Grimm Organic Center Podcast

In Episode 7 of Organic Odyssey, Greg Rawlings joins Madison Jasso and Matthew Grieshop for a conversation about his journey from cancer drug research to managing organic farmland in California. As a chemistry and biology double major at the University of California, Santa Cruz, Greg originally worked in cancer drug research before discovering a passion for agriculture. He shares how he got his start on a strawberry farm, operated his own farm, and eventually joined Jacobs Farm del Cabo, where he manages organic production at Swanton Pacific Ranch and other locations. The episode explores organic farming, regenerative agriculture, soil health, and plant disease management through Greg’s firsthand experiences growing herbs, tomatoes, strawberries, and more on California’s Coast. Topics covered in this episode include: The transition from scientific research to organic farming The impact of soluble nutrients on strawberry flavor Lessons from Late Blight and the Irish Potato Famine Challenges of disease management in organic agriculture What regenerative agriculture really means in practice Sustainable farming systems and the future of agriculture Whether you’re interested in organic agriculture, regenerative farming, soil science, sustainable food production, or California farming, this episode offers an in-depth look at the science and strategy behind modern organic agriculture.

What Does Regenerative Really Mean? Organic vs. Conventional Approaches with Eric Morgan and Elizabeth Whitlow The word "regenerative" is everywhere in agriculture right now, but what does it actually mean, and does it have to start with organic? In this episode of Organic Odyssey, we sit down with two experts who have been in the room where those definitions get made. Elizabeth Whitlow is the Executive Director of the Regenerative Organic Alliance (ROA), a nonprofit that oversees Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC), a rigorous certification for food, textiles, and personal care ingredients built on three pillars: soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness. Eric Morgan is the CEO of Rooted Ag Inc. and founder of Soil Health Lab LLC, with nearly 30 years of experience in pest control, soil science, and regenerative agriculture. A Cal Poly SLO Fruit Science graduate and former VP of Environmental Science at Braga Fresh, Eric is a frequent public speaker on regenerative farming and its role in the future of agriculture. Both Elizabeth and Eric served on the CDFA's Regenerative Agriculture Definition Work Group, a body assembled in 2024 to help California define "regenerative agriculture" for state policies and programs. In this conversation, our panel digs into what sets organic regenerative farming apart from conventional regenerative approaches, why biodiversity and low- and no-till practices matter for long-term soil health, and how food safety fits into the regenerative framework. Whether you're a farmer, student, or curious consumer, this episode breaks down one of the most important conversations happening in agriculture today. Topics covered: - The difference between organic and conventional regenerative farming - Biodiversity on organic farms and low- and no-till practices - Soil health as the foundation of regenerative agriculture - Food safety considerations in regenerative systems - How California is defining regenerative agriculture at the state level

In this episode of Organic Chat, host Dr. Matthew Grieshop sits down with Anne Rauscher of Swallowtail Farm in Mason, Michigan, at the EcoFarm Conference. Anne shares her experience building a small-scale, direct-to-consumer farm using organic growing practices without formal certification. The conversation explores what “organic” means in practice, emphasizing soil health, ecosystem management, and transparency with customers. They discuss key challenges and lessons from over a decade of farming, including how to balance crop selection between what grows well and what the market demands, the importance of customer relationships, and strategies for long-term farm sustainability. Anne also shares how Swallowtail Farm extends its growing season in a cold climate using hoop houses and greenhouses, allowing for an extended growing season of crops like salad greens, tomatoes, and flowers. This episode is a valuable resource for farmers, agricultural professionals, and anyone interested in sustainable agriculture, small farm business management, and local food systems.

