In Part 1 of this 2 part series on Alt|Life, Sadaf Vahedna sits down with Alan Rosenberg to uncover the powerful connections between modern farming practices and their physical and spiritual impact on our lives. Together, they dive into how industrialized agriculture has moved away from traditional, ecologically harmonious methods, leading to nutrient-depleted soils and foods. From the role of chemical inputs like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) to the degradation of soil health, Alan shares how profit-driven practices have distanced us from nature’s original balance.

Tune in to learn how we can all play a role in nurturing a more sustainable future by embracing mindful consumption and connecting with nature’s cycles!

Join us as we explore in Part 1 of this series:

• Origins of Chemical Fertilization
• Tracing the historical shift from traditional farming to chemical-heavy practices.
• Consequences of Synthetic Fertilizers
• Exploring how synthetic fertilizers have affected soil health and human well-being.
• Glyphosate and GMO Crops
• Understanding the rise of glyphosate, GMOs, and their far-reaching impacts.
• Regenerative and Biodynamic Agriculture
• Discovering holistic methods that prioritize health, soil, and interconnectedness.
• Agricultural Evolution and Organic Practices
• The journey from industrialized to more natural farming practices.
• Evolution of Agricultural “Brands”
• How different philosophies and approaches have shaped the world of farming.
• Plato’s Allegory of the Cave in Modern Context
• Seeing how societal views on agriculture mirror Plato’s allegory of perception and reality.
• Seventh Generation Principle
• Acting with future generations in mind and why this matters in farming.
• A Shift in Consciousness in Agriculture
• Changing the mindset around food production and its impact on human health.

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Alan Rosenberg’s bio:

Alan Rosenberg, with over 50 years in agriculture across four countries, is a leading advocate for sustainable farming, specializing in soil health, fertility, and agroecology. Educated at Glen Agriculture College in South Africa and trained in Biodynamic Farming at Emerson College in the UK, Alan has earned multiple certifications, including Permaculture Design and Holistic Resource Management.

He has held influential roles in South Africa's organic agriculture sector, shaping national policies through positions with the Biodynamic Agricultural Association of Southern Africa and the South African Organic Sector Organization. Alan is also an accomplished author, with notable works like *Organic Agriculture: A Handbook* and *Agroecology: The Promise of Future Flourish*. He continues to drive innovation as the founder of Lindros Whole Earth Consultants, developing agroecological systems and initiatives like the ROAM Mindfulness-based Learning™ Program.

Residing in South Africa, Alan is a passionate educator, consultant, and family man, dedicated to a resilient, sustainable agricultural future.

• (00:00) - INTRO
• (00:50) - The Loss of Life in Soil and Food
• (02:43) - The Crisis in Global Health and Soil Degradation
• (07:19) - The Role of Microorganisms
• (14:43) - The Origins of Fertilizer
• (19:48) - The Dangers of Herbicides and Pesticides
• (22:47) - Beyond Organic: A Higher Philosophy of Food
• (28:34) - Are We Feeding Our Souls or Just Our Stomachs?
• (30:29) - The Spiritual Aspects of Farming
• (34:58) - Breaking Free From Empty Nutrition
• (46:19) - Outro
• (46:29) - Stay Tuned for Part 2

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Alan Rosenberg Link:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-rosenberg-7233a91/?originalSubdomain=za

Production Credits:

Produced by Sadaf Vahedna
Podcast Manager and Marketing: AVC Studio | Sarah Jane Ponce Asok
Video Editing: Simbarashe Nyahwa