In conversation with Joel Salatin

In this episode Patrick speaks to American farmer and pioneer in regenerative agriculture, Joel Salatin, about local and resilient food systems.  Joel raises livestock at Polyface Farm in Swoope, Virginia, in the Shenandoah Valley. Meat from the farm is normally sold by direct marketing to consumers and restaurants, however the farm's direct sales method has had to adapt to the challenges caused by the coronavirus crisis. Joel's new online order and 'drive through' pick-up approach offers hope and inspiration for other farmers having to adapt. Joel and Patrick discuss the ingenuity of farmers faced with a challenge and the emergence of a new consciousness around resilient, food secure systems. Weathering the current storm at Polyface, Joel says that "during this time of anxiety and worry, sometimes it's good to know that the apple blossoms are still on the trees and the honey bees are coming out – it offers a sense of normality in an otherwise abnormal time".