Theory vs. Practice: Regenerative Farming, Corporate Sustainability and AI - with Vighnesha Adiga

Welcome back to the Sustainable Commodities Podcast! In this episode, Barnaby Patchett and Judith Murdoch sit down with entrepreneur, agritech strategist, and regenerative farmer Vighnesha (Vig) Adiga.

Vig brings a uniquely grounded perspective to the sustainability conversation. Splitting his time between lecturing and advising global corporations in Switzerland and virtually managing his own regenerative farm in India, he bridges the disconnect between corporate boardrooms and the farmers working the land.

Vig strips away the industry buzzwords to reveal the harsh financial and emotional realities of transitioning to regenerative agriculture, and explains why current corporate commitments are leaving smallholder farmers behind.

Key Takeaways:

• Virtual Regeneration: How Vig remotely manages his farm in India - a thriving, biodiverse ecosystem of over 3,000 plants!
• The Transition Dip: The 2-to-3-year financial gap farmers face when switching to regenerative practices, and why they cannot shoulder this risk alone.
• The Smallholder Reality: Why corporate supply chain demands are fundamentally misaligned with the realities of the millions of smallholder farmers who produce our food.
• Practical Steps for Corporates: Vig shares five actionable strategies for businesses to genuinely support supply chains, emphasising the need to pay the true cost of production and the importance of real farm visits.

If you want to understand what it takes to implement regenerative agriculture beyond the corporate pledges and marketing spinthis is a must-listen episode.

Useful Links:

• Follow Vig on LinkedIn
• Check out his book: Slow: A Conversation with Speed
• Visit Murdoch Associates and 199 Agency