The Urban Farm Podcast with Greg Peterson

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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.

Raw Nutrition, Pawtrition, and the Future of Canine Health
In this episode, Greg speaks with entrepreneur and canine nutrition educator Ryan Cole about the hidden problems with highly processed dog food and the growing movement toward raw feeding for dogs. Ryan shares the personal story that launched his mission after rescuing a pit bull with severe allergies and discovering how dramatically diet impacted the dog’s health and quality of life.
The conversation explores kibble manufacturing, common ingredient red flags, raw feeding basics, portion control, canine obesity, treats, digestive health, and how personalized nutrition plans can improve a dog’s longevity. Ryan also introduces Pawtrition, an AI-powered dog meal planning platform designed to help dog owners create customized raw feeding plans based on breed, age, weight, and health goals.
Our Guest: Ryan Cole is an entrepreneur and founder of Lineage Premier, a canine-focused health and nutrition company dedicated to empowering dog parents with better feeding guidance and nutrition education. He is also the creator of Pawtrition, a Lineage Premier product and AI-powered dog meal planning app designed to help pet owners feed smarter with personalized nutrition plans tailored to each dog's breed, age, weight, and health goals. Through his work, Ryan bridges practical pet care with education, helping dog parents move beyond the guesswork toward informed decisions that support long-term canine health and vitality.
Key Topics & Entities
Ryan Cole
Pawtrition
Lineage Premier
Raw feeding for dogs
Highly processed kibble and canine health
Food allergies in dogs
Pit bull rescue stories
Canine nutrition education
Personalized dog meal planning
Bioavailable nutrients in raw diets
Portion control and canine obesity
Healthy dog treats and frozen fruit snacks
Breed-specific nutrition
Digestive health and stool quality in dogs

Key Questions
What inspired Ryan Cole to focus on canine nutrition?
Ryan’s journey began after rescuing a pit bull named Pops who suffered from severe allergic reactions to processed foods, shampoos, and synthetic materials. After switching to boiled chicken and rice and later researching raw feeding, Ryan saw dramatic health improvements that inspired him to dedicate his career to canine nutrition education.
Why does Ryan believe highly processed kibble is problematic?
Ryan explains that many kibble products are made from low-quality byproducts and heavily processed ingredients that are cooked at high temperatures, stripping away natural nutrients. Manufacturers then spray synthetic nutrients and fats onto the kibble after processing to improve flavor and nutritional labeling.
What ingredients should dog owners watch for on labels?
Ryan recommends paying close attention to the word “crude” on ingredient labels, especially crude proteins and crude fats. He also advises dog owners to read manufacturing warnings about cross-contamination from facilities processing allergens like nuts and grains.
What does a healthy raw diet for dogs look like?
A balanced raw diet includes raw meats, organ meats, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and oils. Ryan shares examples like chicken leg quarters, ground beef, chicken gizzards, green beans, duck eggs, and Alaskan fish oil.
How does Pawtrition help dog owners?
Pawtrition generates personalized 30-day meal plans based on a dog’s breed, age, weight, activity level, and health goals. The platform also includes budgeting tools, nutrition tracking, shopping assistance, veterinary checklists, and educational resources.
Are most dogs overfed or underfed?
Ryan says the bigger issue is often calorie-dense kibble rather than meal quantity itself. Because processed food is highly concentrated and less nutritionally bioavailable, dogs can gain weight even when owners believe they are feeding appropriate portions.
What are signs a dog’s diet may not be working?
Common warning signs include chronic itching, dull coats, digestive problems, inconsistent stool quality, scooting behavior, and excessive shedding or inflammation.
Should dog owners rotate proteins and foods?
Ryan recommends dietary variety whenever possible to improve nutrient diversity and prevent nutritional imbalances. Different proteins and vegetables offer different bioavailable nutrients and health benefits.
What treats does Ryan recommend?
Ryan prefers whole-food treats like frozen watermelon, blueberries, strawberries, and homemade fruit popsicles mixed with healthy fish oils instead of processed commercial treats.
What drives Ryan’s work today?
Ryan credits his mother’s work ethic and his lifelong passion for helping animals and people. He views Pawtrition and Lineage Premier as community-driven educational tools rather than simply businesses.
Episode Highlights
Ryan rescued his first pit bull, Pops, at age 17 after his father passed away.
Pops suffered severe reactions to processed foods and synthetic products before transitioning to a raw diet.
Ryan explains how kibble manufacturing prioritizes shelf life and profit margins over nutrition quality.
Greg shares a story about healing a rescued golden retriever through raw feeding after medications failed.
Pawtrition creates downloadable customized feeding plans for dog owners.
Ryan discusses why working breeds like heelers should remain lean to protect joints and hips.
The conversation highlights the importance of observing each individual dog rather than following generic feeding advice.
Ryan recommends the book The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom for its message about interconnectedness and purpose.

