29: Cheap Food Is a Lie: Why Nutrient Density Is the Future of Farming | Kish Johnson

In this episode we speak with Kish Johnson from Advancing Eco Agriculture about how data-driven tools like SAP analysis and foliar sprays are transforming regenerative farming. Kish shares how farms are eliminating pests and diseases through optimized plant nutrition and improved photosynthesis. The conversation dives into the connection between soil biology, profitability, and nutrient density. Kish also addresses skepticism around ag “products” and offers a humble, science-based approach to farm improvement. The episode wraps with news of a research partnership between AEA and the Market Gardener Institute to adapt these tools for small-scale growers.SponsorsTessier: Use promo code MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase for the Eastern North American regions Farmhand: CSA farmers can set up a complimentary 1:1 strategy session with founder Ari at Timestamps[8:37] The hopeful message of regenerative agriculture[12:17] Understanding the economic “J curve” in farming transitions[19:08] What Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA) actually does for farmers[24:23] Fighting orchard disease with SAP analysis[27:17] Why SAP analysis is like a blood test for plants[31:04] The power of foliar sprays for nutrient uptake[43:27] Increasing photosynthesis for crop resilience and yield[48:23] Nutrient corrections that boost photosynthesis[52:01] The role of seed inoculants and microbial colonization[1:04:16] Insect pressure and the myth of “holes mean healthy”[1:06:00] How protein synthesis deters aphids[1:13:47] Giving farmers real decision-making power through data[1:21:04] Collaboration between AEA and the Market Gardener Institute[1:28:58] Making nutrient density measurable and marketable[1:33:59] “There’s no such thing as cheap food” – nutrient density and health[1:36:20] The most common global farming issue Kish observesLinks/ResourcesMarket Gardener Institute:  https://themarketgardener.com/ Masterclass:  https://themarketgardener.com/courses/the-market-gardener-masterclass/ Newsletter:  https://themarketgardener.com/newsletterBlog:  https://themarketgardener.com/blog Books: https://themarketgardener.com/booksGrowers & Co: https://growers.co/Heirloom: https://heirloom.ag/The Old Mill: https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/Follow UsWebsite: http://themarketgardener.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/marketgardenerinstitute Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarketgardeners Guest Social Media LinksAdvancing Eco Agriculture:Website: https://advancingecoag.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advancingecoag/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/advancingecoag/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRApdrU3BA0Pzo6MNWTD2jg Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/advancingecoag Podcast: https://regenerativeagriculturepodcast.com/ JM:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier