31. Sustaining East Tennessee: Farms, Food, and the Future

31. Sustaining East Tennessee: Farms, Food, and the Future

Author: Jenn Galler April 3, 2026 Duration: 31:49

Today we’re diving into the work happening on the ground in East Tennessee to support farmers, strengthen local food systems, and build healthier, more resilient communities.

I’m joined by Andy Brown and Jillian Gorell from the Appalachian Resource Conservation & Development Council, an organization that’s been doing incredible work across the region, from farmland conservation and farmer training to expanding food access and supporting local infrastructure.

They’re tackling some big challenges like land access, economic pressures on small farms, and the need for stronger regional food systems, while also creating real, tangible opportunities for farmers and communities to thrive.

Contact and connect: https://arcd.org/


Hosted by Jenn Galler, In Our Backyard Podcast is the voice of the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League, bringing urgent local stories to the forefront. This isn't about abstract global debates; it's a grounded conversation focused on the very real industrial pressures facing specific towns and neighborhoods. Each episode examines a particular threat, from active coal plants and fracking operations to the routing of new pipelines, unpacking the complex realities behind the headlines. You'll hear directly from the residents and organizers who are living these fights, sharing their personal struggles and strategies for safeguarding both community health and the local environment. The discussions are detailed and thoughtful, prioritizing the experiences of those on the ground. Tuning into this podcast means connecting with the persistent, often overlooked work of environmental justice, understanding that the most critical battles for planetary protection frequently begin just outside our own doors.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

In Our Backyard Podcast
Podcast Episodes
1. Gaslighting: Opposition to New Natural Gas Projects in NC [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:18
Lisa Sorg is the North Carolina reporter for InsideClimate News. A journalist for 30 years, Sorg covers energy, climate, environment and agriculture, as well as the social justice impacts of pollution and corporate malfe…
70. United Nations Work on Climate Change [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:45
Younju Lee is from South Korea and based in Paris, France. She is a Masters student for Environmental Policy as well as an intern with the Stakeholder Engagement team at United Nations Climate Change. The United Nations…
69. Environmental and Natural Resource Security [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:30
Dr. Elizabeth Hessami is a professor at Johns Hopkins University and a licensed attorney. She has served as a visiting attorney for the Environmental Law Institute for nearly a decade, researching post-conflict natural r…
68. The Aftermath of Hurricane Helene [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:00
Court Lewis is the BREDL chapter President of Unicoi Clear in Unicoi County, TN and currently living in Upstate, South Carolina. In late September of this year, category 4 Hurricane Helene caused widespread destruction a…
66. Championing the Southeast and Seeing its Full Potential [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:03
Abigail Franks who is the Membership and Policy Manager and Alexander Easdale who is the Executive Director at Southeast Climate and Energy Network. The Southeast Climate and Energy Network has a mission to confront the…
64. Food Policy for Better Food Systems [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:36
Erica Hall is Executive Director and Board Chair at Florida Food Policy Council. Executive Committee Member of the Sierra Club, Florida Chapter. As well as a National Board of Director Member of the National Sierra Club.…