Resources
Personalized canine meal planning — Pawtrition
Raw feeding education and breed resources — Lineage Premier
Follow Ryan Cole on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube under “Lineage Premier”

Visit www.urbanfarm.org/Pawtrition 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.

A Rosie On The House Replay
In this episode Romey Romero from Rosie on the House and Farmer Greg sit down with Ashley McClure and Scott Brown of Phoenix Organic Feed to talk about raising backyard chickens in the summer heat. The conversation explores heat management, predator protection, organic feed, egg production, breed selection, and why chickens are one of the best tools for local food resilience. Ashley and Scott also share the grassroots story behind Phoenix Organic Feed and how a small community feed order turned into a regional network serving thousands of chicken keepers across metro Phoenix and the Verde Valley.
Key Topics
Backyard chickens in desert climates
Organic chicken feed and local food resilience
Heat management for chickens
Predator-proof chicken coops
Egg production and breed selection
Chickens as composters and pest control
Food security through backyard farming
Phoenix Organic Feed community distribution model
Rhode Island Red chickens
Leghorn chickens
Raising meat birds vs. egg layers
Electrolytes and hydration for poultry
Victory Gardens and modern homesteading

Key Questions Answered
Why should people keep chickens in their backyard?
Chickens provide eggs, protein, compost, pest control, entertainment, and a stronger connection to food production. The guests describe chickens as a practical step toward food resilience and self-sufficiency.
Can chickens survive desert heat?
Yes. Chickens can adapt to desert climates when they have shade, cool water, ventilation, electrolyte support, and ways to cool their feet. Breed selection also matters because heavier feathered birds struggle more in extreme heat.
What are the biggest mistakes new chicken keepers make?
Underestimating heat stress, failing to predator-proof coops, and not planning for chick care are major mistakes. Baby chicks require supplemental heat, proper feed, protection, and clean water.
How do chickens help gardens and homesteads?
Chickens convert kitchen scraps, weeds, and insects into manure that improves soil fertility. They also reduce pests like scorpions and ticks while contributing to compost systems.
What breeds are best for egg production?
Leghorns and Rhode Island Reds are highlighted as strong egg producers, capable of laying close to 300 eggs per year under ideal conditions.
Do colorful eggs taste different?
No. The shell color does not change flavor, but presentation matters. Dark brown, blue, and green eggs create visual appeal and help backyard egg sellers stand out.
Why start Phoenix Organic Feed?
Scott Brown started the business after struggling to find affordable organic chicken feed in Phoenix. What began as a one-ton community order through a local permaculture network eventually grew into a distribution network serving over 3,000 subscribers.
What makes backyard eggs different from store-bought eggs?
The guests explain that backyard eggs often have darker orange yolks, fresher flavor, and come from chickens raised on higher quality feed and forage.
Episode Highlights
Chickens help control scorpions, ticks, and garden pests naturally.
Roosters protect hens from predators and help maintain flock harmony.
Chickens cool themselves through their feet, making shallow water trays effective in desert heat.
Frozen water bottles, fans, and swamp coolers can save chickens during extreme Arizona summers.
Egg production drops during stress, overcrowding, and intense heat.
Older hens often become the best foragers and flock teachers.
Chickens naturally roost high off the ground to avoid predators.
Backyard eggs with colorful shells and rich orange yolks can command premium prices.

