Healing Soils Foundation

We are dedicated to cultivating a healthier future for all by supporting farmers implementing organic and regenerative practices at scale. Our mission is to empower farmers to restore the vitality of our planet's soil, fostering the well-being of people, communities, and the Earth itself. Through charitable grants and ecosystem building, we strive to catalyze a future of sustainable agriculture, ensuring a legacy of health and hope for generations to come.

Our Mission

At Healing Soils Foundation, we envision economically and ecologically vibrant agrifood systems that sustainably support organic and regenerative practices. A future where farmers are empowered to steward the land with holistic practices that nurture soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience. Our commitment lies in fostering a thriving agricultural landscape where sustainable farming not only preserves the planet for future generations but also ensures economic prosperity for farmers and communities.

We see a world where regenerative agriculture becomes the cornerstone of global food production, where organic practices are embraced on a large scale, and where the health of the soil is paramount. Through strategic partnerships, innovative solutions, and community engagement, we strive to catalyze a transformation towards economically and ecologically sustainable agrifood systems, where the well-being of people, the planet, and future generations are prioritized above all else.

Our Vision

Our Team

Sarah Franz

Executive Director

Growing up surrounded by farmland in southern Minnesota, Sarah has focused her career at the intersection of agrifood systems and human health. For the past five years, Sarah led United States operations for Food Systems for the Future focused on utilizing innovative finance and wraparound services to improve access to nutrient dense foods in low income and low access communities across the country. In this role, Sarah worked under Ambassador Ertharin Cousin to engage directly with producers, entrepreneurs, funders, and communities to take a holistic approach to equitable and sustainable agrifood systems.

Prior to her time at Food Systems for the Future, Sarah spent years working in public health and public policy. As Senator Amy Klobuchar’s Outreach Director, Sarah traveled the state of Minnesota to engage with communities, organizations, and industries to understand and address the most impactful issues facing constituents. Sarah also brings years of private sector consulting experience with some of the midwest's largest companies.

Sarah holds a MSc in International Development from the London School of Economics and a BA in Political Science from DePaul University.

Joseph Mantoan

Program Manager, Midwest Grazing

Joesph comes to the Healing Soils Foundation with over 20 years of managed grazing experience. He manages Sauve Terre Farm, a family-run certified organic farm located 45 miles northwest of Milwaukee in the Big Cedar Lake watershed in West Bend, Wisconsin. Sauve Terre specializes in grazing and producing pastured meats, specifically 100% grass-fed and finished beef and pastured pork.

Sauve Terre is on a mission to preserve and improve the land while providing sustainable and healthy harvest for generations to come. We are dedicated to earth friendly, animal friendly, and people friendly farming. Joesph practices holistic grazing and regenerative agriculture techniques while working with nature to create a perennial landscape.

Beyond his work managing Sauve Terre, Joe works as the Sales Manger for the Wisconsin Grass-fed Beef Cooperative. Joe oversees sales relationships with distributors and key accounts across the Midwest, and he gets deliveries to our existing customers.

Joe is passionate about the broad sweeping benefits of rotational grazing and is excited to serve and bring value to his grazing community and the cooperative.

Meet the Board

Meet our Advisors