The Urban Farm Podcast with Greg Peterson

This Seed Chat explores the growing consolidation of global seed ownership and the implications of patenting life. Farmer Greg and Bill McDorman dive into the history of seed patent law, the rise of corporate control, and the tension between industrial agriculture and traditional seed saving. They highlight global efforts, especially in Europe, to resist seed patents and protect biodiversity. The episode emphasizes seed saving as both a practical skill and a powerful act of resilience and autonomy.Key TopicsCorporate consolidation of global seed ownershipSeed patenting and intellectual property rightsSupreme Court case Diamond v. Chakrabarty (1980)Plant Variety Protection Act (PVPA)Utility patents vs. plant breeder protectionsEuropean coalition: No Patents on SeedsRole of NGOs and international advocacyOpen Source Seed Initiative (OSSI)Center for Food Safety legal effortsETC Group and global seed policy researchOrganic Seed Alliance publicationsSeed saving as resistance and resilienceGenetic diversity and climate adaptationIndustrial agriculture vs. small-scale seed savingKey Questions AnsweredWho controls the world’s seeds?A small number of multinational corporations dominate the global seed market, controlling a significant percentage of commercial seed distribution. This concentration is driven by mergers, acquisitions, and patent protections that favor industrial agriculture.How did seed patenting become legal?The 1980 Supreme Court ruling in Diamond v. Chakrabarty opened the door for patenting living organisms. This decision enabled utility patents on seeds, allowing companies to claim ownership over genetically modified—and later even conventionally bred—plants.What was the original compromise to protect seed breeders?The Plant Variety Protection Act (PVPA) provided a 20-year protection period for breeders while still allowing farmers to save seeds and researchers to use protected varieties. This balance has been eroded by utility patents.Why are seed patents controversial?Seed patents restrict farmers from saving seeds and limit other breeders from using patented genetics. This undermines traditional agricultural practices and reduces biodiversity.What is being done globally to resist seed patents?Organizations like No Patents on Seeds in Europe mobilize public campaigns, monitor patent filings, and challenge approvals. Coalitions of NGOs are working to influence policy and raise awareness.What is the Open Source Seed Initiative?OSSI is a movement that protects seeds from patenting by creating a legal framework that ensures varieties remain freely available for use, breeding, and saving.Why is seed saving important?Seed saving preserves genetic diversity, strengthens local food systems, and gives growers autonomy. It’s a foundational practice that has sustained agriculture for over 10,000 years.Is seed saving difficult?No—contrary to common belief, seed saving is simple at a small scale. The complexity often associated with it comes from industrial agriculture requirements, not backyard or community gardening.Episode HighlightsGlobal seed ownership is increasingly concentrated among a few corporations.The 1980 Supreme Court ruling enabled the patenting of life forms.The PVPA once balanced breeder rights with farmer freedoms.Utility patents now restrict both seed saving and research.European NGOs have mobilized hundreds of thousands against seed patents.Seed saving is accessible, resilient, and historically proven.Genetic diversity is critical for adapting to climate change.Local seed saving builds community and food sovereignty.Calls to Action & ResourcesJoin Live Seed Chats - https://seedchat.orgLearn about seed freedom advocacy - https://www.no-patents-on-seeds.orgExplore open-source seeds - https://osseeds.orgSupport legal advocacy - https://www.centerforfoodsafety.orgNo Patents On Seeds - https://www.no-patents-on-seeds.org/enOrganic Seed Alliance - https://seedalliance.org/A Guide to Seed Intellectual Property Rights - https://seedalliance.org/publications/a-guide-to-seed-intellectual-property-rights/Penn Parmenter - https://www.pennandcordsgarden.com/Seed The Untold Story - https://www.seedthemovie.comEmail Bill at [email protected] CanadaNational Farmers Union - Save Our Seed - https://www.nfu.ca/learn/save-our-seed/Seed Change - https://weseedchange.org/etc Group - Research global seed policy — https://www.etcgroup.orgVisit UrbanFarm.org/981 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.