Resources
Ashley & Scott's Website — Phoenix Organic Feed Website
Visit www.UrbanFarm.org/985 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.

In this Episode: Abey Rae Scaglione has cultivated a deep understanding of the need for animals in our food system, layered upon her decades-long fascination with nutrition and self-sufficiency. After earning her degree in psychology, Abey worked as Pilates instructor in Los Angeles, eventually owning her own studio. Long interested in where our food comes from, it was in Northern California that she fell in love with growing vegetables and raising chickens. In 2021, Abey moved with her husband and two sons to Ruckle Heritage Farm on Salt Spring Island in British Columbia, Canada, where they raise sheep, cattle, turkeys and chickens. As a former vegetarian turned rancher, she has an incredibly intimate relationship with the complex realities of raising animals for food and the deep conviction that more can be done for animal welfare by supporting good farming practices, than by rejecting all animal agriculture.
Our Guest: Abey Rae Scaglione has cultivated a deep understanding of the need for animals in our food system, layered upon her decades-long fascination with nutrition and self-sufficiency. After earning her degree in psychology, Abey worked as Pilates instructor in Los Angeles, eventually owning her own studio. Long interested in where our food comes from, it was in Northern California that she fell in love with growing vegetables and raising chickens. In 2021, Abey moved with her husband and two sons to Ruckle Heritage Farm on Salt Spring Island in British Columbia, Canada, where they raise sheep, cattle, turkeys and chickens. As a former vegetarian turned rancher, she has an incredibly intimate relationship with the complex realities of raising animals for food and the deep conviction that more can be done for animal welfare by supporting good farming practices, than by rejecting all animal agriculture.
Key Topics
Abey Rae Scaglione
Ruckle Heritage Farm
Regenerative agriculture
Local food systems
Animal welfare in agriculture
From vegetarianism to ranching
Self-sufficiency and homesteading
Raising sheep, cattle, turkeys, and chickens
Nutrition and food sourcing
Small-scale farming realities
Salt Spring Island farming culture
Food resilience and sustainability
Ethical meat production
Family farming

Key Questions Answered
Why did Abey Rae Scaglione transition from vegetarianism to ranching?
Abey’s evolving understanding of nutrition, ecology, and food systems led her to recognize the important role animals play in regenerative agriculture. Her firsthand experiences growing food and raising animals deepened her perspective on ethical animal stewardship and sustainable farming.
How did her background in psychology and wellness shape her approach to farming?
Her education in psychology and years as a Pilates instructor gave her insight into health, behavior, and holistic wellness. That foundation naturally expanded into curiosity about food quality, nutrition, and self-reliance.
What changed after moving to Salt Spring Island?
Relocating to British Columbia in 2021 allowed Abey and her family to fully immerse themselves in farming life at Ruckle Heritage Farm, where they now raise multiple livestock species and participate directly in building resilient local food systems.
What does Abey believe about animal welfare?
She believes meaningful improvements in animal welfare come from supporting responsible and regenerative farming practices rather than rejecting all forms of animal agriculture.
Why are resilient food systems important?
Localized and regenerative food systems can strengthen communities, improve soil health, reduce dependence on industrial agriculture, and create more transparency between consumers and producers.
Episode Highlights
Abey shares the surprising path from vegetarianism to regenerative ranching.
A discussion about why animals are essential to healthy agricultural ecosystems.
The realities of raising livestock ethically on a family farm.
Insights into reconnecting consumers with where food actually comes from.
Reflections on moving from Los Angeles wellness culture to rural farm life.
Why supporting small farms can directly improve animal welfare outcomes.
The connection between nutrition, ecology, and resilient communities.

Resources
Abey's Website —  radicalfarmbook.com
Abey's Book Recommendation - Milk Into Cheese, David Asher
Visit www.urbanfarm.org/RadicleFarm 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.

