Explore every episode of the podcast The Food Fight

Co-Founder of Climate Farmers, Philippe Birker grew up around farming, built startups in Berlin and Amsterdam, ran a techno club, then bought an abandoned village in Portugal and fell in love with soil. What he found next changed everything. 

Traditional farming is struggling under climate chaos, stricter rules, and brutal price pressures. PerPlant co founder and CTO Sumod Nandanwarn bolts AI eyes onto the tractors farmers already own, turning every pass across the field into a precision spray decision that cuts chemicals by up to 80 percent and helps growers claw back profit without buying new machines.

 Donát Posta grew up farming. He knows first hand how many things can go wrong in a field, yet one category stands out. Insects. With Scout Labs, he is wiring up ordinary pheromone traps, turning them into a global early warning system.

Why do good intentions fail at the bin, what changes behaviour, and how did Inform Pack turn frustration in the kitchen into real shifts across Europe? Packaging experts Niki Alexi and Geraldine Vásquez pull apart the myths on “recyclable” logos, food packaging waste, and who really carries the weight for fixing the system.

Food Educators lead Fabienne Ruault turned her childhood on a French organic farm into a Europe wide movement that has already reached 10,000 teachers and nearly 200,000 students. She takes us through how lesson plans, local hubs, and career days are helping young people link what is on their plate to health, climate, and future jobs in food.  

Welcome to 2026 and the future of food! Matt is joined by Sofia Khun and Sara Roversi to break down everything on the horizon in the food system. They’ve spent years inside Europe’s top innovation networks, working directly with startups, policymakers, and global brands, and put that experience at the cutting edge of innovation to predict what’s next.

When global shocks hits - climate events, pandemics, war - our food system is one of the first to feel it. But what does it really mean for a system to be “resilient”? Who is responsible for absorbing the risks? And how do we design something fairer and more stable, without sacrificing progress? In this packed final live session from Next Bite, Matt Eastland is joined by a powerful panel of experts pushing for change. The discussion moves beyond abstract concepts into real-world decisions as we explore how we finance risk, who takes the hit when things go wrong, and what we’ve learned from recent disruptions.

What does it take to truly shift a food system toward net zero? In this episode of The Food Fight Podcast, recorded live at Next Bite 2025, host Matt Eastland cuts through the noise with leaders who are turning climate targets into action, bringing together voices from across Europe, and tackling emissions from farms to supermarkets

Live from Next Bite 2025, this Food Fight special hands the mic to the people actually changing how we eat. We get into the real truth of building healthier lives, from school canteens to supermarket aisles, and ask what it really takes to help you eat better, feel better, and keep striving for change when real life gets in the way.

The reality of farming has changed. One fruit grower loses three harvests in three years. A cereal farmer now expects a climate disaster every season. Recorded live at Next Bite in Brussels, Matt is joined by Stéphane Durand and Damien Jourdain of the EIT Food Resilient Agriculture Think and Do Tank. They're working to change how European farming works, so farmers can plan a future with stable incomes, healthy land and food you can trust.

In a world of outrage, your message needs to cut through fast or get lost. Jack Bobo, Director of the Food Systems Institute at the University of Nottingham and former US State Department advisor, joins The Food Fight live at Next Bite 2025 to explain why better communication is critical to better food policy. He’s  here to simplify the science, and to make sure your message actually lands with the consumer.

Forget the buzzwords. Ian Marshall wants to talk about what regenerative agriculture actually means,  not just in the soil, but across the entire food system. Speaking at Next Bite 2025, Ian brings the clarity of a farmer, the vision of a policymaker, and the pragmatism of someone who’s spent his career making change from the ground up. 

Ben Ebbrell is back on the podcast for his third appearance, this time live from Next Bite 2025. As the co-founder of Sorted Food, he’s spent the last fifteen years building one of the world’s most trusted online food communities. But in this conversation, he goes deeper than viral recipes and kitchen hacks. We talk about the foundations of trust, the pressure to stay relevant, and why consumer voices should shape the future of food.

