Aug 14, 2018
On episode 31 of Sourcing Matters we welcome Ryland Engelhart
and Jesse Smith of Kiss The Ground. Well
known for the critically acclaimed book and forthcoming movie,
both sharing the same namesake as their organization,
non-profit Kiss The Ground is telling a
new story about our ability to regenerate land, reverse
climate change and reconnect to nature by building back
healthy soil. Through programs focused on storytelling,
education, business, community gardens and the farmland
– Kiss The Ground empowers people to restore
soil and help accelerate the adoption of regenerative
agriculture.
Seamlessly complementing each other throughout the 45
minute conversation, both guests brought unique insight to our
discussion which connected soil, human, and planetary health.
Ryland Engelhart currently serves as the Mission Fulfillment
Officer and co-owner of Cafe Gratitude and Gracias Madre.
Engelhart co-founder of Kiss The Ground, and now
works tirelessly to educate and advocate about the movement.
As a storyteller, Ryland co-created the
award-winning, transformational documentary film, “May I Be
Frank.” Also, he’s an entrepreneur and activist, using his
restaurants as a platform to inspire more “gratitude” into our
culture. Running the Kiss
The Ground Farmland program, Jesse Smith adds unique
acumen from the perspective of a producer and philosopher.
Smith is a farmer, designer and consultant focused on
the intersection of regenerative supply and enterprise. His
passion for agriculture and food systems is rooted in his love
of California’s diverse ecosystems, and influenced by his work
and travels through Africa, Europe and the western
United States. Jessie’s family, friends and community are what
inspire him to develop a network of farmers, restaurants and
consumers to benefit our soil, water & air.
In this episode we go deep into the problems, and potential
solutions for a shrinking planet. Ryland describes the
impetus for formulating this unique arena of Kiss The
Ground which seems set on democratizing complex
subjects that will prove increasingly essential
for stabilizing all corners of the world. Engaging
consumers and citizens as the agents of change, it was consensus
amongst all of us that it has to be the grass-roots to lead us
forward through this tumultuous and concerning time for the
future health of our planet. The people will lead, and
the policy will (eventually) follow. Through the collection of
their farms, non-profit initiative and restaurants this west
coast collaborative is drafting a new recipe for moving
us forward. A mechanism that vertically integrates the
value chain which will benefit the consumer of their food,
fiber and fuel, and lead to positive externalities of regenerative
results.