What does “sustainable agriculture” actually mean, and why do scientists disagree about it? This episode explores how two influential scientific discourses - Agroecology and Sustainable Intensification - start from different values, ask different questions, and often talk past each other. Drawing on an interdisciplinary study at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, ecologist Riccardo Bommarco and ethicist Helena Rocklinsberg examine how those different approaches shape research, priorities, and solutions. The conversation turns to what might change when scientists begin to listen to each other across divides.

For more info, transcript and resources, visit: https://tabledebates.org/podcast/
episode94

Want to share your reflections on the episode? Send us an email or voice memo to podcast@tabledebates.org

Episode edited and hosted by Matthew Kessler. Music by Blue dot sessions.

Most industries have a clear roadmap for transformation. The power sector goes renewable. Cars go electric. But food and agriculture? The world’s most impactful—and most damaging—industry still has no shared path to transformation. Food sustainability consultant and retail expert Mike Barry argues that the future of food hinges on one counterintuitive idea: simplification. And he explains how AI, smarter data, and design can potentially speed up change.

For more info, transcript and resources, visit: https://tabledebates.org/podcast/
episode93

Want to share your reflections on the episode? Send us an email or voice memo to podcast@tabledebates.org

Episode edited and hosted by Matthew Kessler. Music by Blue dot sessions.

Instead of tell people what to eat, what if we changed what food costs? With Jörgen Larsson (researcher from Chalmers University), we explore a cost-neutral tax reform, one that makes healthier and climate-friendly food cheaper without raising the overall grocery bill. We break down how it works, why it matters, and how to frame it in ways that avoid predictable backlash.

For more info, transcript and resources, visit: https://tabledebates.org/podcast/
episode92

Want to share your reflections on the episode? Send us an email or voice memo to podcast@tabledebates.org

Episode edited and hosted by Matthew Kessler. Music by Blue dot sessions.