genetics were historically extracted and commercialized.
    Bill recounts receiving a cease-and-desist letter regarding Zuni bean varieties while directing Native Seeds/SEARCH.
    A deep discussion unfolds around Digital Sequence Information and the ownership of plant DNA data.
    Bill explains why small farmers across Africa increasingly believe they no longer have the right to save seeds.
    The episode concludes with a call for more “seed citizens” actively saving and sharing seeds locally.

    Resources
    Resource — Seed Chat Live Events — SeedChat.org
    Podcast — Urban Farm Podcast
    Organization — UPOV – International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants
    Organization — World Trade Organization (WTO)
    Organization — Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA)
    Treaty — International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA)
    Organization — Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
    Resource — Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing
    Community — Organic Seed Alliance
    Organization — Native Seeds/SEARCH
    Event — Great American Seed Up — First weekend in November in Phoenix, Arizona
    Visit UrbanFarm.org/987 for the show notes and links on this episode!
    Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges.You can chat with Greg to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.
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About The Urban Farm Podcast with Greg Peterson
Welcome to The Urban Farm Podcast, your partner in the Grow Your Own Food revolution! This audio only podcast features special guests like Rosemary Morrow, Zach Loeks, and Andrew Millison as we discuss the art and value of growing food in urban areas. We'll explore topics such as gardening basics, urban beekeeping and chicken farming, permaculture, successful composting, monetizing your farm, and much more! Each episode will bring you tips and tricks on how to overcome common challenges, opportunities to learn from the experience of people just like you, and plenty of resources to ensure you're informed, equipped, and empowered to participate more mindfully in your local food system... and to have a great time doing it! Support our Podcast and listen Ad-Free! Visit www.urbanfarm.org/patron for more information and see what else we include.
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