A new episode of Seed Savers Exchange’s “Sowing Connections” podcast asks a question with broad implications for gardeners, farmers and shoppers in Decorah: How do the seeds and food systems around us influence what ends up on our plates?
The third episode, titled “What Shapes What We Eat?”, examines the connections among seeds, agriculture, food policy, markets and everyday eating. Seed Savers Exchange, based in Decorah, frames food choice as more than an individual decision, exploring the larger systems that determine which foods are produced, promoted and sold.
Decorah Today published its report on the episode Aug. 13, 2026, and updated it Aug. 22, 2026.
From seed genetics to grocery-store choices
The discussion follows the food system from the genetics of individual plant varieties to the economic and political forces that help shape grocery shelves and household diets. It also considers why preserving agricultural diversity matters for the long-term resilience of the food system.
The episode begins with Seed Savers Exchange’s field notes on maintaining open-pollinated seeds. The organization describes using careful isolation practices to keep varieties true-to-type while protecting their genetic diversity for future generations.
Those efforts are presented as part of a wider attempt to preserve agricultural options. The episode emphasizes that the seeds gardeners and farmers save, share and grow can influence the diversity and resilience of the food system over time.
Marion Nestle discusses food policy and marketing
The featured conversation is with Marion Nestle, described as a nutritionist, consumer advocate, award-winning author and academic who specializes in the politics of food and dietary choice. Her work examines the scientific, economic and social forces that influence what people eat and how those choices affect health.
Nestle’s conversation covers industrial agriculture, food policy, ultra-processed foods and grocery-store marketing. It gives particular attention to the ways food-industry marketing can influence dietary decisions, rather than placing responsibility for food choices solely on individuals.
The episode also looks at what gardeners, farmers, communities and policymakers can do to help create a healthier and more resilient food system.
‘Corgi’ pea closes the episode
The final segment spotlights the “Corgi” pea, described as a sweet and versatile heirloom variety in the Seed Savers Exchange collection. The pea provides a practical example of the episode’s central message: the future of the food system begins with the varieties people choose to save, share and grow.
The episode runs 41 minutes and 43 seconds. The conversation with Nestle begins at 6:25, while the “Corgi” pea segment starts at 39:23.
Listeners can access the episode through the Seed Savers Exchange podcast webpage, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Seed Savers Exchange also directs listeners to its collection of thousands of varieties and offers information about requesting the “Corgi” pea.