Is A Parallel Food System Possible?

What if the future of food isn’t about fixing the industrial system—but building a parallel one?In this episode of One Bite is Everything, host Dana DiPrima is joined by David Fisher, a botanist, former USDA-funded potato breeder, and environmental scientist who has spent decades studying plants, sustainability, and food systems.David challenges some of the most common assumptions about agriculture, climate change, and food security. Rather than focusing on reforming industrial agriculture, he argues that resilience may come from something far more personal—and far more scalable: growing food closer to home.In this conversation, we explore:Why the industrial food system may be fundamentally fragile and difficult to repairHow household and home food gardens could function as a national backup systemWhat history teaches us—from World War II Victory Gardens to large-scale household gardening in RussiaDavid’s own experiment living exclusively on food grown in his garden, and what it revealed about scale, nutrition, and possibilityHow climate change, supply chain disruptions, and resource constraints could shift food growing from a lifestyle choice to a necessityThis episode isn’t just about gardens. It’s about resilience, agency, climate reality, and what it means to participate in the food system rather than simply consume from it.One Bite is Everything connects the food on your plate to the bigger world—health, community, the environment, and the economy—one conversation at a time.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a five-star rating and a written review on Apple Podcasts or via the link in the show notes. It helps more listeners find the show and join the conversation.Your Support for the Show Matters1️⃣ Become an OBIE Insider: Stay connected, get behind-the-scenes updates, and explore more ways to eat and drink like it matters. Here's the link to sign up.2️⃣ Liked the show? Leave a 5-star rating and review to help us bring you more incredible guests, conversations and listeners like you. Top reviews on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or you can leave your review here.3️⃣ Share it with others! Did you know that OBIE is shared more than 88% of all shows?! (Spotify wrapped 2025)You can share it from your listening app, or screenshot it and share it on your socials! Tag @xoxofarmgirl & use hashtag #OneBiteIsEverything4️⃣ Connect on SocialsIG @xoxofarmgirl & Facebook👏 The OBIE TeamDana DiPrima, host & producerSonia Dhillon, co-producer & editorRussell Chapa, sound engineer & original musicOne Bite is Everything was selected to join Heritage Radio Network, home to the most influential voices in food.