Fresh Takes On Tech International Fresh Produce Association

Today Garland Perkins, Director of Innovation and Sustainability at The Oppenheimer Group (Oppy), shares insights into the challenges and solutions surrounding sustainable packaging. Learn about the importance of balancing product protection with environmental considerations and why simply eliminating plastic isn't necessarily the answer.
Garland explains how Oppy collaborates with suppliers, retailers, and partners to implement sustainable packaging solutions and discusses the goals for single-use packaging in the coming years. Listen in to understand the vital role of technology in evolving sustainable packaging, practical solutions for the present, and the exciting future of sustainability at Oppy.
Key TakeawaysWhat Garland is most excited about in terms of sustainable packaging.How Oppy measures the impact of environmental solutions.Why plastic use is such a hard hurdle to overcome.The biggest hurdle in introducing sustainable practice.How Oppy is using collaboration across the supply chain to introduce sustainable packaging.The goals for Oppy over the coming years.How technology will impact packaging.The importance of focusing on here-and-now solutions.
Guest ResourcesGarland Perkins: LinkedIn | Oppy
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 can cutting-edge technology revolutionize packaging for fresh produce? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Po-Yen Chen, Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland, to explore how his lab is leveraging AI and flexible robotic technologies to discover and develop new functional materials. By implementing active learning frameworks with robot-aided experiments, Po-Yen’s team is constructing high-accuracy prediction models that accelerate the development of materials for sustainable plastic substitutes and more efficient packaging.
Listen in as we discuss the challenges of current packaging solutions, particularly the issues posed by microplastics. You'll learn how AI can expedite the discovery of sustainable packaging materials and the timeline for creating effective solutions. Po-Yen will also share insights into the future of sustainable packaging, including exciting developments like films that can double the shelf life of produce. Discover why integrating machine intelligence into the packaging design process is essential for advancing sustainability in the industry.
Key TakeawaysThe main challenges that we face with the current packaging we use.The major issue with microplastics often used in packaging.How AI can be used to discover new materials for sustainable packaging.How long the process takes to create a sustainable film.What needs to happen for us to have a solution for the industry.Where we’re heading with the future of sustainable packaging.
Guest ResourcesPo-Yen Chen: University of Maryland
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/

Are you passionate about fresh, healthy produce and a cleaner planet? In this first episode of our six-part series, we highlight the vital connection between packaging practices in the produce industry and the urgent need for sustainability. We'll explore the delicate balance between ensuring top-quality, pathogen-free products and reducing the environmental footprint left by packaging waste.
Max Teplitski, Chief Science Officer at the International Fresh Produce Association, and Andrew Stephens, Senior Policy Advisor at the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, join us to discuss the rapid advancements in sustainable packaging. Listen in to learn about the UN's plastic treaty, the future of plastic packaging over the next five years, and emerging trends to keep an eye on in packaging.
Key TakeawaysHow packaging contributes to environmental damage.Why our growers and exporters need to be in on the conversation.If we are moving fast enough to fix the packaging problem.What the UN’s plastic treaty is.How PLU stickers have both helped and hindered the packaging problem.Emerging trends to keep an eye on in packaging.
Guest ResourcesAndrew Stephens: LinkedInMax Teplitski: 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'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/