The invitations to webinars and online panel discussions have started to stream into our inboxes during the last couple months. The worldwide lockdown has guided us to communicate through digital platforms, and while it has become hard to choose what is worth the time and effort, The Power of the Plate, was a panel discussion I was not planning to miss.

Panelists included

– Dr. Scott Stoll, Founder & CEO of Plantrician Project

– Dr. Zach Bush, Founder, Farmer’s Footprint & Seraphic Group

– Dr. Ron Weiss, Founder & CEO of Ethos Health

– Dr. Meagan Grega, Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer of Kellyn Foundation

– Dr. Drew Smith, Chief Scientist/Chief Operating Officer of Rodale Institute

The Power of the Plate is a new white paper – released at the end of May 2020. It is a collaboration between The Rodale Institute , and The Plantrician Project , authored by medical doctors, farmers and soil scientists. You can find the fact sheet here. 

The paper highlights the devastation caused by conventional agriculture in the United States. It is observed that modern industrial farming systems are producing highly processed foods, lacking in nutrient density, and contributing to the rise of chronic lifestyle diseases. Large industrial farming leaks environmental pollutants, and potential endocrine-disrupting chemicals, that may increase the risk of dementia, cancer and other chronic diseases.

The Power of the Plate provides recommendations of how we can move towards regenerative organic agricultural practices, while urging the education of the population, specifically health care students and professionals. 

In South Africa, we are starting to explore the advantages of using a whole food plant based diet, in order to support our population, that is largely overburdened by chronic lifestyle disease. This paper highlights the interwoven nature of the cultivation of food, and our overall health as a population. It is vital for us to look towards regenerating our soil, if we desire to eat fruits, vegetables and whole grains, carrying optimum levels of nutrients and antioxidants.

If you would like to meet the faces of The Power of The Plate, you can watch the webinar replay on YouTube.  Alternatively, you can continue reading to find a summary of their recommendations.

Solution 1 : The Power of the Plate

Discovering the evidence that the global crisis of non-communicable, lifestyle-related disease is solvable with the right dietary intervention. A predominately organic, whole foods, plant based plate can provide the body with all necessary vitamins, minerals, fiber, macronutrients and antioxidants to maintain health, build immunity, and prevent, suspend and often reverse life-style related disease. Evidence reveals that this intervention would reduce premature deaths, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, inflammation, autoimmune disease, and cancers.

Solution 2 : Regenerative Agriculture

This is a holistic approach to farming that encourages continuous innovation and improvement of environmental, social and economic measures.

It involves the elimination of toxic, synthetic inputs such as fertilizers and herbicides, and becoming mindful of vulnerable waterways. To further support the soil, we are urged to diversify crop rotations, and support the growth of microbial populations in the soil through natural soil fertility methods such as composting and green manures. We should maximise soil coverage and biodiversity through cover cropping and permanent perennial agriculture. The Power of the Plate suggests that adopting pasture based farming systems will improve nutrient cycling, and lead to less animal stress.

Though regenerative agriculture takes time, the increase of soil carbon levels has proven to render the crops more resistant to drought. Last, but not at all least, we are urged to provide a meaningful source of income for the farmers. 

Actionable steps include

• Emphasize education and collaboration
• Integrate nutritional education into the medical educational curriculum
• Educate consumers
• Implement more localised, integrative health initiatives
• Incentivise medical professionals
• Fund more research for specialty crops and organic farming
• Provide increased financial and institutional support for farmers transitioning to organic and regenerative organic practices
• Fund more research for specialty crops and organic farming
• Encourage food companies to support regenerative organic farmers

ProVeg SA is looking towards the leaders of plant based health care, in order to formulate a vision for the future. We recognize that we are far from reaching these ideals, and our country will require a persistent effort to discuss, collaborate and innovate, in order to create a sustainable world for future generations.

There are many avenues towards a better world, and deciding which is best for you can be overwhelming. We have created a 30 day Veggie Challenge to take the pressure off of you, and provide you with recipes and encouragement directly into your inbox. Join our global community of over 250,000 people, and sign up here!