Canada is making big moves in food system transformation and Europe is watching. With major public investment, fast-growing innovation hubs, and a national push toward regenerative agriculture, Canada is moving from strategy to action. In this first episode of the Next Bite 2025 series, we’re joined by Ron Sauvé, Corporate Financing and Senior Accounts Director at Farm Credit Canada; Kyle Hoyda, Business Development Manager at Calgary Economic Development; and Chris Paterson, CEO of Agrisphere. Together, they share what’s driving momentum across Canada, how collaboration with Europe can create real-world impact, and why the most exciting work is only just beginning.

We’re living longer than ever before, but not always healthier. At AZTI Food Innovation Centre in northern Spain, Clara Talens and her team are asking a new question: how do we extend not just life, but quality of life? Their latest initiative, ImmuGold, aims to support healthy aging through smarter, science-driven nutrition. Join the Food Fight to find out how machine learning, clinical trials, and food innovation are coming together to help older adults strengthen their immune systems, and why the future of health might start in the supermarket, not the pharmacy.

Meat is everywhere. On every plate, in every lunchbox, priced to move and hard to avoid.  In this episode of The Food Fight Podcast, host Matt Eastland sits down with Sarah Lake, CEO of Tilt Collective, to break down the climate case for plant-rich diets, and why what we grow matters just as much as how we grow it. From military spam rations to fast food menus, Sarah unpacks the system that made meat the default… and the movement working to change that.

She was just named one of the top agri-food pioneers to watch, and she’s got a seat at every table that matters.  EIT Food's Glindys Virginia Luciano joins The Food Fight Podcast to talk policy, power, and the future of food. What does real collaboration look like in the world we live in? 

Fancy having a robot make your smoothie? Joining us is Glenn Mathijssen, who shares how Alberts is reinventing the vending machine with custom blends and real ingredients. No bottles, no waste, just good food made fresh, on demand.

In part two of this special London Climate Action Week double, host Matt Eastland takes us from problem to possibility in the fight for a climate-positive food future. Recorded live at London's iconic Ministry of Sound venue, this episode spotlights farmers, innovators, policymakers, and corporate leaders who are turning bold commitments into action. From regenerative agriculture and supply chain transparency to investment in agri-tech and consumer engagement, guests share the practical steps and systemic changes needed to transform our food system. Along the way, we hear candid reflections on climate burnout, rediscovering hope, and the power of small individual actions - whether reducing food waste, growing your own food, or simply trying something new at the dinner table. Packed with insights from voices often left out of the conversation, this episode is both a reality check and a call to action: change is happening across every stage of the food system, and each of us has a role to play.

In the season 6 finale of the Food Fight podcast, we revisit the most inspiring, thought-provoking, and urgent themes shaping our food future. From personalised nutrition and the regenerative farming movement to the hidden climate cost of a potato chip, host Matt Eastland brings together lessons and voices from across the season to highlight where transformation is happening - and where it must continue. Whether you’re a policymaker, food innovator, grower, or conscious consumer, this is the essential guide to where food is heading next. Mentioned Episodes:  The Power of Nutrition for Lifelong Health with Dr. Federica Amati Next Bite 2024: The Food Fight Podcast Live from Rome Next Bite 2024 Achieving a Net-Zero Food System Next Bite 2024: Reducing Risk for a Fair and Resilient Food System Next Bite 2024: Healthier Lives Through Food The Regenerative Rollercoaster: Embracing Failure To Fuel the Future of Farming Trends 2025 Breaking Free: How to Remove Fossil Fuels from Our Food System Empowering SME's To Cut Carbon Policy, Power, and Conscious Leadership

Soil is the foundation of life on Earth: 95% of our food depends on healthy soils, yet nearly one-third of agricultural land worldwide is degraded. As climate change and unsustainable farming practices put even more pressure on soil ecosystems, urgent solutions are needed. Enter LILAS4SOILS, a five-year project funded by Horizon Europe, designed to restore soil health through carbon farming and Living Labs across the Mediterranean.

