Humankind Global

Humankind Global provides comprehensive soil health consultancy services and resources to farmers and landowners worldwide. Our mission is to promote the understanding and application of Dr. Elaine Ingham's Soil Food Web approach to improve soil health, enhance disease suppression, elevate soil fertility and plant productivity, and foster regenerative agriculture practices.

Meet our Global Team

Dr. Elaine Ingham, Director of Research

Dr. Ingham serves as the Soil Food Web School's Founder, Principal Ambassador, and Science and Research Advisor.  She graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts from St. Olaf College. She earned her Master of Science in Marine Biology from Texas A&M and her Ph.D. in Soil Microbiology from Colorado State. She completed her post-doc at the University of Georgia Institute of Ecology before serving as an instructor and later an Associate Professor at Oregon State University. She served as the first President of the Soil Ecology Society, the Program Director for the Ecological Society of America, and a member of the American Society of Microbiology. She also served as Chief Scientist at the Rodale Institute. Over 30 years ago she founded Soil Food Web Inc. as well as owned and sold the Soil Food Web Institute in Australia. 

Dr. Ingham's research is global, and her scientific papers date as far back as 1982, with research concerning ultraviolet-induced autofluorescence of arbuscular mycorrhizal root infections. Seventy-six papers later, she focused on milk comparison between organic and conventional farms in the United States. Dr. Ingham has written 6 book chapters for published books, participated in research teams publishing 17 technical reports, and has been a speaker at agricultural conferences in Great Britain, Brazil, Australia, and numerous states throughout the United States. Dr. Ingham is the global leader in the Soil Food Web sciences and is highly respected worldwide for her achievements. Dr. Ingham hosts global webinars and conferences with some of the world's premier experts in soil science to help bring awareness of the great benefits possible through farming without the use of pesticides and inorganic chemicals.

Nick Tomasini, Soil Food Web Consultant

Nick is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Humankind Oregon and Humankind Global. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a Minor in Horticultural Science from Oregon State University that he followed up with Research Assistant post working alongside Soil Scientist Dr. Xinhua Yin at OSU's Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research and Extension Center. 

Throughout his 16-year career, Nick has held various key roles in agriculture. He has experience as a small-scale Organic Farmer, large-scale Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Field Scout, USDA National Organic Program Farm Inspector, private Crop Consultant, and Soil Foodweb Consultant. His experience encompasses scientific research, the development and implementation of nutritional and biological soil and crop improvement methodologies, regulatory compliance of over 500 organic farm inspections, as well as soil and compost microbiology assessment, and data analysis.

Recognizing the crucial need for a deeper understanding of soil microbiology, Nick pursued guidance and training from Dr. Elaine Ingham in 2016 after having success with her methods as an organic farmer in 2007. As a certified Soil Foodweb Consultant, he has worked closely with over 75 farming operations, compost producers, and product manufacturers. His work focuses on analyzing and improving the mineral nutrient balance, biological diversity, and functionality of soils, compost, and related products. Nick's primary objectives revolve around facilitating the production of more nutrient-dense foods, enhancing the potential for soil carbon sequestration, and mitigating the occurrence of water contamination and soil erosion.

Bonnie Bibas, Director of International Development 

Bonnie has a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, holds a Green MBA certificate in Sustainable Practices and is certified in Permaculture.  She’s also a certified climate reality leader in Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project and certified as a California Naturalist by the University of California.  She has been trained as an environmental advocate by The Environmental Forum of Marin and was elected as a Fellow by The Explorers Club for her regenerative development work in East Africa.

Bonnie has worked throughout the world on various regenerative development projects and currently, serves as an International Development Director for Humankind Global, a natural regenerative agricultural solutions company.  She serves on the Standards Committee for the Non-GMO Project and is a board member of The Hela Bima Rice Project, an organization that transitions farmers in Sri Lanka from chemical to natural farming.  She also served as an advisor to Everflux, a farm waste microbial organic liquid fertilizer producer.

In addition, Bonnie is a contributor and producer for GreenTV.com and has an extensive background in broadcast advertising, marketing, and production.  She has worked for various media outlets such as CBS, A&E Network and Comcast as well as International Media Partners, an emerging market conference producer and newspaper of record publisher for all Development Banks, World Bank and IMF meetings and the publisher of CEO magazine.

Mark Horton, Soil Food Web In-Country Consultant 

Mark is a dedicated and knowledgeable professional with a strong background in business management and a deep passion for regenerative agriculture. His journey from construction planning to becoming a Certified Soil Food Web Consultant is a testament to his commitment to making a positive impact on the environment.

Mark’s experience as a Soil Food Web Lab Technician, carpenter’s assistant, and production assistant on a sustainable hemp farm has equipped him with a diverse skill set, including soil analysis, carpentry, and farm management. Hi proficiency in soil biology, compost production, mycology, and equipment operation make him an asset in the field of regenerative agriculture.

Mark’s strong belief in the power of regenerative agriculture to combat climate change and improve soil health is reflected in his dedication to the Soil Food Web methodology. His desire to share this knowledge and empower farmers aligns perfectly with the mission to transition agriculture from chemical to biological practices building healthier soils for a better future.