Fresh Take Florida Certified Organic Growers & Consumers, INC.

In this episode, JC and Dr. Carlene Chase explore some of the biggest challenges facing farmers, discuss the potential of organic farming practices to address these issues, and delve into science-based solutions, highlighting the benefits of cover crops.  
Dr. Chase is an associate professor at UF with a research focus on weed management, methyl bromide alternatives, and cover crops. She discusses challenges for organic farmers, including the rising cost of fertilizers and climate change, as well as some ways of mitigating those challenges. In particular, you’ll learn about the benefits of sunn hemp, which not only yields substantial biomass, but is also effective in suppressing nematodes.  
 
In this episode, learn about: 
- Organic weed management practices  
- Off-season cover cropping 
- Southern Cover Crops Council 
 
Learn more about Southern Cover Crops Council on the website: https://southerncovercrops.org/ 


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SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY- Learn more about the many benefits of becoming a Sponsor of Florida Organic Growers! Your contribution will not only help to advance an organic and sustainable future but gain brand awareness through our growing audience. If you are interested, click here

FOG Board Vice President Logan Petrey joins us to discuss the benefits of organic farming practices and The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP).  
Logan Petrey is the Ranch Manager for Grimmway Farms’ organic farm in North Florida, as well as serving as the National Organic Standard Board member. Join us to learn about SE-TOPP, a USDA program that will provide transitioning and existing organic farmers mentoring services, technical assistance, community building, and organic workforce development.  
  
In this episode, learn about:  
- The Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program (SE TOPP)
-Opportunities at the Organic Food and Farming Summit
- Organics’ role in US agriculture 
- How farmers can benefit from adopting organic farming practices 


Learn more about SE TOPP at: https://foginfo.org/our-programs/southeast-center-for-organic-transition/
  
Support the showWe hope you enjoyed the episode! Please help us continue to produce more valuable content by subscribing to our Fresh Take Podcast Series! Subscribe here
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY- Learn more about the many benefits of becoming a Sponsor of Florida Organic Growers! Your contribution will not only help to advance an organic and sustainable future but gain brand awareness through our growing audience. If you are interested, click here

Join us for a conversation with FOG’s own Andi Emrich about the Organic Certification Cost Share Program and how it helps current and future organic farmers. 
In this episode, we are spreading the word about the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP). Discover how OCCSP offers financial support to organic farmers, assisting them in obtaining or renewing their organic certification.  
In this episode, learn about: 
- Who is eligible for the Cost Share program and what can and cannot be reimbursed 
- How to apply for reimbursements and how you will receive them 
- Further resources to help you navigate the program 
 
Learn more about --- on the website: https://foginfo.org/our-programs/cost-share/ 
https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/occsp/index 
Support the showWe hope you enjoyed the episode! Please help us continue to produce more valuable content by subscribing to our Fresh Take Podcast Series! Subscribe here
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY- Learn more about the many benefits of becoming a Sponsor of Florida Organic Growers! Your contribution will not only help to advance an organic and sustainable future but gain brand awareness through our growing audience. If you are interested, click here

Patrick Ferguson, Senior Organizing Representative for Sierra Club’s Stop Sugar Field Burning Campaign, joins us to discuss the environmental impact of pre-harvest sugar burning.  
Beginning in 2015, the Stop the Burn campaign focuses on the environmental and public health consequences of pre-harvest sugar field burning. We will explore the success of green harvesting alternatives, highlighting countries that have embraced this approach. We will also examine the advocacy initiatives undertaken by local leaders, farmers, consumers, and sustainable food advocates.  
  
In this episode, learn about:  
- The Stop the Burn campaign  
- The environmental and health impacts of pre-harvest sugar field burning 
- How green harvesting has the potential to overhaul sugar burning 

Learn more about Sierra Club’s Stop Sugar Field Burning Campaign on the website: https://stopsugarburning.org/ 



Support the showWe hope you enjoyed the episode! Please help us continue to produce more valuable content by subscribing to our Fresh Take Podcast Series! Subscribe here
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY- Learn more about the many benefits of becoming a Sponsor of Florida Organic Growers! Your contribution will not only help to advance an organic and sustainable future but gain brand awareness through our growing audience. If you are interested, click here

Join us as we dive into the world of food systems and community development with Kim Hines and discover how strategic planning and innovative tools are shaping a more resilient future.   
Kim Hines is a Leadership Co-Chair of the North American Food Systems Network with an interest in following national trends in local and regional food systems employment. We will be discussing challenges faced by food systems practitioners, as well as highlighting ACRE and CARAT as tools for creating a more resilient food system.  
  
In this episode, learn about:  
- Kim’s background and current role at NAFSN  
- How the AgriCluster Retention and Expansion helps farmers work together 
- The development and utilization of the Community Agriculture Resiliency Audit Tool 
- How to get involved  
  
Learn more about NAFSN on the website:  https://www.foodsystemsnetwork.org/ 
 
  
Support the showWe hope you enjoyed the episode! Please help us continue to produce more valuable content by subscribing to our Fresh Take Podcast Series! Subscribe here
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY- Learn more about the many benefits of becoming a Sponsor of Florida Organic Growers! Your contribution will not only help to advance an organic and sustainable future but gain brand awareness through our growing audience. If you are interested, click here

Join us for an informative discussion with Tom Wichman, an expert on eco-friendly landscaping with nearly 50 years’ experience in the industry.  

A self-proclaimed plant nerd, Tom is currently the Assistant Director for the Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program and the statewide coordinator for the Green Industries Best Management Practices Program. Tom is also the radio host for Florida-Friendly Landscaping in a Minute radio show, and he and his team just completed filming season 3 of the television show Flip My Florida Yard. We’ll highlight the importance of eco-friendly landscaping and break down its core tenets. 
  
In this episode, learn about:  
- How to build biodiversity in your home landscape 
- Water wise practices 
- Recycling yard waste 

Learn more about Florida-Friendly Landscaping on the website: https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/ 

And check out the Free Florida-Landscaping Handbook: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeysnTNBRS6LK6Kcqvdv6gcM6dk5KuUVc-KH2K0OG4BOHkOxQ/viewform 

Find your local agricultural extension agent for local events: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/ 
  
Support the showWe hope you enjoyed the episode! Please help us continue to produce more valuable content by subscribing to our Fresh Take Podcast Series! Subscribe here
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY- Learn more about the many benefits of becoming a Sponsor of Florida Organic Growers! Your contribution will not only help to advance an organic and sustainable future but gain brand awareness through our growing audience. If you are interested, click here