The Fresh And Safe Podcast

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Fresh & Safe Podcast is a fresh take on produce food safety. Brought to you by the Fresh Produce Safety Centre. This podcast explores the stories, innovations, and challenges shaping fresh produce food safety in Australia and New Zealand.

Episodes

  1. JAN 21

    Agroecology Explained: How New Zealand Growers Are Working With Nature to Reduce Agrichemical Use

    In this episode of the Fresh and Safe Podcast, Livia Esterhazy from A Lighter Touch highlights how agroecology is helping growers reduce reliance on synthetic agrichemicals while maintaining commercial yields and food safety standards. Our guest explains how biological pest control, biodiversity planting, resistance management, and smarter decision-making are being trialled and adopted across New Zealand’s horticulture sector. From lettuce and brassicas to tomatoes and vineyards, this conversation shows what’s possible when farming systems work with nature instead of against it. What You’ll Learn: What agroecology actually means (in plain English)Why pesticide resistance is forcing change in farmingHow growers reduced pesticide use by up to two-thirdsThe role of beneficial insects and biodiversity plantingWhy behaviour change, not technology is the real challengeHow food safety improves when chemical use is reduced For more information about the FPSC visit https://www.fpsc-anz.com Follow us here:   https://www.instagram.com/fpsc_anz https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-produce-safety-centre-australia-new-zealand https://www.facebook.com/FPSCANZ https://x.com/FPSC_ANZ Follow Lighter Touch here: https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:45 - Guest Introduction 00:01:05 - Guest Background 00:01:56 - A Lighter Touch program 00:06:57 - Agroecology 00:08:10 - Commercialisation of Agroecology 00:09:28 - Successful Trials 00:13:17 - Co-benefits of Agroecology 00:14:07 - Food Safety Outcomes 00:15:31 - Biggest Wins from the program 00:17:40 - Bridging the Gap: Theory to Adoption 00:18:03 - Supporting Behavioural Change in Farming 00:22:39 - How to Start Implementing Agroecology 00:23:22 - Resources and Communication Channels 00:24:42 - Concluding Remarks Primary keywords agroecology farminglighter touch agriculturereducing pesticide use in farmingsustainable crop protectionbiological pest controlfood safety in fresh produceagroecological farming systemsspray free farmingsustainable horticulture practiceshow to reduce pesticides on farmsagroecology explained for growersbiological control in horticultureresistance management in agriculturesustainable food safety practicesbiodiversity planting in orchardsintegrated pest management farmingconsumer demand for low pesticide foodcommercial scale agroecology

    26 min

  2. 11/18/2025

    Insights on Fresh Produce from the Independent Sector

    In this two-part episode recorded live from the International Fresh Produce Safety Symposium, the Fresh and Safe Podcast dives into the people and processes shaping the future of produce safety in Australia and New Zealand. In Part One, Former FPSC CEO Farzana Adams sits down with Meegan George, CEO of Freshmark, to explore: Why the independent fresh produce sector thrives on passion, relationships, and generational prideThe urgent need to attract young people into the industryHow AI and data could streamline compliance for small businessesThe balance between commercial realities and food safety frameworks In Part Two, FPSC Technical Advisor Susannah Roelofsz speaks with Gail Woods from Fresh Markets Australia, discussing how the Guidelines for Fresh Produce Food Safety are used across the industry to support growers, interpret microbial testing, and build trust through science-based standards. Whether you’re a grower, wholesaler, QA manager, or regulator, this episode offers actionable insights into building the next generation of safe, sustainable, and trusted produce supply chains. For more information about the FPSC visit www.fpsc-anz.com Join us at the International Fresh Produce Safety Symposium:  https://www.ifpss.com.au Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/fpsc_anz https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-produce-safety-centre-australia-new-zealand https://www.facebook.com/FPSCANZ https://x.com/FPSC_ANZ 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:48 - Discussion on Meegan George's Background in Fresh Produce 00:03:31 - Challenges in the Fresh Produce Industry 00:04:14 - Addressing Labour Issues and Education Pathways 00:08:10 - Compliance in the Fresh Produce Industry 00:11:32 - Consolidation in the Independent Sector 00:14:11 - Conclusion: Looking to the Future 00:15:16 - Adapting to Industry Changes and the Importance of Industry Associations 00:16:33 - Role of Fresh Produce Safety Centre 00:17:18 - Interview with Gail from Fresh Markets Australia 00:17:40 - Use of Fresh Produce Safety Guidelines in Daily Work 00:19:20 - Trust in the Guidelines and Interpretation of Results 00:19:20 - Cost of Compliance and Importance of Testing 00:22:26 - Closing Remarks

