Heather Smith, Co-Founder
"Helping growers make thoughtful decisions that support plant health.” -Heather Smith
Heather Smith is an agriculture and plant health advocate with decades of hands-on growing experience rooted in observation-based, systems-focused practices. She helps growers understand plant stress, pest and disease pressure, and make informed intervention decisions within IPM programs, including where minimum-risk FIFRA 25(b) inputs fit.
Speaking Engagements
Heather has participated in panels and delivered keynote presentations at industry events including the Grow Up Conference, the Nations United Sovereignty Cannabis Series, the Sovereignty Summit, and the New Living Expo Cannabis Summit.
Areas of Expertise
Signature Talks
Heather’s talks focus on practical agricultural plant health decision-making, helping growers better understand plant stress, pest and disease pressure, and how to approach intervention.
What Growers Need to Know About Minimum-Risk Pesticides
What Growers Need to Know About Minimum-Risk Pesticides
Chemical pesticides became the default response to plant stress, often without fully considering long-term consequences. Heather explains what pesticides are, how chemical controls became normalized, and why minimum-risk (FIFRA 25(b)) solutions can be a legitimate and effective alternative. She breaks down how intervention choices impact plant health, ecosystems, and long-term productivity.
Understanding Pesticides: Types, Uses, and Why the Details Matter
Understanding Pesticides: Types, Uses, and Why the Details Matter
Not all pesticides are created equal, and misunderstanding those differences often leads to overuse and unintended consequences. This session walks audiences through the major categories of pesticides, how they function, and how regulatory pathways shaped their widespread adoption. Heather provides a clear, accessible framework for evaluating pest control tools based on function, risk, and long-term impact.
What Does Organic Really Mean? Food, Labels, and the Reality of Growing
What Does Organic Really Mean? Food, Labels, and the Reality of Growing
“Organic” is a widely used term with multiple definitions across food,
agriculture, and certification systems. In this talk, Heather Smith examines how organic growing is practiced in real-world settings, how certifications and labels are structured, and where consumer expectations and production realities can differ. Drawing on hands-on growing experience, she explores soil health, pest management, and transparency in food systems to support more informed conversations about organic production.
Custom topics by request
Custom topics by request
Heather is open to custom talks and audience-specific sessions, including keynotes, panels, and educational discussions.
Publications & Media Coverage
Book Dirk on Your Podcast
Do you host a podcast for growers and gardeners?
Dirk, our Founder and Formulator, brings five decades of hands-on growing experience into practical conversations about minimum-risk approaches, integrated pest management, and how decisions are made in real production settings.
He’s a strong guest for shows covering gardening, large-scale production, and the challenges growers face at both home and professional levels.
Whether your audience is made up of backyard hobbyists or commercial cultivators, Dirk shares actionable insights into crop health and practical, scalable growing solutions.