Join Cal Poly Organic Center graduate research assistant Evan Tamayo at the California Association of Pest Control Advisors (CAPCA) Conference in Reno, Nevada, where conversations with students and industry professionals highlight the future of pest management, soil health, and agriculture careers. Here’s what we get into in this episode: Grant Mattos of Nature Safe Fertilizers discusses how building soil health can play a key role in preventing pests across both organic and conventional systems. Mohammad A. Aghaee, Entomology Program Leader at the Cal Poly Strawberry Center, shares insights on biopesticides and Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing philosophy. Alyssa Lindberg, CAPCA Support Intern, talks about the value of events like CAPCA and how networking with fellow pest control advisors (PCAs) can shape your career long-term. Cal Poly Plant Science student Alex Moreno breaks down the flexibility of a PCA license and why students should take advantage of scholarships and opportunities that often go unused. Edgar Godoy of BioWorks explains how applying a biology-first mindset, like using beneficial insects, fungi, and other microorganisms, is advancing biological pest control strategies. Larry Odell, Regional Sales Manager at Tiger-Sul, discusses opportunities in the retail side of pest management, the importance of CCA certification, and how organizations like Western Plant Health support education and industry connections. This episode offers a practical look at sustainable agriculture and the evolving role of pest control advisors for anyone interested in soil health, pest management, and careers in agriculture.

Welcome back to another episode of Organic Odyssey! In this episode, we sit down with Brian Coltrin, an Organic Technical Specialist at CCOF, to chat about his organic dry farm tomato operation, Opal Creek Farm. He shares tons of interesting insight into the unique challenges and history of the world of dry farming, and it's a conversation you don't want to miss! Learn more about Opal Creek Farm.

In this episode of Organic Chat, we return to the Organic Growers Summit in Monterey, California to chat with industry leaders. You’ll hear from John McKeon, Director of Organic Integrity and Compliance at Taylor Farms, on what companies look for in graduating students and some of the challenges facing the organic industry. We talked with Scott Park of Park Farming Organics, an organic farm north of Sacramento, about his operation, the importance of creativity in organic agriculture, and growing demand for organic products. Finally, we hear a conversation with Matt Coniglio, the Vice President of Sales at Organic Growers Summit, about the next generation of agriculturalists and the future of automation in organic. Thanks for joining us!

In the fourth episode of the season, our hosts are joined by Cal Poly alum and center advisory board member Joel Leonard for a great chat about organic agriculture. Thanks for joining us!

In this episode of Organic Chat, we hear from center graduate students Megan Widle, Shane Egerstrom, and Ria Chhabra about their experience at the Organic Growers Summit and their research projects. Thanks for joining us! Special thanks to Cal Poly agricultural communication student and Organic Farm employee Henry Cremers for his work recording and filming these interviews.

In this episode, our hosts discuss common miscommunications that occur on social media regarding organic agriculture with special guest Dr. Matthew Grieshop, the center's director.

In this episode, our hosts sit down with Cal Poly alum and soil enthusiast Blake Alexandre of Alexandre Family Farm. Blake shares how decades of hands-on management shaped his soil-first approach to organic dairy production. He breaks down why soil health drives everything, from pasture productivity to cow wellbeing, and reflects on the lessons learned.  

Season three Organic Odyssey hosts Ava Rose Regier and Madison Jasso are joined by Dr. Moses Mike to bust some organic myths in the first episode of the new season! For more information about the center, visit organic.calpoly.edu.

Please enjoy this weeks conversation with Dr. Matthew Grieshop and Erica Rohr and Edgar Godoy from Bioworks.

In this episode, Dr. Matthew Grieshop sits down with Amanda Felder!

In the last episode of Season 2 of the Organic Odyssey, Host Emery Pura and step in Co-Host Katie Cook, sit down with panelist Dr. Matt Grieshop, Jo Ann Baumgartner. This project is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP). For more information about the Grimm Family Center for Organic Production and Research, visit www.organic.calpoly.edu. Thanks for joining us!