    23 min

  3. 10/13/2025

    Insights from the 2025 International Fresh Produce Safety Symposium

    In this special episode, recorded live at the 2025 International Fresh Produce Safety Symposium, host Damien Farrelly brings together a powerhouse panel of global food safety experts: Professor Jim Monaghan (Harper Adams University, UK)Distinguished Professor Phil Bremer of the University of Otago & New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre (NZFFSRC)Ben Hoodless (ElementAG Consulting, Australia)Together, they unpack the evolving landscape of fresh produce safety — from global trends to practical farm-level insights. Expect a candid discussion on: The biggest challenges facing growers in a changing climateHow AI and automation will shape the next decade of food safetyThe crucial balance between hazard vs riskWhy data collection and genome sequencing are the new frontiers of traceabilityThe importance of industry collaboration and shared responsibility across supply chains This episode is a must-listen for growers, QA professionals, auditors, and anyone working to elevate standards in fresh produce safety across Australia and New Zealand. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:45 - Panel Discussion Introduction 00:02:12 - Jim Monaghan's Reflections 00:06:40 - Dr Phil Bremer's Reflections 00:10:33 - Ben Hoodless's Reflections 00:13:40 - Q&A Session 00:15:45 - Ben Hoodless's Additional Comments 00:16:26 - Audience Questions 00:16:45 - Panel's Future Predictions 00:19:35 - Discussion on New Innovations 00:22:35 - Insights on Shared Responsibility 00:25:06 - Closing Remarks

    27 min

  4. 08/26/2025

    Beyond The Audit

    In Episode 3 of the Fresh and Safe Podcast, we go beyond the audit with New Zealand’s Mathew Bannister - a regenerative farming advocate who brings a provocative and practical lens to food safety.  This episode dives deep into the evolving role of food safety in the context of climate change, regenerative agriculture, compliance culture, and the shifting expectations of both retailers and consumers. For more information about the FPSC visit www.fpsc-anz.com Join us at the International Fresh Produce Safety Symposium:  https://www.ifpss.com.au Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/fpsc_anz https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-produce-safety-centre-australia-new-zealand https://www.facebook.com/FPSCANZ https://x.com/FPSC_ANZ 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:43 - Mathew Bannister's Journey in Horticulture 00:04:03 - Differences Between Manufacturing and Fresh Produce 00:06:08 - The Diversity in Horticulture 00:07:46 - Guidelines for Fresh Produce Food Safety 00:09:20 - Continuous Improvement in Agriculture 00:12:56 - Climate Disruption and Its Risks to Production Systems 00:15:05 - Managing Risks and Building Relationships in Agriculture 00:16:45 - Incident Management in Agriculture 00:17:12 - The Importance of Planning and Communication in Crisis Management 00:19:06 - Shifting the Narrative: Compliance and Everyday Practice 00:19:58 - Being Audit Ready and Leveraging Technology 00:23:46 - Regenerative Agriculture: Risks and Food Safety Expectations 00:26:09 - Resources for Understanding Regenerative Agriculture 00:28:19 - Key Takeaways from the Discussion fresh produce food safety Australia New Zealand produce safety fresh produce safety guidelines produce industry research Australia how to engage with FPSC fresh & safe podcast  food safety in horticulture regenerative agriculture and food safety fresh produce safety guidelines farming climate change impact food safety audit tips New Zealand regenerative farming agriculture compliance and sustainability how to pass food safety audits climate resilience in farming consumer trust in food production

    32 min

  5. 07/13/2025

    The Fresh Produce Food Safety Guidelines Unpacked

    Welcome to Episode 2 of the Fresh and Safe Podcast! In this episode, we're unpacking the Fresh Produce Food Safety Guidelines with industry experts to help elevate food safety standards across Australia and New Zealand. Join us as we explore the 2022 updates and upcoming 2025 revisions, featuring critical insights from Dr. Sharon Horton, Richard Bennet, and Elizabeth. Perfect for growers, service providers, and food safety stakeholders, this episode is a must-listen to ensure compliance, enhance consumer safety, and implement best practices in your operations. For more information about the FPSC visit www.fpsc-anz.com Join us at the International Fresh Produce Safety Symposium:  https://www.ifpss.com.au Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/fpsc_anz https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-produce-safety-centre-australia-new-zealand https://www.facebook.com/FPSCANZ https://x.com/FPSC_ANZ fresh produce food safety FPSC ANZ origin story Australia New Zealand produce safety pathogen persistence paddock to plate fresh produce safety guidelines produce industry research Australia FPSC postgraduate program HFSI sustainable food safety model how to engage with FPSC fresh & safe podcast episode 2

    29 min

  6. 07/01/2025

    How We Started, How We’re Going, Where We’re Headed

    In this inaugural episode, CEO Farzana Adams sits down with FPSC-ANZ leaders Robyn McConchie, Andreas Klieber, Damien Farrelly and Technical Officer for FPSC, Susannah Roelofsz to trace the journey of the Fresh Produce Safety Centre.   Discover the organisation’s origin, key milestones over its first decade, the research and industry collaborations that have shaped Australia and New Zealand’s approach to fresh produce food safety — and hear the bold vision for where FPSC is headed next. For more information about the FPSC visit www.fpsc-anz.com Join us at the International Fresh Produce Safety Symposium:  https://www.ifpss.com.au Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/fpsc_anz https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-produce-safety-centre-australia-new-zealand https://www.facebook.com/FPSCANZ https://x.com/FPSC_ANZ fresh produce food safety FPSC ANZ origin story Australia New Zealand produce safety pathogen persistence paddock to plate fresh produce safety guidelines produce industry research Australia FPSC postgraduate programHFSI sustainable food safety model how to engage with FPSC fresh & safe podcast episode

    42 min
  • 6 Episodes

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Fresh & Safe Podcast is a fresh take on produce food safety. Brought to you by the Fresh Produce Safety Centre. This podcast explores the stories, innovations, and challenges shaping fresh produce food safety in Australia and New Zealand.

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