What does a competitive surfer from Santa Cruz's Midtown have to do with revolutionizing our food systems? Everything, as it turns out.

In this riveting conversation, Joe Schirmer—owner of Dirty Girl Farms and lifelong Santa Cruz local—takes us on his remarkable journey from riding waves to cultivating some of the region's most sought-after organic produce. But this isn't just a career change story; it's a window into how our food systems shape everything from personal health to community resilience.

Joe reveals why he chose to dive into organic farming precisely when conventional agriculture was abandoning Santa Cruz County—a decision that seemed counterintuitive but proved visionary. With natural storyteller's flair, he unpacks how Santa Cruz became the unexpected birthplace of the organic certification movement that would eventually transform global agriculture. "This is a movement that started in Santa Cruz," Joe explains, "which is amazing... these rules and regs were written right here and now, globally, these rules and regs started here."

The conversation moves seamlessly between nostalgic surfing tales to urgent discussions about food security, agricultural economics, and the hidden forces shaping what ends up on our plates. Joe offers practical wisdom for navigating farmers markets, understanding seasonal eating, and making healthier food choices without breaking the bank. He challenges listeners to reconsider how we think about value in our food system: "To me, a dollar on ultra-processed food is a dollar wasted."

Beyond the practical aspects of farming and food, this episode touches on something deeper—how reconnecting with our local food systems might just be the antidote to the disconnection and hopelessness many feel about our collective future. Joe's perspective as both a farmer and a father offers a refreshing optimism grounded in practical action and community connection.

Ready to transform how you think about your food and its journey to your plate? Listen now, and you'll never look at your local farmers market the same way again.