Can agriculture heal the invisible wounds of war? Join us as we talk with John Jackson, an Army Ranger with six tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, about his journey from enlistment after 9/11 to finding peace through farming. At Comfort Farms in Milledgeville, Georgia, John helps veterans cope with post-traumatic stress using farming as therapy. Discover how Comfort Farms combines behavioral therapy with agricultural work and community events, fostering teamwork and genuine connections. Tune in to learn about these impactful initiatives and how you can support our veterans. Support the Show. We ho ..read more

Are you aware of the hidden dangers lurking in your fruits and vegetables? Join us on Fresh Take for an eye-opening discussion with Juan Carlos Rodriguez, an Education and Outreach Specialist at Florida Organic Growers. We promise you’ll gain critical insights into the "Dirty Dozen," a list of produce most contaminated with pesticides, and understand the potential health risks these chemicals pose. In this episode, we unravel the origins and mission of the Environmental Working Group (EWG), established in 1993, and explore how they educate the public using data from the USDA and FDA. You'll l ..read more

Discover how your daily cup of coffee can transform lives and support the planet! In this podcast, we sit down with Tripp Pomeroy, co-owner and CEO of Sweetwater Organic Coffee. Tripp shares his journey from working with Latin American landscapers to championing fair trade practices in the coffee industry. Learn how Sweetwater's ethical approach benefits small-scale farmers and promotes sustainable agriculture. Explore the secrets of fair trade and transparency as Tripp discusses Sweetwater's cooperative model with Co-op Coffees. Discover the real-world impact of fair trade certifications and ..read more

In this episode we chat with Hannah Wooten, a UF IFAS extension agent from Orange County, Florida, about how urban development and sustainable agriculture intersect in local food systems. Hannah's journey from Valencia Community College to her work in horticulture and ethnobotany shows us the deep connection between plants and people. We learn about innovative farmers who are blending self-sustaining ecosystems with urban waste management. Collaboration between urban planners, chefs, restaurateurs, and entrepreneurs is key to supporting local farmers. Challenges like zoning and land use plan ..read more

Unlock the potential of organic farming in the Southeast with guidance from experts Amanda Rose Newton and Emily Deruelle of Florida Organic Growers. Our enlightening conversation peels back the layers of the Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program (SE-TOPP), and you'll gain invaluable insights into developing successful organic practices and connecting with a thriving community.  Learn about the program's inception, its key areas of focus, and the invaluable support it provides to both mentors and mentees. Discover how you can get involved and benefit from this program. Plu ..read more

In this episode of Fresh Take, we welcome special guests Hank and Jessica from Allison Acres to discuss their journey into organic blueberry farming. Hank, a retired FBI agent, shares his inspiration for transitioning to farming, influenced by his background in law enforcement. Jessica, with a background in Environmental Science, talks about her start in agriculture and her role at Allison Acres. They elaborate on their decision to pursue blueberry farming and shed light on the challenges organic farmers encounter, such as disease management and climate change. Additionally, they delve into s ..read more

Imagine your palate embarking on a voyage where every flavor tells a story of community, sustainability, and creativity. That's exactly the kind of sensory adventure you're in for as Jeffrey Schlissel, the cuisine virtuoso and barbecue 'Kingpin,' joins us at the table. With nicknames like 'Bacon Cartel,' you know this conversation is going to sizzle with insider knowledge on the smoked meat industry and Jeffrey's heartfelt dedication to seasonal cooking—a practice that not only tantalizes taste buds but also supports the heartbeat of local agriculture. What does it truly mean to dine with the ..read more

Embark on a culinary journey with Hari Pulapaka, the force behind the Global Cooking School. Discover the importance of food transparency and traceability, where every bite tells a story. As a mathematician-turned-chef, Hari's passion for ingredients with a clear backstory has fostered collaborations between chefs and farmers, aiming for an honest food industry. Explore sustainable seafood and Hari's innovative approaches at Pastelsia. Learn about Hari Cafe's principles of Harmony, Accessibility, Resilience, and Innovation. Discover how technology and education shape consumer choices and trus ..read more

  Summary:  In this episode, Dr. Keith Schneider joins Dr. Juan Carlos Rodriguez for a discussion on FSMA’s produce safety rule and microbiology concepts related to food safety.  In this episode, Dr. Keith Schneider discusses microbiology concepts that help farmers better understand how to produce food safely.    Tune in to learn about:   The Produce Safety Rule   Problematic foodborne pathogens   The role of indicator organisms and methods to test for their presence   Preventative controls   Resources:  Learn more about food safety ..read more

Discover the transformative world of organic agriculture as Andi Emrich, programs manager of Florida Organic Growers, joins our host Lana Chehabeddine, in unraveling the wonders behind the upcoming Organic Food and Farming Summit April 18-19 in Tampa, FL! Andi, brings her unique expertise to the table, guiding us through the Summit's inception and its mission to connect a diverse community. Prepare to be inspired as we give you a sneak peek into the upcoming 2024 Summit, with its two-day agenda packed with farm tours, workshops, and a trade show that highlights the best of local sustainable a ..read more