What happens to the coffee grounds once your morning cup is finished? For decades, coffee waste has been discarded, contributing to landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions. But what if coffee could be transformed into something valuable? In this episode, The Food Fight Podcast speaks with Kacper Kossowski, co-founder of EcoBean, a company that is tackling coffee waste with innovative technologies that transform it into sustainable, high-value ingredients.

Could 3D printing be the future of food? While 3D printing has transformed design and manufacturing, its impact on the food industry is only just beginning. Revo Foods uses 3D printing technology to redefine the texture, taste, and sustainability of plant-based seafood and whole-cut proteins. In this episode, Robin Simsa, CEO and founder of Revo Foods, shares his journey from biotech researcher to food-tech pioneer and discusses how his company is tackling one of the biggest challenges in the alternative protein industry - texture and mouthfeel. From developing plant-based salmon fillets to creating “Prime Cut” alternatives that don’t replicate animal products but stand on their own, Robin explores the next evolution of plant-based foods.

The global food system is at a crossroads. While food and agriculture serve as economic backbones for many nations, they are also the leading contributors to biodiversity loss, climate change, and food insecurity. How do we transform this system to serve people and the planet better? In this episode, Andrew Bovarnick, Global Head of Food and Agricultural Commodity Systems at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), joins hosts Matt Eastland and Lucy Wallace to discuss how governments, corporations, and farmers can work together to drive meaningful change.

Farming is undergoing a transformation, driven by climate change, water scarcity, and technological innovation. With rising temperatures, erratic weather patterns, and increasing water shortages, growers are facing unprecedented challenges. But can digital agronomy and AI-powered solutions help? In this episode, we sit down with Darryn Keiller, founder and CEO of WayBeyond, to explore how data-driven farming, predictive analytics, and AI are revolutionising agriculture. Darryn shares insights on how precision irrigation, real-time climate modelling, and automated pest management are helping farmers optimise production, conserve resources, and prepare for the future.

2025 is set to be a year of radical change in the food system. From the expansion of regenerative agriculture to the rise of AI-driven food innovation, key trends are shaping the future of what we eat. In this episode, Matt Eastland is joined by food trends expert Ed Bergen and Michelin-trained chef Estefania Simon-Sasyk to explore the biggest shifts happening in food. Top 5 food trends to watch in 2025 - https://www.eitfood.eu/blog/5-food-trends-2025

With consumers increasingly demanding to know the origins of their food and regulators tightening their focus on sustainability, transparency is no longer optional, it’s essential. Joined by Ofir Ardon of AgriTask and Maxine Roper of Connecting Food, Matt Eastland unpacks how innovative technologies like blockchain, AI, and digital twins make supply chains more transparent, efficient, and sustainable.

Join us in this special docu-episode of the Food Fight Podcast as we dive deep into the intersection of space technology and food security with Max Gulde, CEO of Constellr. Discover how innovative satellite technology is being harnessed to tackle one of humanity's biggest challenges: climate change.

In this episode of the Food Fight podcast, Matt Eastland sits down with Justine Reichman, the dynamic founder of Next Gen Purpose and host of Essential Ingredients. They delve into Justine’s journey from a chance meeting in a hair salon to building a platform that educates, inspires, and connects entrepreneurs in the food sustainability space.

In a world where only 3% of investment goes to women-led businesses, programs like Girls Go Circular are changing the narrative. This groundbreaking initiative equips girls aged 14-18 with digital, entrepreneurial, and green skills, empowering them to close the gender gap in STEM and innovation. In this episode, Matt Eastland is joined by Solène Moutier, Laura Borge, and alumna Daniela Garcia Moreno to discuss how the program is fostering diversity, confidence, and creativity.

