Karla Klingner of Palindromes On How Local And Urban Farming Can Help Address The Problem Of Food Deserts And People Not Having Access To Fresh, Healthy Food
An Interview With Martita Mestey
Education: Starting with the youth, teaching them the importance of soil health, caring for the Earth, the effects of chemicals on the water supply and how their bodies function when consuming quality foods.
Food deserts are areas where residents have limited access to affordable, nutritious food options. These communities often face higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and other health issues due to the lack of fresh and healthy food sources. Local and urban farming initiatives have the potential to address these challenges by bringing fresh produce directly to neighborhoods in need, fostering self-sufficiency, and promoting healthy eating habits. As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Karla Klingner, CEO of Palindromes Inc.
Karla Klingner serves as a founder and CEO of Palindromes Inc., a visionary platform positioned to serve as the catalyst to solve the challenges in our modern-day food system through deploying a series of regionalized projects that adhere to sound principles of agroecology. Karla also founded the World Agroecology Alliance, a Washington-DC based non-profit organization committed to advancing the policies and agendas around building a resilient and equitable food system. Karla’s extensive career spans the entire food supply spectrum where she has acquired experience and knowledge from her domestic and international work and travel that ranges from small rural American farm towns to major metropolitan areas including residing in Washington D.C. and Shanghai, China.
Karla was raised on a diversified family farm that spans the Missouri/Iowa border where she remains involved with her parents and siblings in crop / livestock production and elite genetics. Her passion for production agriculture and rural economic development led Karla through her education and early professional career working as a small-town multi-disciplinary litigation attorney to serving as the agricultural aide to Senator Christopher S. Bond through the 2007 Water Resource Development Act and 2008 Food, Conservation and Energy Act that included contributive legislative drafting and introduction of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). NIFA remains a viable U.S. federal government body that stimulates funding to advance competitive research and technological innovations that enhances American agriculture in a manner that promotes productivity and is environmentally sustainable. These experiences spurred a number of downstream opportunities such as a stint as legal counsel for what was formally known as McLeod, Watkinson & Miller Law Firm in Washington DC to the founding of her own firm Klingner Jazayerli LLP with headquarters in Washington DC and a focus on international, immigration and agricultural law.
Karla has helped bring international capital combined with localized incentives to work in rural America through her involvement in managing and overseeing an international immigration investment program known as EB-5 that includes ongoing management of the Rural Economic Development Regional Center situated in the heart of the Midwestern United States as well as a private/public partnership with the economic development authority for the City of Atlanta, Georgia. Karla facilitates access to capital and provides the opportunity for localized small business ownership with viable investment exit strategies or succession plans. This international-know-how has allowed Karla to develop an impressive network of friends and colleagues around the world that share a common passion for moving the agricultural and food system forward in a manner that provides profitability to farmers and affordable access to consumers while correcting our production methods, end-food product and trade in a manner that is better for all participants in the supply chain, most importantly, better for our planet. Karla has written and is assisting in the production of a food and lifestyle series of books focused on balance and ingredients as well is writing a documentary and short film series that showcases her poetry and is preparing the release of a book that addresses the intersection of our food supply chain and national security.
Karla Klingner most recently served at the request of the Governor of Missouri as a member of the Show-Me-State Food Beverage & Forest Products Manufacturing Initiative, guest speaker at the 2020 State of Missouri Governor’s Economic Development Conference and is a former board member of Trekking for Kids, Inc. where she remains active. Through her private and non-profit work and travel Karla has first-hand in the trenches with children that are directly impacted by the food system that is simply failing to fulfill their most basic life needs. She earned her Doctor of Law and BS, Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations from University of Missouri-Columbia. Her love for nature influences where she spends her free time working in the garden, hiking and traveling and with her eleven-year-old son, Berik who has sensory challenges has been a unique and creative influence on this journey and has contributed to the development of kid friendly cooking, baking and skin care products that will be featured in Palindromes family of food and lifestyle brands line-up.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you. Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?
I was raised and involved in the daily operations of a diversified family farm in rural Northern Missouri and Southern Iowa. My three siblings and I were actively involved in 4-H and FFA where we were blessed to make life-long friendships from traveling the nation competing in cattle shows. We spent all our time on the land and in nature riding horses, working with our livestock and swimming in the creek. I was allowed a limited amount of time to be involved in school sports but spent most of my time learning from the land.
