
46: Can 'Organic' Food Be Trusted Anymore? The Fight For The Integrity Of Organic Farming | Linley Dixon
From The Market Gardener Podcast by JM Fortier
March 12, 2026 · 2h 6m · Season 4 · Episode 46
About this episode
The episode discusses the integrity of organic farming and the challenges it faces from corporate interests and regulatory loopholes.
In this episode, Jean-Martin and Chris sit down with Linley Dixon, co-director of the Real Organic Project and a farmer/soil scientist, for a deep conversation about the future of organic agriculture. Linley shares how corporate interests, hydroponic systems, and regulatory loopholes are reshaping the meaning of “organic,” and why many farmers are working to protect the integrity of the label. The discussion explores the tensions between small farms and industrial-scale organic production, the economic realities farmers face, and why grassroots action may be the most powerful path forward. Along the way, the conversation dives into soil health, common myths around no-till and regenerative practices, and the science behind resilient farming systems. Timestamps [02:37] Meet Linley Dixon (Real Organic Project) [07:56] The hidden problems inside the organic industry [10:25] Hydroponic systems vs soil-grown organic farming [15:23] From scientist to farmer: Linley Dixon’s journey [20:14] The origin of the Real Organic Project [31:31] Why farmers are joining the Real Organic certification movement [37:10] The real cost of food: Why organic seems expensive [41:16] Corporate consolidation…
People in this episode
Hosts: Jean-Martin, Chris
Guest: Linley Dixon
Topics covered
- organic agriculture
- corporate interests
- soil health
- small farms
- regenerative practices
- food system
Keywords
- organic food
- hydroponic systems
- soil health
- certification
- small farms
- food system
- regenerative agriculture
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Real Organic Project
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- 48: Eating Seasonally & Local: Why It Matters More Than Ever | JM Fortier · April 9, 2026 · 46 min
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