Episode Details

In this episode, I interviewed Dr. Matt Kleinhenz, a professor at the Ohio State University in vegetable crop physiology who has done research in many areas of horticulture and crop sciences. We talk about high quality food production, how growers and consumers view nutrient density, how farmers can influence the market, Matt's views on nutritional yield, and how growers can stay up-to-date on the latest crop breakthroughs.

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Episode 5 - Dr. Matt Kleinhenz - Highlights

[0:03:20] - Matt's memorable moments that have brought him to where he is today

• Matt's interactions with growers bringing him questions, especially focusing on "how to produce more of a better quality product?"

[0:04:10] - Where is the demand coming from for growers who want to produce a higher quality product?

• Some demand comes from grower's ethics who see themselves as part of a larger picture.
• Business wise - maybe coming from complaints or questions of the quality of their product.

[0:05:00] - What defines quality for growers? What are they seeking to produce?

• What does quality mean in the eyes of a particular group? Shape, size, texture, aroma, flavor, etc.

[0:07:00] - What has Matt observed in terms of nutrient density? Will there be a demand for "nutrient dense" foods?

• Nutrient value/density is a complex topic, and we need to be specific when discussing it.
• Will there be a time when more people are paying more attention? Matt thinks so, but we aren't there yet.

[0:11:00] - Is there evidence we have lost nutrient density in our food supply?

• Matt thinks it's possible.
• The market is not demanding nutritional value, so it makes sense farmers are not focusing on it.
• How does a farmer display nutritional value?

[0:19:00] - Organic industry confusion

[0:20:40] - What has been the one thing that has really puzzled Matt for a long time?

• Matt has seen some farmers have a lack of understanding around the basic biology of the crops they grow.
• You can't be as effective as possible without a firm grasp of the basics.
• People are following a process, not understanding the crop they are growing.

[0:23:40] - What are the important pieces growers should study?

• Understanding can come from many different places.
• Study the process of farming: Take notes, take pictures, and review these. Install ways to record information such as temperature and rainfall. This information is good for farmers themselves, and when getting out