This week on Fresh From The Field Fridays from The Produce Industry Network, Ross "The Produce Boss" and Dan "The Produce Man" welcome Will Brokaw of Brokaw Avocados! Dive into the world of California avocado varieties, the impact of imports on the market, and the rising fame of our beloved pebbled pyriform. Tune in and turn on!
In this week's episode of the Global Fresh Series, we tackle the challenge of increasing fresh produce consumption among EU and U.S. consumers, featuring insights from Freshfel EU and Nielsen's U.S. consumer data. Discover how the Cosmic Crisp apple variety is transforming apple marketing and inspiring healthier snacking habits. Plus, explore how one company is using the power of AI to revolutionize agriculture through cutting-edge advancements in computer vision, machine learning and large lang...
Julius Caesar adored it, the Catholic Church feared it, and Benjamin Franklin grumbled about it. Asparagus is a vegetable that has stirred strong emotions throughout history, yet it always finds its way back to the table. Known as the “aristocrat of the allium world,” asparagus captivated the ancient world, vanished for a time, and then made a grand reappearance during the Renaissance, symbolizing luxury and sophistication. As European explorers expanded their reach, so too did asparagus, and to...
Join Patrick as he dives into Podfest Global Expo 2025 , where content creators and podcasters from around the world are shaping the future of digital storytelling. Discover key takeaways and trends that can elevate your brand and engagement strategies. On the produce front, Patrick unpacks the latest updates from the FDA/USDA Prevention Strategy on Berries , addressing food safety measures, challenges, and solutions that directly impact the fresh produce community. Plus, the countdown is on! We...
This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, brought to you by The Produce Industry Network! 🌟 Join Dan the Produce Man and Ross the Produce Boss for another fun and fresh episode! Ross is on the road in Florida, attending GOPEX —the Global Organic Produce Expo—while Dan holds down the fort in San Francisco. 🍈 They’ll dive into the latest on import melons and limes , share insights on the state of grocery stores Ross has visited during his travels, and of course, sprinkle in plenty of produce pa...
Dive into a thought-provoking conversation on the future of food and agriculture as we explore how CRISPR technology is optimizing crop production to withstand global climate change. Join us and Tom Adams, CEO of Pairwise, leading one of the world's leading CRISPR innovation companies to uncover the breakthroughs shaping sustainable farming and the resilience of tomorrow's harvests. Choice Sponsor: Peak of the Market: https://peakofthemarket.com/ Standard Sponsor:...
Born into a humble farming family in Plains, Georgia, Jimmy Carter's life began with roots firmly planted in the red clay fields of the South. His early years were shaped by the rural rhythms of farm life, where peanuts, cotton, and sweet potatoes formed the backbone of his family's livelihood. This foundation cultivated his work ethic, character, and eventually his sense of social justice. From selling peanuts as a child to managing a struggling farm in his adult years, Carter's experiences lai...
On this episode of The Produce Industry Podcast , host Patrick Kelly takes a deep dive into two groundbreaking stories shaping our world. First, we explore the stunning decision by Florida’s largest citrus grower to exit the citrus industry. Announced on January 6, 2025, this major move raises questions about the challenges facing citrus growers today in Florida, from labor shortages and disease to shifts in consumer demand. Then, we shift gears to the evolving world of podcasts. With new format...
This week on Fresh From the Field Fridays from the Produce Industry Network, Ross and Dan spotlight eight fantastic items to help you stay on track with your Thrive in 25 New Year’s resolutions to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables daily. The stars of the week are: California Sumo Dekopon Washington Lucy Apples Trayed, Ready-to-Cook Sweet Potatoes Organic Broccolini California Pummelo Florida Strawberries Organic Bacon Avocados Organic Gold Kiwi Get the inside scoop on their flavor, value, nut...
Join us as we journey to Vietnam’s Ben Tre province, the heart of the country’s coconut industry, to explore the incredible surge in fresh coconut exports to China and other Asian markets. From the sweet taste of success to the challenges of scaling up, we’ll uncover how this tropical gem is transforming Vietnam’s agricultural landscape and delighting consumers across the region. Tune in for insights, stories, and a taste of coconut-powered growth! Choice Sponsor: Peak of the Market: ...