A Rosie On The House ReplayThis episode explores practical, low-cost strategies for reusing household gray water to irrigate landscapes. Brad Lancaster shares decades of experience designing regenerative water systems in dryland environments, emphasizing simple gravity-fed solutions over complex infrastructure. The conversation highlights how homeowners can dramatically reduce water use by “stacking functions” and capturing water already on-site. By pairing gray water with rainwater harvesting, households can meet most or all of their irrigation needs. Brad Lancaster runs a successful permaculture consulting design and education business in Tucson, Arizona. He's focused on integrated and sustainable approaches to landscape design, planning and living. Growing up in a dryland environment, water harvesting has long been one of his specialties and a true passion. He's the author of the Permaculture Bible for Water Harvesting, Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, Volumes One and Two. And he has just released new color versions, revised and expanded of both of them.Key TopicsGray water (definition and household sources)Difference between gray water and black waterBrad Lancaster (water harvesting expert)Rainwater harvesting systemsGravity-fed irrigation designSoil as a living filtration systemMulch basins and infiltration strategiesLaundry-to-landscape systemsOutdoor shower gray water reuseWater conservation in dryland climatesArizona gray water regulations (13 guidelines)Soap and detergent impacts (salt vs liquid)Planting water before plants (design philosophy)Evapotranspiration and passive coolingKey Questions AnsweredWhat is gray water and how much of household water does it represent?Gray water is lightly used water from showers, sinks, bathtubs, and washing machines. It represents a significant portion of household water use—nearly equal to outdoor irrigation demand—making it a major opportunity for reuse.Is gray water safe to use in the landscape?Yes, when basic guidelines are followed. Avoid toxins, prevent pooling, and distribute water across multiple areas. Soil biology naturally filters the water, making it safe for fruit trees and many landscape plants.How can homeowners start using gray water cheaply and easily?Simple systems like redirecting a washing machine hose or using an outdoor shower can send water directly to plants using gravity. No pumps, tanks, or complex filtration systems are needed.What soaps and products should be used with gray water systems?Liquid soaps are preferred over powdered detergents because they contain fewer salt-based fillers. Avoid chlorine bleach and opt for hydrogen peroxide alternatives to protect soil health.Why shouldn’t gray water be stored in tanks?Stored gray water quickly turns septic due to organic matter, creating odor and health issues. It’s best used immediately by directing it into soil systems.How does combining gray water and rainwater maximize impact?Together, they can meet nearly all irrigation needs for a landscape, especially with low-water-use plants. This reduces reliance on municipal water and increases resilience.What does “plant the water first” mean?Design the landscape to capture and infiltrate water using basins and contours before planting. This ensures plants receive consistent moisture naturally.Where should plants be placed in a water-harvesting landscape?Higher water-use plants should be placed near water sources like roofs or gray water outlets. Trees should be positioned for shade and cooling benefits, especially on east and west sides of buildings.Episode HighlightsGray water is “perennial water”—it flows daily as long as you live in your homeYou’ve already paid for this water—reuse it instead of sending it to the sewerA simple laundry system can irrigate multiple trees by rotating a drain hoseSoil acts as a living sponge and filter, outperforming mechanical systemsOutdoor showers can double as irrigation systems and cooling zones for animalsAvoid overcomplication—gravity systems are cheaper, more reliable, and effectiveCapturing both rainwater and gray water can eliminate most irrigation needsWater harvesting landscapes create cooler microclimates and support biodiversityCalls to Action & ResourcesBrad Lancaster Resources — https://www.harvestingrainwater.comYouTube Channel — Search “Brad Lancaster water harvesting”Books — Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond (Volumes 1 & 2)Visit www.UrbanFarm.org/980 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 Christopher Parker shares his lifelong journey into mycology, rooted in growing up in the forests of Western North Carolina and decades of hands-on experience. He explains how fungi underpins life on Earth, drives soil fertility, and plays a critical role in regenerative agriculture. The conversation explores low-tech mushroom cultivation, indigenous ecological knowledge, and how working with fungi can create resilient, localized food systems. Christopher also highlights practical ways to grow mushrooms, restore ecosystems, and build livelihoods rooted in land stewardship.Our Guest: Christopher Parker is a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, he is a farmer, educator, and myco-culture keeper with over 30 years of experience in Indigenous regenerative agriculture and mushroom cultivation. He co-founded The Forest Farmacy, an Indigenous-led mushroom school rooted in the Cherokee homeland of Western North Carolina. Chris teaches applied eco-mycology—weaving traditional forest-tending knowledge with modern cultivation science to heal ecosystems and strengthen food sovereignty. His work centers on low-tech, scalable cultivation that transforms farm and forest byproducts into gourmet and medicinal mushrooms. Through his teaching and mentorship, he helps farmers and land stewards create ecologically sound, culturally rooted, and