The food system accounts for 15% of global fossil fuel use, but where does that energy really go? In this episode, Matt Eastland speaks with Anna Lappé to break down the invisible dependence of our food systems on fossil fuels—and the solutions to fix it. From production to processing, packaging to disposal, every step in our food supply chain is tied to energy-intensive practices, most of which rely on fossil fuels. Anna emphasises that these dependencies are ecological, political, and economic risks we can no longer ignore. Learn how we can move away from synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, why regenerative agriculture holds the key to restoring food and climate resilience, and why ultra-processed foods must be part of the conversation. This is not about technological silver bullets; it’s about systems change and collective action that prioritises people, nature, and a fossil-free future. For further conversation around Fossil Fuels, listen now Anna's 'Fuel To Fork' Podcast Series - https://tabledebates.org/fueltofork

Failure: a word that often carries stigma, yet it’s the bedrock of regenerative farming. In this rollercoaster of an episode, Matt Eastland, Sarah Langford, and Patrick Holden delve into how farmers' mistakes, missteps, and failures are reshaping agriculture for a sustainable future. Together, they explore the emotional and practical challenges of failure: the lost crops, the economic pressures, and the lessons that only hard-earned experience can teach.

What if the food you eat could reshape your health, transform the planet, and empower communities? From groundbreaking microbiome research to leveraging artificial intelligence for personalised nutrition, our panel of experts bring their unique perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in food systems. Together, they paint an exciting picture of a future where technology, collaboration, and creativity converge to revolutionise what and how we eat.

In this instalment of the Food Fight Podcast, recorded live at Next Bite 2024, Matt Eastland invites leading voices from across the food sector to discuss transformative approaches to building fair and resilient food systems. From grassroots innovation to systemic policy shifts, this episode explores how collective action, innovative tools, and education can drive meaningful change in the agri-food landscape.

The food system is at the heart of the global climate crisis, responsible for nearly a third of greenhouse gas emissions. In this episode, recorded live at Next Bite 2024, Matt Eastland and a panel of innovators, change makers, and researchers explore the multifaceted journey toward achieving a net-zero food system.

Join us live from the pulse of Next Bite 2024 in Rome, where EIT Food Fight brings together the visionaries rewriting the future of food. In this special episode, Matt Eastland dives deep with leaders who are breaking down the status quo and rallying the industry to think bigger, move faster, and collaborate harder. This isn’t just another conference; it’s a call to action for anyone committed to a world where the food system works for people and the planet. From regenerative practices to tech-powered transformations, this episode captures the pivotal conversations that define the road ahead.

In this special documentary episode, we take a deep dive into the global crisis threatening one of the world’s most beloved treats: chocolate. Cocoa Swollen Shoot Viral Disease (CSSVD) is decimating cocoa crops in West Africa, endangering the livelihoods of millions of farmers and pushing up the price of cocoa to unprecedented levels. Gianpaolo Rando, co-founder of SwissDeCode, breaks down how innovative rapid testing technology could be the solution to save cocoa trees, stop the spread of disease, and secure the future of chocolate.

In this episode of The Food Fight Podcast, our host Matt Eastland welcomes Pete Russell, the founder of Oooby, a groundbreaking platform reshaping the future of small-scale farming. As traditional food systems become unsustainable and disconnected from local producers, Oooby offers a decentralised solution that empowers farmers and reinvigorates community-based food supply chains. Pete shares his entrepreneurial journey, from importing frozen pastries to realising his role in the problem of mass-produced food, and ultimately founding Oooby. The platform’s mission? To help small-scale farmers reclaim market share and thrive in an industry dominated by big corporations.

In this episode of our docu-series, Sylvie Chin, CEO and Co-Founder of ClearCO2, discusses the importance of terminology and carbon credits. She shares insights on building a sustainable future, challenges faced by startups, and how ClearCO2 helps small businesses can lower their carbon footprint.