Being raised during the 80’s farming crisis, the difficulties of making it as a farm family were no secret. The only way we survived was by being a market maker, not a market taker. We produced differentiated beef genetics of high value through our farm. One of the most listened to songs at that time contained the lyrics, “rain on the scarecrow, blood on the plow.” The fabric of farm life changed during my childhood, and it has changed again since then…not all for the better. By living in the trenches of change, I know all too well how consolidation of the food supply has impacted our communities and access to affordable, nutritious food.
It’s now time to swing the pendulum back more toward the space where producers are rewarded for their environmentally conscious, locally produced products that can help solve the food crisis.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
There isn’t one specific story. What changed my perspective is a collection of experiences from my time overseas (China, Africa, India, Middle East, Europe etc.). Being an immigrant in those places where I didn’t know the language, customs, traditions or how to navigate the system helped me understand what it’s like to be in that position. Those experiences dictate how I operate personally and professionally today. I am a believer in an equitable system that works to elevate the underdog and those who are different in some way because of my unique global experiences.
You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
Resilient: Any time you do something that challenges the status quo it requires thick skin. Creating disruption in the food supply chain requires me to be resilient because of all the attacks that come my way from those who worry that this change will affect their profit margin.
Integrity: We have held true to our values of a transparent and trusted food system without using greenwashing to make us sound better than we are. Our company, Palindromes Inc., is one that strives to hire and encourage the best of the best to move this important mission forward with integrity, even when it seems impossible.
Work-ethic: You must be willing to sleep in the office 7 days a week, if necessary, to make lasting, impactful and sustainable change.
These three qualities were ones I learned on the farm where I was raised with a strong hand, involved and working hard during my formative years. They have served me well as I have developed my own version of what these qualities mean to me.
How have community engagement and collaboration played a role in the success of local and urban farming initiatives in addressing food deserts? Can you share examples?
Growing up in one of the poorest counties in the state of Missouri, I have witnessed a food desert first-hand. We still have a long way to go. It is a breath of fresh air to see many small, local communities embracing a Farmer’s Market, direct e-commerce marketing and farm-to-table movement to help support local growers. This is a small piece of the first steps to address the food crisis.
As a nation, we must engage our communities to address food deserts. In the farm bill, ONLY 7–10% of subsidies go toward things that nutritionists tell us to eat the most. It is sad how you can buy a twinkie cheaper than an apple because we subsidize things that are in twinkies or happy meals but not fruits and vegetables. Our country must stop subsidizing empty calories, hyper-processed, and sugar-filled foods. The farm bill should reflect what people should be eating by expanding access to fresh, healthy foods that are raised locally and available at an affordable cost.
Jane Goodall says, “Think locally, and then you have the courage to act globally. If you only think globally to start with, you won’t have the energy to act.” I am a firm believer in this practice, and it is the nucleus of what we do at Palindromes Inc.
What are the most common challenges faced by local and urban farmers when starting or maintaining their projects, and how can these challenges be overcome?
Some of the most common challenges are the over-consolidation of the agricultural production industry. There is no independence in production and distribution which makes it hard to be an independent operator. To overcome the challenges, we must find like-minded allies and work to achieve a common goal. This is demonstrated through Palindromes Inc.’s 50/50/5 Plan™. Simply, it is 50 percent of our production within 50 miles of its marketplace within 5 years. The 50/50/5 Plan™ is achievable through the Palindromes regionalized AgroEco Circular Economy that is the trusted solution for a dependable, quantifiable, and equitable food system. Creating a regional marketplace for biodynamic production is how to build climate-smart markets that strengthens our rural American communities. By utilizing all components of the animals and plants within sustainable closed-loop systems, the end-products include but are not limited to fresh foods, ingredients, organic fertilizers, renewable feedbacks, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals. Not only is this a “no waste” but it upcycles what has traditionally been deemed waste to produce natural, unadulterated nutrient-dense affordable foods as value is extracted throughout the entire supply chain.
Palindromes Inc. has cracked the code for reshaping the commodity industry and reallocating power directly to farmers and consumers, approaching its agroecological portfolio of projects with a focus on the type of calories consumed and food supply chain resilience. By implementing transparent and regionalized cost of production systems that are equitable, scalable and replicable, together we can and will not only “feed the world” but also “nourish the world” while restoring the security of our nation and health of our Mother Earth.