Who were the gladiators, and how did they become iconic figures in Roman history? What roles did slaves, criminals, and even emperors play in the gladiator world? How were these fighters trained, categorized, and prepared for combat? What did gladiators eat to stay battle-ready, and why was their diet primarily vegetarian? How did a strange brew of plant ashes help them recover from injuries? In this Livestream, John and Patrick delve into the fascinating world of gladiators, exploring their mys...
Join host Patrick Kelly as he kicks off the first episode of the year with an exciting new format designed to keep our traditions alive while embracing the evolution of the industry. In this episode, Patrick welcomes his first in-studio guest , Jihoon Kim , for an insightful discussion covering: ✅ The latest updates on USDA import fee inspections ✅ Why embracing change is essential for the new year ✅ Key insights into analyzing your P&L for smarter business decisions Packed with fresh ideas ...
This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays from the Produce Industry Network, Ross "The Produce Boss" and Dan "The Produce Man" dive into practical tips for increasing fresh produce consumption. Why should we focus on fresh produce in 2025? What behavioral strategies can consumers adopt at home and in stores to make healthier choices? We're also joined by industry veteran Ron Pelger, who shares his insights on what 2025 might bring in terms of health and wellness programs, especially with potenti...
In the final episode of 2024, Patrick Kelly sits down with Brian Framson, CEO of Citrus America, Inc., fresh off his exciting cross-country journey juicing across America. From grocery stores to restaurants and bars, Brian shares his adventures exploring new opportunities in the world of fresh-squeezed citrus. In the studio, Patrick and Brian savor the vibrant taste of Noble Citrus Juicy Crunch while reflecting on the year and discussing what lies ahead for the produce and citrus industry. Don’t...
The Jaffa orange, a fruit that once symbolized prosperity and collaboration, is now tied to a complex and painful history. Before the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Jaffa's citrus industry was world-renowned, celebrated for its sweet, vibrant fruit. This thriving sector, cultivated by both Jewish and Arab farmers, symbolized the region's agricultural success. However, with the eruption of conflict following the United Nations' proposed partition plan, Jaffa became a flashpoint of violence. Thousands of ...
This week, we're taking you on a journey to Reignac, France, for a conversation with Daniel Sauvaitre, President of INTERFEL. Discover his family's rich history in agriculture, from cultivating apples to producing wine, and gain insights into the French produce industry. Plus, don't miss a special holiday message from Santa to kick off this December 25th episode! Choice Sponsor: Peak of the Market: https://peakofthemarket.com/ Standard Sponsor: Zag Technological S...
Nuts have been symbols of faith, fortune, and fertility for centuries, and their deep-rooted significance can still be felt today during Christmas celebrations. From their connection to Christian symbolism to their role in medieval mystery plays, these humble gifts have held profound meanings throughout history. Why were hazelnuts, chestnuts, and walnuts so prominent in holiday traditions across Europe? How did Julian of Norwich's mystical visions connect the hazelnut to divine creation? And why...
As the holiday season reaches its peak, Patrick Kelly sits down with Robert Austin of Empower Fresh and Jon Steffy of Four Seasons Produce , affectionately known as The Produce Geek , for a festive and insightful conversation. They delve into December—the busiest shopping month of the year—discussing how produce trends and labor challenges impact holiday preparations. Together, they explore innovations in technology that help streamline the supply chain and ensure fresh produce reaches tables ev...
This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays from The Produce Industry Network, Dan the Produce Man and Ross the Produce Boss welcome T. Benzler of Benzler Organic Farm in Fresno, California. As an organic citrus and grape grower, T. shares insights into organic farming, emphasizing the importance of farming the soil first rather than the fruit. He also opens up about the joys and challenges of being a small organic farmer competing against large corporate operations. Plus, there’s much more in sto...
In the early 20th century, the thriving citrus industry of Palestine became a complex backdrop for political tensions and shifting power dynamics. As the British Mandate took control, Jewish and Arab communities navigated a shared landscape of cooperation, competition, and rising nationalism. The Jaffa orange, once a symbol of prosperity, became a key player in this evolving story, symbolizing both economic success and the deepening rifts between communities. What role did the British Mandate pl...
