The Negative Foods Manifesto
The Manifesto (26th) Edition of the Negative Foods Newsletter
Wikipedia defines “manifesto” as “a published declaration of … intentions, motives, or views…” With this - the Manifesto edition of the Negative Foods newsletter - I’m describing where I’ve come from, where I’m going, and what I intend to do along the journey.
For most of the past 11 years I’ve been known as the founder and CEO of BrightFarms, a company selling branded produce at retail with a disruptive supply chain model that is better for the environment.
BrightFarms is on its way toward becoming a regenerative business, and it will get there by powering its future plant growth and transportation with renewable energy and by finding other methods (my current favorite idea is agroforestry) to remove carbon from the atmosphere to offset remaining emissions, such as packaging and agricultural inputs.
In 2019 we brought on Steve Platt to be our CEO, which was fortunate because he is an awesome CEO and because I love the dude. This summer BrightFarms was acquired by its lead investor, Cox Enterprises, which was another stroke of fortune, because Cox is a great company that believes in environmental conservation, treats its people well, and has the resources and skills to scale BrightFarms nationally. So I’m feeling lucky!* (and I’m not leaving BrightFarms - I love the people and the company too much!)
But in another stroke of fortune I’ve got future time to work on future matters. And I’ve been thinking about and writing about my future journey. Below please find my Manifesto for the rest of my career.
My Mission: Reverse climate change by transforming the food system.
My Code of Commitment:**
I will reverse climate change by transforming the food system
I will mentor mission-aligned food entrepreneurs
I will help build and support multiple mission-aligned food startups
I will leverage the power of markets and the flow of capital
I will put purpose ahead of profit
I will inspire others with words written and spoken
I will shower the credit on others
I will be relentlessly positive
I will face others with an open heart and not judge others’ motives
I will celebrate victories along the journey
I will speak truth to power
I will not back down
My Business Model. I will write & speak as a key opinion leader for food brands with carbon negative/neutral footprints. I will provide advice re Negative Food strategies to food companies of all sizes and shapes and locations. I will mentor food entrepreneurs and invest in food startups (perhaps in partnership with a mission-aligned VC or PE firm).
Why this Manifesto? Because this is how my assets (skills, experiences, relationships, resources, etc.) can be best applied toward solving society’s biggest challenge. This mission will imbue my work with purpose. I intend to carry out this mission in a spirit of generosity, helping others, particularly young entrepreneurs. This combination of purpose and generosity will be the key to my happiness for the rest of my productive life.
So now you know! Join me on the journey! Reach out with leads and needs and other relevant ideas!
* Since I’m counting the ways that I am lucky, I should mention my gratitude to my beautiful wife in agreeing to take the riskier path when considering a big 2010 fork in the road. She generally has better judgment than me, yet she keeps saying yes to my crazy ideas. #happy20thanniversary #grateful
** I wrote the code of commitment at a small YPO workshop led by legendary surfing champion Shaun Thomson in beautiful Santa Barbara (where i was inspired to write the Letter from 2035 California edition of this newsletter). Shaun is such a great guy!
The views in this newsletter belong solely to Paul Lightfoot (and not to BrightFarms or other organizations). This newsletter accepts no advertising. Learn more about this newsletter at https://paullightfoot.substack.com/about.
For Your Consideration:
FYTO: The startup growing protein with robots to decarbonize agriculture
Conventional vs Grassfed Lamb: What's the difference?
Plant-Based Food Companies Face Critics: Environmental Advocates
'Potatoes with purpose': First carbon neutral spud produced for UK market
Denmark’s 1.25 Billion Kroner Plan to Fight Climate Change With Food
3 ways carbon ag matters to produce companies
Packer Insight: Paul Lightfoot of BrightFarms on 'negative foods,' CEA food safety
Climate Anxiety Takes a Growing Toll on Farmers
What Will it Take to Get Soil Carbon Credits Right?
Northern Illinois ‘Google farmer’ researches regenerative approach
Paul Lightfoot of BrightFarms Discusses the Trajectory of Carbon-Neutral Foods
Shifting The Paradigm: Building Bridges Between Old & New To Transform the Food System
Mars targets net zero for value chain by 2050
Pioneering farm is growing eco-friendly wheat in pastures
Will bread become the first carbon-neutral staple food?
Betting on startups to fast-track a regenerative food future
Q&A: BrightFarms and Cox Enterprises' Steve Bradley Talks Indoor Farming Growth
RSF Is Leading The Way In Moving From Impact Investing To Regenerative Finance
New Zealand well-placed to ride regenerative agriculture wave
AgTech startup Pivot Bio moves into CPG space with Connect popcorn
N2 Applied gets $17m to turn livestock slurry into sustainable fertilizer