Ep. 16 Jack Algiere: Farm Director at Stone Barns Agricultural Center ||
On Sourcing Matters episode 16 we welcome Jack Algiere, farm manager at Stone Barns Agricultural Research Center. An insightful guide who has taken the reins in shepherding the future food system more regenerative, Algiere takes great pride and responsibility in his work. Through a well endowed 80 acre central farm, and an additional 350 acres of pastural lands – Jack and his team manage a multidimensional farm of diverse outputs that fields 150,000 guests a year at their working hub.
The goal of this agricultural research and educational epicenter in West Chester NY is to cast a large shadow on consumers and producers alike through better connecting more to natural order through the food we eat. There are many challenges of this type of agritourism on a working farm, but Jack takes them all in stride – stating: “We can only look ahead. If people engage in food; if they ask for, and demand more – we can change the food system together.” Algiere continues, “Where do we learn this stuff? On the small, beautiful farms we can all access.”
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Algiere defines regenerative agriculture as land and natural resource conservation beginning from the soil up. This new, but fundamentally old-school of thought in feeding ourselves on a shrinking planet is vastly different than nearly every conventional agricultural model currently using an extractive and/or input-based approach. This too is changing. Algiere states that he welcomes scientific advancements. Seeing the broad-reaching potential to have a seat at the table, to embrace these current conventional models based on yesterday’s science as essential but tricky – Algiere is equal parts pragmatic farmer, and systems thinking philosopher set on harmonizing man’s role in these systems.
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Algiere explains – “there are very few things we inherit in this world, and (planet & animal) genetics is one. We must guard that responsibility.” His Young farmers program which teaches and spawns tomorrow’s guardians of biodiversity with the skills and access to properly manage these interconnected natural systems essential for future planetary, economic and political stability is something we must more broadly evaluate, and thus replicate. What’s most incredible for any of us – from getting your hands dirty – to witnessing transformative change – to consuming world class food – the entire immersive experience at Stone Barns Agricultural Center is accessible to all.
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So, have a listen to what Jack has to say. Better yet, go visit, and you’ll forever understand the many values good food can have on us all.
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*photo source: Stranded on Land