How can local governments and policymakers support the development and expansion of local and urban farming initiatives to address food deserts?
We must have anti-trust policies that are enforceable and enforced. Our country must also stop subsidizing empty calories, hyper-processed, and sugar-filled foods. The farm bill should reflect what people should be eating by expanding access to fresh, healthy foods that are raised locally and available at an affordable cost. Then, incentivizing the farmers during this transition. It will take several years to deploy the infrastructure, input access, competition, soil regeneration and training/support our farmers and communities will need to support a food system that promotes health and wellness. We must focus our policies on what is environmentally, economically and humanely sustainable.
It is through my first-hand experience working on and off Capitol Hill where I learned to appreciate the power of lobbying and Political Action Committees (PAC) from multinational agricultural and food companies to keep the SNAP contributions low so people can only afford processed food We are just now starting to pay attention to the thousands of scientific studies embodied in sound-scientific principles that many of the diseases (Alzheimer’s, heart disease, obesity, autoimmune conditions, cancers, etc.) are on the rise and are related to our modern-day food system. As a nation, we must start having hard discussions about what we can control and make corrective business and political decisions.
New University of Colorado Boulder research reveals that, by the end of the 21st century, the number of farms globally is projected to decrease by half as the average size of existing farms doubles, which poses significant risks to the world’s food systems. A decline in the number of farms and an increase in farm size has been a long-standing trend in the United States and Western Europe. Recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture reveals that there were 200,000 fewer farms in 2022 compared to 2007. https://scienceblog.com/537884/global-farm-consolidation-threatens-food-systems/
It is a critical time in our world’s history to implement immediate changes to our supply chain that localize access to our most basic needs in a manner that addresses underlying soil as well as our animal and human health conditions caused by the modernized approach to industrialized “cheap and abundant” food.
In what ways can technology and innovation play a role in enhancing the efficiency, productivity, and sustainability of local and urban farming efforts?
It depends on who is controlling the data. There must be an equitable distribution of how technology is used, controlled, and distributed. We must have equitability in how tech advancements are deployed and regulatory guidelines against intentional disinformation. It is critical to address the connection between unsustainable food systems and unsustainable debt. Further, access to capital is imperative in areas where food is insecure.
Investing in global food and nutrition security aligns with American values and supports U.S. security and national interests. Although food security is fundamental to leading an active, healthy life, a huge percentage of the global population remains food insecure. The United Nations Committee on World Food Security states: “Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.” Food security consists of three major components: Food availability (enough food is produced); food access (people have the means to get this food); and food utilization (people have the knowledge and basic conditions, like sanitation, to consume this food).
Food insecurity-related political instability and conflict could undermine U.S. national security in several different ways. The U.S. may face weakening strategic partners, disruption of trade routes, increasing migrant and refugee flows and opportunities for weak and failed states to become breeding grounds for terrorism (Forbes.com). There must be government support of regional, circular economies that are environmentally and economically sustainable.
Why do we use the word “agroecology?” Agroecology Practices are the most complete vision of what we would like our future food system to look like. Organic and regenerative practices both fall within its guidance and should be encouraged. However, the need for a complete mindset shift across the population as a whole, not just farmers, is needed if we are to achieve the transformation to a sustainable and healthy food system for everyone. Regenerative, nutrient dense products, supporting local farms and workers are some of the keys to securing our food systems.
Palindromes Inc. believes in striving for a waste neutral system utilizing regenerative practices and renewable energy sources. Using anaerobic digestion, we will convert livestock and processing wastes into clean energy and will use solar, wind and other sustainable energy sources and ecologically sound inputs such as biodegradable packaging. Palindromes Inc promotes healthy soils and healthy, humanely treated animals as well as a healthy, sustainable community economy in which farmers, workers and consumers are treated fairly.
The Palindromes Inc. regional AgroEco Circular Economy™ sets forth a model to support small producers, local businesses, promote prosperity, advance the fight against climate change, and encourage economic growth in communities in economically distressed areas as well as provide opportunity to the underserved. NOW is the time for new players to shake-up the over-consolidated control of our most basic human needs, correct the “feed the world” narratives, and measure success with economic metrics that balance environment, social and governance factors into the bottom line. Then replicate and scale the model, quickly!
