On this episode, we have Mary Purdy who is the Managing Director of the Nutrient Density Alliance.

The Nutrient Density Alliance’s purpose is to ignite awareness and mobilize action around the nutritional benefits and improved food quality of soil-building regenerative agriculture to drive demand for a more sustainable food system and improve human health outcomes.

You’ve heard us talk a lot about how the increased nutrient density of regenerative foods will be a powerful marketing mechanism to increase demand for regenerative products and spur more adoption of regenerative agriculture. Well, Mary and her team at the NDA are at the forefront of those efforts.

In this episode, Mary shares powerful insights on the science linking healthier soil to more nutrient-dense food, the urgent need for research and clinical trials, and why dietitians, farmers, and brands must work together. We explore the regulatory landscape, the importance of using clear consumer language, and how the industry can avoid greenwashing while advancing nutrient density claims.

We also tackle some big questions: Why aren’t dietitians and food service professionals being trained to understand the connection between farming practices and nutrition? What practical steps can brands take to communicate nutrient density without regulatory risk? And how can regenerative brands get healthcare influencers involved to drive demand?

We’re talking phytochemicals, phytonutrients, flavonoids, and all things at the intersection of soil health, human health, and regenerative marketing.

Episode Highlights:

🔬 The science backing up regen’s nutrition advantage

📝 “Healthy soil equals healthy food” is a sound bite we can all use

💡 Why brands should make “statements” and not “claims”

🤝 Partnering with dietitians to increase credibility and influence

🍅 Consumers don’t know about ‘nutrient density’ - yet

🚀 Building an undeniable case through research and case studies

👎 Why healthcare pros don’t learn about ag’s connection to nutrition

🎯 Increasing awareness while maintaining integrity

👀 What can brands do? (right now)

🏆 Why linking regen to healthcare is the holy grail

Links:

Nutrient Density Alliance

NDA Research Repository

NDA Learning Lab

NDA Regen Protein Project

Soil & Climate Alliance

Soil & Climate Initiative

Squeeze Citrus

Diestel Family Ranch

Edacious

Western Sustainability Exchange

Recipe for Health (California)

4Roots Farm (Florida)

Fresh RX Oklahoma

Think Regeneration

Applegate

Sodexo

Aramark

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