Fresh Takes On Tech International Fresh Produce Association

Today we're joined by Peter Wells, Chief Strategy Director at Elevated Foods, who shares insights into the company's innovative approach to agriculture. Discover how Elevated Foods measures success with new sustainability practices and how the USDA’s Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities grant has impacted them.
Listen in as Peter delves into the challenges faced by family farms and the importance of data gathering in market development. You will learn how Elevated Foods navigates enrollment processes and provides technical assistance to growers, fostering collaboration and partnerships in climate-smart agriculture.
Key TakeawaysHow Elevated Foods was born.Who Elevated Foods serves.How the grant has impacted their business.The benefit of this program being grower-led.How Elevated Foods is measuring success with these new practices.Peter’s advice for those starting in climate-smart agriculture.Why data gathering is essential for market development.How big of a role technology will play in sustainability.The power of collaboration and partnerships.
Guest ResourcesPeter Wells: Elevated Foods 
Show LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/
Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

What does it take to transform a leading agricultural company into a beacon of sustainability? In this episode, we talk with Wiam Haddad, Systems Ecologist at ZZ2, a renowned agricultural company in South Africa committed to environmental stewardship. Join us as we explore ZZ2's journey towards climate-smart agriculture, delving into the strategies, challenges, and successes they've encountered along the way. Discover how ZZ2 integrates cutting-edge techniques and traditional wisdom to mitigate climate risks while promoting productivity on the farm.
From the pitfalls of unsustainable farming practices to embracing natural principles in day-to-day operations, we cover it all. Listen in to learn about the power of digitalization and big data in agriculture, as well as how fostering innovation within your organization can drive meaningful change.
Key TakeawaysZZ2’s history and their journey towards a more sustainable future.The importance of working with nature, not against it.How to bring natural principles into the day-to-day practices of the farm.How long it took before they felt confident and comfortable with the new system.What they have seen in pest management.The exciting technologies coming to pre and post-harvest.How renewable energy fits into sustainable agriculture.
Guest ResourcesWiam Haddad: LinkedIn
Show LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/
Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

Today we sit down with Steven Cardoza, Owner of Cardoza & Cardoza Farming Company, as he shares his family's remarkable transition to organic and regenerative ag. Discover why they made the switch to organic farming back in 1998 and how embracing regenerative practices has revolutionized their approach to agriculture. From enhanced soil health to increased yield and quality, Steven explains the impact on their farm's ecosystem, highlighting the importance of holistic perspectives in addressing agricultural challenges.
Listen in as we explore the biggest hurdles faced during the transition, advice for engaging with organic growers, and the benefit of learning from experienced practitioners to navigate potential pitfalls. Whether you're a seasoned regenerative farmer or considering switching to regenerative practices, this episode offers guidance for cultivating sustainable agricultural systems.
Key TakeawaysWhy the Cardoza family transitioned their business to organic.What got Steven started on the regenerative agriculture journey.How their transition to regenerative agriculture has impacted the farm soil health.The biggest challenges they faced when switching over.The importance of looking at the entire ecosystem not just each individual problem.How to engage with an organic grower if you want to work with them.Advice for those wanting to start in regenerative agriculture.
Guest ResourcesSteven Cardoza: LinkedIn
Show LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/
Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

What is the future of crop protection? Join us as we sit down with Ben Cicora, Senior VP of Sales and Marketing at Vestaron, to explore the game-changing innovations in agriculture. Discover how Vestaron is leading the charge with peptide-based technologies, addressing pest issues and resistance problems while prioritizing safety and sustainability in the face of climate change. In this conversation, we explore the transformative potential of peptide-based crop protection, from understanding its differences from traditional insecticides to navigating pricing strategies and engaging with growers to meet their evolving needs.
Listen in to hear about the trials, testing procedures, and challenges of acceptance, and learn how Vestaron's products contribute to biodiversity and climate resilience in agriculture. Join us as we uncover the future of sustainable crop protection and its profound impact on the agricultural landscape.
Key TakeawaysHow peptide technologies differ from traditional synthetic insecticides.Why peptides are safer for the environment.The trials and testing procedures to test for effectiveness.How the pricing is worked out for these newer technologies.The biggest challenge of acceptance.How Vestaron engages with the growers to understand their needs.Who their main competitors are.How their products help with biodiversity and climate change.
Guest ResourcesBen Cicora: LinkedIn
Show LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/
Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

How crucial is it for businesses to integrate sustainability practices into their operations? Today, we're joined by Nikki Cossio, Kyle Cosgrove, and Gabe Worthington from Measure to Improve to explore the significance of their partnership with IFPA on the climate-smart commodities grant. As pioneers in building successful sustainability programs, they shed light on why sustainability has become imperative, especially in the fresh produce industry. With new regulations emerging and buyers increasingly demanding sustainability metrics, staying ahead in sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity for remaining competitive.
In this episode, we discuss the origins of climate-smart agriculture and the essential practices that businesses need to adopt. From understanding how the risks are removed to measuring inputs and yields, Nikki, Kyle, and Gabe provide insights to enhance your organization's sustainability efforts. Whether you're just beginning or already have a sustainability team, you'll learn how to navigate the evolving landscape of sustainability and equip yourself with the tools needed to thrive in an increasingly eco-conscious market.
Key TakeawaysWhat Measure to Improve does.How Measure to Improve is involved with the IFPA grant.Where the term climate-smart agriculture came from.The key climate-smart production practices that should be encouraged.How these incentives will encourage farmers to change their practices.How the risks are removed from the growers.The importance of measuring the inputs, outputs, and yields.
Guest ResourcesGabe Worthington: LinkedInNikki Cossio: LinkedInKyle Cosgrove: LinkedIn
Show LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/
Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

In our milestone 100th episode, we're diving deep into the realm of climate-smart agriculture, a pivotal topic shaping the future of farming. Joining us are Max Teplitski, Chief Science Officer at the International Fresh Produce Association, and Drew Zabrocki, Managing Partner at TOTEM LTD. Together, we explore IFPA's ambitious climate-smart program, diving into its current status, anticipated outcomes, and the transformative benefits it offers.
From the essential role of soil health in crop cultivation to the challenges of data integration, we uncover how IFPA is bridging the gap between existing grower systems and innovative agricultural practices. As consumer consciousness drives demand for sustainable food production, we dissect the vital nexus between agriculture, climate, and consumer preferences. Reflecting on the evolving landscape of climate-smart agriculture, we emphasize the importance of education, flexibility, and patience in fostering widespread adoption.
Key TakeawaysAn overview of the Climate Smart Program at IFPA.The projected outcomes of this program.The benefits of this program.How they are bringing this system to farmers at scale.The importance of education and meeting people where they are.What the reaction of growers has been.How we can get signage up.
Guest ResourcesMax Teplitski: LinkedInDrew Zabrocki: LinkedIn
Show LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/
Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/