economically resilient livelihoods.Key Topics & EntitiesChristopher ParkerIndigenous regenerative agricultureMushroom cultivation (low-tech and scalable)Mycology and soil microbiologyMycorrhizal fungi (ecto & endo)Food sovereignty and local food systemsForest farming and ecosystem restorationTrichoderma and soil regenerationKorean Natural Farming (KNF)Biochar and microbial inoculationMushroom cultivation on logs and sawdustThe Forest FarmacyThe Mycelial Healer (book)Radical Mycology (book by Peter McCoy)Key Questions AnsweredWhy does fungi matter in soil and regenerative agriculture?Fungi act as the “underground economy,” moving nutrients, water, and minerals between soil and plants. They unlock nutrients already present in the soil, reducing or eliminating the need for external fertilizers.Can healthy soil eliminate the need for fertilizers?Yes. When fungal and microbial life is balanced, natural processes provide nutrients to plants, dramatically reducing inputs and allowing nature to do the heavy lifting.How do mushrooms actually grow and function?The visible mushroom is only the fruiting body. Most of the organism exists as mycelium within logs or soil, breaking down organic matter and cycling nutrients.What is a simple way to start growing mushrooms?Low-tech methods like inoculating logs, pasteurizing straw, or using simple heat sources can produce mushrooms without expensive equipment.How can mushroom cultivation support regenerative farming?Spent mushroom substrates and even contaminated batches can be repurposed to build soil biology, suppress pathogens, and enhance fertility.What role does observation play in successful growing?Careful observation of natural systems—like how fungi interact with insects, trees, and decay—reveals cultivation insights that can outperform conventional methods.What are common failures in mushroom cultivation?Certain species like maitake and chicken of the woods are difficult to grow on logs using standard methods. Understanding their natural ecology can unlock success.How can farmers integrate fungi into their systems?By using local fungi, building soil biology, and incorporating techniques like KNF and biochar inoculation, farmers can regenerate land while producing food.Episode HighlightsFungi and bacteria underpin all life on EarthMushrooms are just the “fruit”—most life is hidden as myceliumHealthy soil biology can eliminate fertilizer needsLow-tech mushroom growing is accessible to anyoneContaminated mushroom bags can regenerate soil via biocharObservation of nature led to breakthroughs in cultivation methodsIndigenous knowledge and modern science can work togetherStart small, learn deeply, and scale graduallyCalls to Action & ResourcesThe Forest Farmacy — https://theforestfarmacy.comChristopher's Book: The Mycelial Healer — Available via Chelsea Green PublishingCourse — Year-long mushroom cultivation program HEREChristophers Book Recommendation -  Paul Stamets, Growing Gourmet Medicinal Mushrooms and  Radical Mycology by Peter McCoyShow Notes — https://urbanfarm.org/forestfarmacyVisit www.urbanfarm.org/ForestFarmacy 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 Zach Brooks shares how he transformed a barren cotton field into the thriving Arizona Worm Farm which is now one of the largest worm composting operations in the U.S. What began as a personal experiment in sustainability evolved into a regenerative, off-grid-inspired ecosystem that converts waste into soil, food, and community education. Zach explains how worms, compost, and black soldier flies work together to rebuild soil and produce nutrient-dense food. The conversation highlights practical, scalable solutions for local food systems using simple, accessible technologies.Our Guest:  Zach semi-retired from healthcare management at the age of 42 when his consulting company went public, and when his first of three grandchildren were born, he went back to Arizona State University to get a second master's degree in sustainability. Frustrated that most causes of climate change were not only fixable, but fixable with off the shelf practices and technology, Zach set out to prove that an off-grid lifestyle could be every bit as comfortable as a wasteful lifestyle and have a positive impact on the environment. And the most exciting thing...Zach has now built Arizona Worm Farm into one of the largest most successful worm farms in the United States. What is the Arizona Worm Farm?A regenerative, working farm designed to turn food waste into compost, soil fertility, and food production while educating the community on sustainable gardening practices.How did Zach Brooks get started in worm farming?After a career in healthcare, Zach pursued a sustainability degree and became motivated to address climate challenges using practical, existing solutions. He started by rebuilding dead soil using worms.How large has the operation become?The farm produces over 4.5 million worms annually, supports thousands of customers, and manages millions more worms dedicated to compost production.What role do worms play in soil regeneration?Worms convert organic matter into nutrient-rich castings filled with beneficial microbes that improve soil health, fertility, and plant growth.What do the worms eat at scale?Primarily pre-composted organic waste, including horse manure, landscape waste, and pre-consumer food scraps from caterers and food processors.Why is local composting important?Fresh, local compost contains active microbial life and reduces landfill waste, creating a closed-loop system that supports local food production.What are black soldier flies and why are they important?They are composting insects whose larvae consume waste rapidly and convert it into high-quality protein for animals, offering a sustainable alternative feed source.What makes Arizona Worm Farm a “one-stop shop” for gardeners?It combines