How can local and urban farming initiatives contribute to educating communities about the importance of healthy eating habits and nutrition?
For so many rural and urban communities, the only place to purchase groceries is at the local dollar store or small grocery store. With an emphasis on cooperation, responsibility, and helping each other, rural and urban communities get to reinvest into their own community instead of shipping profits and products off to an unknown location. An agrarian society gets real wealth from soil but if you’re a true member of a living economy, it is vitally important to invest the wealth into your OWN economy and community. Once upon a time, not that long ago, every small rural community had several small stores to serve the needs of everyone living nearby. These stores stocked a variety of items from food to feed to auto parts. They created a real sense of community where people gathered, conversed, shared ideas, and purchased items needed by their family and farm while helping their OWN economy.
What is known as our 50/50/5 Plan™ is a great example of where to start. Simply, the Plan is for 50 percent of our production within 50 miles of its marketplace within 5 years. The 50/50/5 Plan™ is achievable through the Palindromes regionalized AgroEco Circular Economy that is the trusted solution for a dependable, quantifiable, and equitable food system. Creating a regional marketplace for biodynamic production is how to build climate-smart markets that strengthens our rural American communities. By utilizing all components of the animals and plants within sustainable closed-loop systems, the end-products include but are not limited to fresh foods, ingredients, organic fertilizers, renewable feedbacks, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals. Seeing this plan executed and in action is a great educational tool.
Another example is our “KREMER BLUEPRINT FOR AGROECOLOGICAL PRACTICES (AP)” that teaches about how growing food and fiber through industrial methods has devastated our soil, climate, and farmland. Forecasts have predicted that global topsoil will deplete in 60 years, or less, at our current rate, while studies have proven that conventional, industrial agriculture contributes up to 25% of the emissions driving the climate crisis. If we continue our current practices, there will be no farms or land of any value to pass on to the next generation. In addition, Genetically Modified (GMO) food has created an addiction to fast, processed foods that has harmed the health of so many of our neighbors. BUT there is hope. With sound AP, we can rehabilitate soil, respect animal welfare, and improve the lives of farmers and the communities where they live. We can also sequester carbon, build healthier communities, and reap more nutrient-rich and abundant yields.
Public, private, non-profit partnerships, and Farm Bill funds focused on subsidizing locally grown food products are needed to make it all work. In order to get here, the people must make their voice known with their vote.
Ok, thank you. Here is the main question of our interview. What are the “5 Ways Local And Urban Farming Can Help Address The Problem Of Food Deserts” and why?
1. Regionalization of systems: Produce foods we need as a society that is not used in creating empty calories and hyper-processed, sugar-filled foods.
2. Community Engagement: Cooperation and the pooling of resources and talents to help farmers who are disadvantaged succeed at local and regional levels.
3. Agroecological Practices: Agroecological Practices (AP) aim not just to sustain but to IMPROVE our environment, ecology, farms, families, and communities each day. Ours is a connected, circular system (Circular Economy) that provides benefits to everyone within the system. Soil, plants, animals, environment, and people all benefit.
4. Education: Starting with the youth, teaching them the importance of soil health, caring for the Earth, the effects of chemicals on the water supply and how their bodies function when consuming quality foods.
5. Being open-minded to possibilities: From a small garden, to using less chemicals, to choosing locally grown, non-GMO food when you have the opportunity, and even spreading the word and encouraging others to choose their food wisely are great places to start. It all starts between the ears — -be willing to listen and learn.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)
I’m doing it right now at Palindromes Inc. and all the arms of this company that touch on these issues. I would encourage others to buy locally, know how their food is raised and insist upon regenerative, humane agricultural practices that include non-GMO foods, pasture-raised meat and no chemicals or synthetic fertilizers. We cannot continue to use the “sustainable” label and hope to solve our food crisis. We must “improve” and regenerate our farms through biodiversity, local markets and processing, circular economies, and consistent Earth-friendly practices while keeping the profits local so they are reinvested in small communities who actually do the work. By shifting from input-intensive, export-oriented, industrial agriculture to diversified, agroecological food systems, low-income countries can cut crippling food, fertilizer, and energy dependencies.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Check out our website or follow up on social media. www.palindromesinc.com and www.mindseyemarketplace.com as well as follow me personally at https://www.instagram.com/themissboho
This was very inspiring and informative. Thank you so much for the time you spent with this interview!