In the eighth  episode of Season 2 of the Organic Odyssey, Step in Host for the day Amanda Kidd and Co-Host  Katie Cook, sit down with panelist Dr. Matt Grieshop, Scott Renteria and Danny Lee. This project is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP). For more information about the Grimm Family Center for Organic Production and Research, visit www.organic.calpoly.edu. Thanks for joining us!

In this episode, Dr. Matthew Grieshop sits down with John Mckeon.

In the seventh episode of Season 2 of the Organic Odyssey, hosts Emery Pura and Amanda Kidd sit down with panelists Dr. Matt Grieshop, Kim Hatfield, and Jessy Beckett Parr. This project is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP). For more information about the Grimm Family Center for Organic Production and Research, visit www.organic.calpoly.edu. Thanks for joining us!

In this episode, Dr. Matthew Grieshop sits down with Max Eatchel.

In the sixth episode of Season 2 of the Organic Odyssey, Host Emery Pura and Co-Host Amanda Kidd, sit down with panelist Dr. Matt Grieshop. This project is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP). For more information about the Grimm Family Center for Organic Production and Research, visit www.organic.calpoly.edu. Thanks for joining us!

In this episode of Organic Chat, Dr. Matthew Grieshop sits down with Russ Kabaker. 

In the fifth episode of Season 2 of the Organic Odyssey, Host Emery Pura and Co-Host Amanda Kidd, sit down with panelists Dr. Matt Grieshop, Patrick Baur and Joelle Mosso.  This project is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP). For more information about the Grimm Family Center for Organic Production and Research, visit www.organic.calpoly.edu. Thanks for joining us!

In the fourth episode of Season 2 of the Organic Odyssey, Host Emery Pura and Co-Host Amanda Kidd, sit down with panelists Dr. Matt Grieshop and special guest Jason Miller. This project is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP). For more information about the Grimm Family Center for Organic Production and Research, visit www.organic.calpoly.edu. Thanks for joining us!

In the third episode of Season 2 of the Organic Odyssey, Host Emery Pura and Co-Host Amanda Kidd, sit down with panelists Dr. Matt Grieshop and Dr. Moses Mike. This project is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP). For more information about the Grimm Family Center for Organic Production and Research, visit www.organic.calpoly.edu. Thanks for joining us!

In this episode of Organic Chat, Dr. Matthew Grieshop sits down with student Ria Chhabra to discuss her role at the center and all things organic! 

In the second episode of Season 2 of the Organic Odyssey, Host Emery Pura and Co-Host Amanda Kidd, sit down with panelists Dr. Matt Grieshop and Stan Pura. This project is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP). For more information about the Grimm Family Center for Organic Production and Research, visit www.organic.calpoly.edu. Thanks for joining us!

In this episode, Dr. Matthew Grieshop sits down with third year Amanda Kidd, who recently took on the position of the Centers Social Media Director. To discuss all things social media and her new found understanding for the world of organic agriculture. 

In the first episode of Season 2 of the Organic Odyssey, Host Emery Pura and Co-Host Amanda Kidd, sit down with panelists Dr. Matt Grieshop, Moe Lee, and Mary Nascimento to discuss the Grimm Family Center for Organic Production and Research through a student perspective.  This project is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP). For more information about the Grimm Family Center for Organic Production and Research, visit www.organic.calpoly.edu. Thanks for joining us!

In this episode, Dr. Matthew Grieshop sits down with Brandon Sanders, the newest Cal Poly Organic Farm manager at the Grimm Family Center for Organic Production and Research, to discuss Brandon's newest excitement for the farm's projects and his ability to work with and teach the students at the center. 

In this episode, Dr. Matthew Grieshop sits down with one of the center's graduate students, Shane Egerstrom, to discuss his current research project.

In this episode, Dr. Matthew Grieshop sits down with Megan Widle and Una O'Connell, two of the center's graduate students, to discuss their current research projects.

