Food with Mark Bittman: Jason Buechel

Why the CEO of Whole Foods Market is optimistic about the future of our food system.

Published July 30, 2025

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When we set up the interview you’re about to listen to, with Jason Buechel, we didn’t know what to expect. We were excited about the opportunity, though—Jason is the Chief Executive Officer at Whole Foods Market and Vice President of Amazon Worldwide Grocery Stores. An imposing job title, and it’s safe to say that there are few people in the world who are more in control of the options we have, food-wise—at least in grocery stores—than Jason.

Jason has an interesting background, which you’ll hear about—his grandparents were dairy farmers, so his interest in farming and agriculture might just be in his DNA—and he cares a lot about food and where it comes from and how it gets to us. He’s committed to increasing access to local, quality food—which you’ll also hear about. We’re so glad to welcome him to the show.

To read more about Whole Foods and MAD Agriculture‘s new initiative—which we discussed in the episode—head here.

Follow ​​​Food with Mark Bittman​​​ on: ​​​Apple Podcasts​​​ | ​​​Spotify​​​ | ​​​Overcast​​​ | ​​​Pocket Casts​​​ | ​​​Amazon Music


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