In this episode, Greg Peterson sits down with DePhane Weaver, founding president of the Garden Exchange Stands organization, to explore how neighborhood seed and plant sharing can strengthen local food systems and reconnect communities. Inspired by family traditions of gardening and generosity, DePhane shares how a simple neighborhood exchange evolved into a nonprofit network with hundreds of garden stands across Arizona and beyond. The conversation dives into food sovereignty, community resilience, pollinator support, permaculture principles, and the joy of sharing seeds, plants, tools, and gardening knowledge. DePhane explains how Garden Exchange Stands helps neighbors connect through a global interactive map and volunteer-driven community network. This episode is a powerful reminder that growing food is about more than harvests — it’s about relationships, local resilience, and creating spaces where people can give, learn, and belong.
Our Guest: DePhane is the founding president of the Garden Exchange stands organization, inspired by family tradition of gardening and community service to FE champions, seed and plant sharings as a timeless way to connect neighbors, support wildlife and grow local food. Through a global map of exchange stands, the organization helps communities build gardens and a food sovereignty network.
Key Topics
Garden Exchange Stands nonprofit
Community-based seed and plant sharing
Food sovereignty and local food systems
Neighborhood garden exchange networks
Pollinator-friendly gardening
Permaculture-inspired community design
Seed saving and seed stewardship
Free garden exchange stands and seed libraries
Building resilient neighborhood communities
Gardening as a tool for connection
Volunteer-driven nonprofit organizing
Sharing herbs, cuttings, tools, and garden supplies
Interactive global garden stand mapping
Sustainable living and wildlife habitat gardening

Key Questions Answered
What is a Garden Exchange Stand?
A Garden Exchange Stand is a neighborhood sharing station where people exchange seeds, plants, herbs, gardening tools, books, and other garden-related items for free. Some are permanent outdoor structures while others are portable or seasonal.
How did Garden Exchange Stands begin?
The project started organically when DePhane hosted seed and plant exchanges at her home. Leftover plants and supplies were placed near a neighborhood bench for others to take, eventually evolving into a larger community-driven nonprofit network.
Why are garden exchange networks important?
They strengthen local communities, encourage food production, reduce waste, support pollinators, and create opportunities for neighbors to connect through gardening and shared resources.
How do people find exchange stands?
Garden Exchange Stands uses an interactive online map where users can search by city, stand name, or location to find participating stands and seed-sharing sites.
What kinds of items are exchanged?
Participants share seeds, seedlings, herbs, cuttings, tools, gardening books, shade cloth, baskets, aprons, painted rocks, and seasonal harvests.
Can people participate even if they live in an HOA?
Yes. Many participants create small movable stands or seed libraries that fit HOA guidelines while still serving their local community.
How does the organization support community resilience?
The network encourages local food production, seed saving, pollinator habitat creation, and community cooperation — all key components of resilient local food systems.
What role do volunteers play in the organization?
The entire network is volunteer-powered. Volunteers help moderate groups, maintain stands, move plants between locations, host events, and support educational workshops.
Why are herbs recommended for beginner gardeners?
Herbs are inexpensive to grow, easy to maintain, highly productive, and useful for cooking and wellness. DePhane especially recommends rosemary and basil for beginners.
What larger mission drives the organization?
The mission centers on reconnecting people through gardening, sharing abundance, supporting wildlife, and rebuilding a culture of local food production and neighbor-to-neighbor generosity.
Episode Highlights
DePhane shares how her family’s gardening traditions inspired the creation of Garden Exchange Stands.
The organization now supports hundreds of exchange locations throughout Arizona and additional stands across the United States.
Garden stands operate similarly to Little Free Libraries, but for seeds, plants, and gardening supplies.
Community members help maintain stands by watering plants, tidying displays, and redistributing excess supplies.
The nonprofit promotes pollinator habitats alongside food production and seed saving.
A Mother Earth News feature helped expand awareness of the movement into other states.
Volunteers regularly transport plants and cuttings between cities to support gardeners across the region.
DePhane explains how gardening creates lasting emotional connections between neighbors and communities.

Resources
Garden Exchange Stands
Arizona Garden Exchange Stands Facebook Group
Seed Library Network
Book Recommendation — The Complete Book of Herbs by Leslie Bremness
Visit www.urbanfarm.org/GardenExhangeStands 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.