Episode 227: Fight vs Monoculture: How Small Farms Protect Nutrition and Biodiversity
About the Podcast
Today, Clancy talks with Stuart Tanner, award-winning documentary filmmaker, investigative journalist, and writer, about his latest film, Seeds of Sovereignty. You won’t want to miss their conversation about his latest documentary, Seeds of Sovereignty, and the global battle over genetically modified corn in Mexico. They explore the battle over genetically modified corn in Mexico, the dangers of monoculture farming, and why protecting native seeds is essential for biodiversity, nutrition, and cultural heritage.
About Stuart Tanner
Stuart Tanner is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, investigative journalist, and writer with an acclaimed career in broadcast journalism spanning over 25 years. He has directed and produced documentaries for leading networks, including the BBC, Channel 4, Discovery, National Geographic, Frontline PBS, and ITV.
Discussion Takeaways
- The U.S.–Mexico dispute over genetically modified corn isn’t just about trade. It impacts biodiversity and maize’s deep cultural roots.
- Monoculture is dangerous. Industrial farming weakens ecosystems, reduces crop diversity, and threatens food security.
- Soil degradation, crop choices, and monoculture are reducing the nutritional value of food worldwide.
- Smaller-scale farming models protect soil, promote crop diversity, and produce more nutritious food.
- People can appear well-fed yet be undernourished due to declining food quality, often addressed with processed “solutions” instead of fixing the system.
- True food dignity means ensuring access to food that is healthy, culturally relevant, and produced through policies that serve people, not just profit.
#1 tip to improve access to healthy food
Donating extra food is not only safe—it’s necessary. Some of the freshest food gets tossed simply due to lack of storage. So whether it’s your favorite restaurant or a local grocery store, remind them: they can and should donate.
Each week on the Food Dignity® Podcast, the Food Dignity® Movement's Clancy Harrison hosts a wide variety of hunger experts and other people making changes on the frontlines. Join us as we dive deep into conversations that will change the way you think about food insecurity.
Listen to our trailer!
Want to learn more about how we might work together?
Fight hidden hunger by becoming a
Food Dignity® Champion and take the HIDDEN HUNGER PLEDGE >