Dr. Matt Grieshop sits down for a quick Organic Chat with Dr. Ashraf Tubeileh. With more than 50 scientific publications to his name, Dr. Tubeileh, a Ph.D. graduate in Agronomy, has significantly contributed to agricultural research and education through his roles at the Cal Poly Plant Sciences Department as a professor, supervisor of the Organic Enterprise class, and advisor for the Sustainable Agriculture minor. Thanks for joining us!

In the final episode of Live in 225, we discuss some key differences between organic and conventional farming with guest panelists Eric Morgan (Braga Fresh and Soil Health Lab LLC) and Gina Bella Colfer (Wilbur-Ellis).  This project is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP). For more information about the Grimm Family Center for Organic Production and Research, visit www.organic.calpoly.edu. Thanks for joining us!

In this episode of Organic Chat, Dr. Grieshop sat down with Cal Poly Organic Farm crew and research assistant Rowen Garcia for a chat about his time in Ecuador and his favorite parts of working on the farm. Thanks for joining us!

In this episode of Live in 225, we discuss some rising trends in the organic sphere, including organic dog food, new regulations, and the constant improvement that comes with organic agriculture. This project is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP). For more information about the Grimm Family Center for Organic Production and Research, visit www.organic.calpoly.edu. Thanks for joining us!

In this episode, we are joined by influencer Valeria Carrasco, who promotes organic agriculture, for a discussion of pop culture's relationship with organic agriculture. This project is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP). For more information about the Grimm Family Center for Organic Production and Research, visit www.organic.calpoly.edu. Thanks for joining us!

Dr. Grieshop sits down for another quick organic chat with the Cal Poly Farm's Market Coordinator Jill Caggiano, who has been at Cal Poly for more than five years. Thanks for joining us!

In this episode, host Natalie Victorine sat down with Grimmway Farms' Vice President of Marketing David Bright to discuss all things bugs! This includes organic pest management, common bugs found in organics, and beneficial insects. We also hear from Cal Poly students about their understanding of organic bugs. This project is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP). More more information about the Grimm Family Center for Organic Production and Research, visit www.organic.calpoly.edu. Thanks for joining us!

Dr. Matt Grieshop sits down for a quick Organic Chat with Mary Nascimento, a Cal Poly student, Organic Farm crew member, and the Organic Center's social media manager. Thanks for joining us!

In this episode, we sit down with Kelly Korman, a CCOF Livestock Certification Supervisor, to discuss all things organic certification and policy, including how these areas have progressed in recent years.  This project is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP). For more information about the Grimm Family Center for Organic Production and Research, visit www.organic.calpoly.edu. Thanks for joining us!

Dr. Matt Grieshop sits down for a quick Organic Chat with Dr. Charlotte Decock, the Organic Center's Soil Health and Fertility Specialist. Thanks for joining us!

For this episode, we sat down with Dr. Matthew Grieshop and others to discuss some terms and definitions that are common in the organic agriculture industry. We also hear from Cal Poly students about their understanding of "organic". This project is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP). For more information about the Grimm Family Center for Organic Production and Research, visit www.organic.calpoly.edu. Thanks for joining us!

Dr. Grieshop sits down for a quick Organic Chat with Cal Poly Organic Farm crew member Moe Lee, who is a soon-to-be Cal Poly graduate. Thanks for joining us!

For this episode, we sat down with Cal Poly Assistant Professor of Liberal Studies Dr. Amanda Frye and center Director Dr. Matthew Grieshop to discuss some challenges in organic agriculture as well as solutions to these problems. Thanks for joining us!

Welcome to the first part of Organic Chat! In this episode, Cal Poly's Organic Farm Manager Kelly O'Neil talks with Dr. Matthew Grieshop about his views on organic agriculture, what excites him about working for the college, and more. Thanks for joining us!

In this episode, our host Natalie Victorine discusses the reasons we're creating this podcast with Dr. Moses Mike and Dr. Erin Gorter of the Cal Poly Ag Communication and Education Department. Thanks for joining us!