In this episode of the Food Fight podcast, host Matt Eastland dives deep into the world of alternative seafood with pioneers Deniz Ficicioglu, co-founder of Betta Fish, and Sina Albanese, co-founder of Koralo. These innovators are reshaping the seafood industry by developing plant-based and microalgae-based seafood alternatives, addressing some of the most critical environmental and ethical issues facing the oceans today. From overfishing to habitat destruction, Deniz and Sina share how their work is paving the way for a more sustainable and nutritious future.

In this episode of our docu-series, host Matt Eastland delves into the transformative world of the food industry, focusing on the rise of alternative proteins. Joined by Dr. Peter Klosse, aka the Taste Professor, we explore the critical challenges of replicating the taste and texture of traditional foods with new plant-based and algae-derived alternatives. With a passion for flavour at the forefront, we explore what truly makes our favourite meals unforgettable.

In this exciting kickoff to series 6 of the Food Fight podcast, host Matt Eastland sits down with renowned nutritionist, public health advocate, and author Dr. Federica Amati. Dr. Amati shares her invaluable insights into how nutrition is a powerful tool for enhancing our health across all stages of life. Drawing from her latest book, Everybody Should Know This, she delves into the science behind eating for lifelong health and explains why food choices matter more now than ever.

The Food Fight Podcast is back next week for Season 6! Make sure to follow so you never miss an episode.

Our host, Matt Eastland, reflects on the highlights of Season 5 of The Food Fight Podcast, from discussions on farming roots to regenerative agriculture and sustainability innovations. Explore the world of automated pizza robots and the art of tasting Kraft chocolate with a flavour expert, and don’t miss our interview with ex-Love Islander and TikTok influencer Farmer Will Young. Meet EIT Food’s new CEO, Richard Zaltzman, and celebrate the entrepreneurs and technologies shaping a better food future.

Inspired by Andy Cato's awakening to agriculture's impact, Wildfarmed adopts practices like crop diversity and minimal chemical usage, promising environmental sustainability and profitability. Join co-founder Edd Lees and The Food Fight Podcast’s host Matt Eastland as they dive into regenerative farming's potential to reshape agriculture.

Welcome to this week’s episode of The Food Fight podcast, where Dr. Bill Rawls, author of "Unlocking Lyme” and “The Cellular Wellness Solution", shares his journey of overcoming chronic illness using food and plants. After facing the limitations of modern medicine, Dr. Rawls delved into alternative treatments and discovered a path to wellness. Join our host, Matt Eastland, as we explore the impact of dietary choices and the potential of using natural remedies to address chronic health issues.

To mark International Women's Day (IWD), The Food Fight podcast host Matt Eastland welcomes Dr. Shima Barakat and Dr. Maarten van der Kamp for a timely conversation on gender equality and women leadership within the food industry. With the 2024 IWD theme being "Inspire Inclusion,” join Matt, Shima, and Maarten to celebrate the fifth anniversary of WE Lead Food – a training programme and network to support women leaders and entrepreneurs in the food sector.

In this episode of the Food Fight podcast, Matt Eastland delves into the world of chocolate and its sustainability issues. The European chocolate market, valued at 42 billion euros in 2022, is growing rapidly. Spencer Hyman, co-founder of Cocoa Runners, shares insights on craft chocolate and ethical production practices. As consumers question the environmental impact of chocolate, the discussion explores how to enjoy chocolate sustainably. Get 15% off your Cocoa Runners Virtual Tasting Kit with offer code: eitcr15

In this episode of the Food Fight podcast, host Matt Eastland is joined by EIT Food’s new CEO, Richard Zaltzman. At the heart of Richard’s approach is the concept of regenerative leadership, which can create the culture for tackling systemic issues within the food system. In a wide-ranging conversation, Richard describes his personal journey to agrifood leadership and what he views as the biggest challenges in the food system. Looking to the future, he discusses transformative ideas and novel business models, and how everybody can be part of this journey.