Mr. Christian Eyde Moeller, President and Co-Founder of Lionheart Farms, all the way from the beautiful island of Palawan in the Philippines, was the guest in the McKeany-Flavell Hot Commodity Podcast Series, which continues to explore innovative approaches to agriculture and sustainability. In the March 27, 2024 episode, Christian shares insights into Lionheart Farms' unique approach to coconut farming and its commitment to sustainability.
Background of Christian Eyde Moeller:
Christian Eyde Moeller traces his roots back to Denmark, where his family has been in farming for generations. However, his journey led him to Asia, where he embarked on a career in agriculture and food production. "I was the first generation that did not actually train to become a farmer," Christian reflects. "I think maybe it was meant to be that I should go out and work in other industries and see how you get to the core of the business model."
Introduction to Lionheart Farms:
Lionheart Farms is situated on the picturesque island of Palawan, the largest province in the Philippines. With a 3500-hectare farm on the west coast, Lionheart Farms specializes in regenerative organic coconut farming. "What's a little bit unique about this farm is that when we started, about 10 years ago, we realized the need for new high-productive varieties and improved agricultural practices," Christian explains.
Sustainable Coconut Flower Harvesting:
A key aspect of Lionheart Farms' operation is coconut flower harvesting, an ancient tradition with health benefits. "Coconut sap is rich in aminos, minerals, and vitamins," Christian elaborates. "It's also a leading low glycemic sweetener." However, managing coconut flower harvesting presents logistical challenges. "We harvest every single palm three times a day," Christian shares, highlighting the meticulous process involved.
Driving Sustainability:
Lionheart Farms is committed to sustainability across its operations. "We base our farming on regenerative agricultural practices and adopt ancient Asian techniques," Christian emphasizes. The farm utilizes thermal energy from agricultural waste and produces bio-organic fertilizers, promoting a circular economy and empowering the local community.
Empowering Future Generations:
Christian envisions a future where sustainable farming practices uplift communities and mitigate climate change. "The coconut palm is one of the most efficient crops in terms of carbon sequestration and water usage," he explains. "We can offset one ton of CO2 emissions per year with just two coconut palms." Lionheart Farms' holistic approach aims to create a positive impact for generations to come.
Market Outlook:
Looking ahead, Lionheart Farms aims to scale its supply while maintaining quality and sustainability. "We need to build a scalable supply to meet market demand," Christian emphasizes. "As we achieve scale, we anticipate the price of coconut-based products to become more competitive, opening up new possibilities for commercial use."
Lionheart Farms exemplifies the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and community empowerment in agriculture. Christian Eyde Moeller's vision for a brighter future through coconut farming serves as an inspiration for industry leaders and consumers alike. As McKeany-Flavell's Hot Commodity Podcast Series continues to spotlight pioneers in sustainability, Lionheart Farms stands as a beacon of hope for a more sustainable tomorrow.
For those interested in learning more, Christian Eyde Moeller will be presenting at McKeany-Flavell's spring seminar in Oakbrook, Illinois, on Wednesday, April 17th. Register via www.mckinney-flavelle.com.
As the podcast concludes, listeners are reminded to live with an attitude of gratitude and to stay tuned for more insightful conversations on sustainable agriculture.
You can listen to the entire interview here.