education, compost, worms, plant starts, and regenerative techniques to help people successfully grow food at home.How does the farm generate revenue beyond worms?Through classes, compost products, plant starts, and value-added inputs like worm tea and insect-based fertilizers.What is the long-term vision behind the farm?To demonstrate that regenerative, self-sustaining systems can support communities using simple inputs like sunlight, water, and organic waste.Episode HighlightsBuilt from a dead cotton field into a regenerative ecosystemScaled from 400,000 to 4.5 million worms annuallyProduces 80,000 worms per week through controlled breedingDiverts large volumes of food waste from landfillsIntegrates composting, aquaponics, and food forestsHosts highly sought-after, sold-out educational classesProduces 400–800 lbs of insect protein weekly via black soldier fliesDemonstrates year-round food production in a desert climateKey TopicsArizona Worm FarmZach BrooksWorm composting (vermiculture)Black soldier fly larvae systemsRegenerative agricultureSoil microbiology & soil food webComposting systems (hot compost + worm compost)Food waste diversionOff-grid living systemsAquaponics integrationSeasonal planting strategiesUrban farming education programsLocal food systems & backyard gardeningSustainable protein production (insects)ResourcesArizona Worm Farm — https://arizonawormfarm.comShow Notes — https://urbanfarm.org/azWormFarmClasses & Workshops — Available via website mailing listSelf-Guided Farm Tours — Visit in South PhoenixVisit www.urbanfarm.org/AZWormFarm 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 and Scott explore the concept of resiliency through both human behavior and regenerative farming systems. Scott Murray shares practical strategies for adapting to stress, uncertainty, and environmental challenges while building stronger personal and agricultural systems. The conversation connects biological resilience, seen in ecosystems and farms, to everyday preparedness, food security, and mindset. Listeners walk away with six actionable ways to improve resilience in their homes, gardens, and lives.Our Guest: Scott Murray has over 50 years of experience in organic agriculture across the U.S. and Mexico and has served as a California conservation official for 33 years. He specializes in farm creation, farmland preservation, and regenerative polyculture systems. Scott now leads pioneering research and consulting on California-grown coffee, managing multi-variety trials and agroforestry-based plantations.Key TopicsResiliency (human and ecological definitions)Carrying capacity in biological systemsRegenerative farming principlesPolyculture vs monoculture systemsWater management and irrigation strategiesSoil health and biological farmingOrganic vs chemical agriculture debateFood security and home food productionCut-and-come-again gardening methodEmergency preparedness (food, water, go-bags)Decentralized food systems and local resilienceMindset and mental preparednessWhat is resiliency and how does it apply to daily life?Resiliency is the ability to adapt and recover from stress, adversity, or disruption. Like a rubber band returning to its original shape, humans can build emotional, mental, and behavioral flexibility to regain balance after challenges.How does resiliency show up in farming systems?In agriculture, resiliency comes from designing balanced ecosystems with diversity, proper water management, and healthy soil biology. Farms that mimic natural systems are better able to withstand environmental and economic shocks.Why is polyculture more resilient than monoculture?Polyculture systems grow multiple crops together, creating layered ecosystems that reduce risk, improve soil health, and increase productivity. If one crop fails, others can still thrive, ensuring more stable yields.Can organic systems produce enough food?Yes. The belief that organic farming cannot feed the world is a misconception. With proper design and soil management, organic systems can be highly productive and sustainable.What is “cut and come again” gardening?It’s a harvesting method where you remove outer leaves from plants like lettuce, kale, or chard, allowing them to regrow and produce continuously over months instead of a single harvest.How can families increase food resilience at home?By growing even a small portion of their food, storing shelf-stable items, and building relationships with neighbors or local growers, families can buffer against disruptions in the food system.Why is water management critical for resilient farming?Efficient irrigation—such as shorter, more frequent watering—prevents waste, improves plant health, and reduces stress on crops, especially in drought-prone regions.What role does mindset play in resilience?Mental preparedness is foundational. When individuals are prepared and confident, they respond to crises with clarity rather than panic, enabling better decision-making.Episode HighlightsResiliency is like a rubber band—stretch, recover, return to balanceFarms of the future rely on biodiversity and natural systemsOverwatering and poor design can silently destroy farm productivityCutting water use in half can actually improve plant healthOne ounce of wheat seed can yield a five-gallon bucket of grain“Cut and come again” gardening extends harvests for monthsFood is more valuable than gold in times of crisisPreparedness reduces stress and increases adaptabilityResourcesUrban Farm Podcast - https://www.urbanfarm.orgEdge of Urban Farm - http://edgeofurbanfarm.comJohn Jeavons Urban Farm Podcast Episodes https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/02/16/423-john-jeavons/ https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/02/19/424-john-jeavons/Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/futurefarms 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.