In this episode of The Produce Industry Podcast , host Patrick Kelly takes you on an inspiring journey with Blue Missions and Water for All , spotlighting their life-changing hike to Pico Duarte, the tallest mountain in the Caribbean. The trek, organized in collaboration with Continental Fresh , brought together a passionate group united in the mission to support sustainable water solutions for underserved communities. We kick things off with an in-depth conversation with Albert Perez , the visi...
🎙️ Fresh From the Field Fridays brings you a special holiday edition with Host Ross Nelson and guest co-host Patrick Kelly filling in for Dan as he celebrates his birthday. This week, we dive into the festive spirit with produce legend Brian Dey of Four Seasons Produce. Together, we unwrap the secrets behind seasonal trends, the art of creating holiday produce displays, and the critical role fresh produce plays in making the holidays merry and bright. Whether you’re a produce professional or si...
Dive into the juiciest stories from the world of fruits and veggies! This week, we unravel the great zucchini vs. cucumber confusion sweeping French consumers, explore Brussels' innovative supermarket rooftop gardens, uncover a bold coup that pauses Florida grapefruit shipments to South Korea, and spotlight CRISPR-engineered tomatoes packed with vitamin D3. Join us for a bite-sized blend of quirky news, food science, and global agriculture trends. Choice Sponsor: Peak of the Market: ...
Jaffa, known to the ancient Canaanites as "Yafi," meaning “gorgeous,” is one of the oldest cities in the world, and its history is as rich as the citrus groves that would later define it. From its days as a bustling trade hub under the Egyptians and Israelites to its transformation into a cultural and agricultural powerhouse under Ottoman rule, Jaffa’s story intertwines the rise of empires with the cultivation of a simple yet extraordinary fruit: the orange. How did Jaffa oranges outshine their ...
After four years, Denise Junqueiro of Apeel Sciences is back on The Produce Industry Podcast with host Patrick Kelly! As the 2024 Choice Podcast Sponsor, Denise shares exciting updates about Apeel’s revolutionary solutions that are making things easier than ever in fresh produce. Together, they dive into Patrick’s visit to California, highlights from the IFPA event, and how Apeel continues to innovate and lead the way. Plus, get an exclusive sneak peek at what’s in store for 2025! Don’t miss thi...
Tune in to this week's Fresh From The Field Fridays podcast, brought to you by the Produce Industry Network! Join hosts Ross and Dan as they sit down with Joe Esta from Wada Farms, one of The Packer 25's prestigious honorees. Joe dives into the highlights of this year’s Idaho potato crop, shares his favorite potato varieties, and gives us a sneak peek at what’s on the horizon for the industry. Plus, he offers valuable advice for the next generation of leaders looking to make their mark in the fi...
This week, we're serving up a fresh basket of global produce updates! First, we dive into Chile's avocado boom in Europe—are guacamole lovers fueling the surge? Then, we hop over to the UK, where farmers are reaching their breaking point over inheritance tax policies. Next, it’s a citrus celebration as Morocco’s clementines steal the spotlight on the international stage. Finally, we wrap things up in Ontario, Canada, with a recap of the Ontario Produce Marketing Association’s awards ceremony, wh...
"[This college] was not established to serve or to magnify Cornell University. It belongs to the people of the state. The farmers of the state have secured it. Their influence has placed it here... If there is any man standing on the land, unattached, uncontrolled, who feels that he has disadvantages and a problem, this College of Agriculture stands for that man." – Liberty Hyde Bailey In 1868, as the nation still felt the aftershocks of the American Civil War, a small town in the rolling hills ...
In this episode of The Produce Industry Podcast , host Patrick Kelly dives into the world of biotechnology with Sarah Evanega, Vice President of Business Development at Arctic Apples. Together, they explore how innovative tools like CRISPR and genome editing are shaping the future of produce. From enhancing quality to reducing waste, they discuss how biotechnology is revolutionizing the industry and why the once-controversial term “GMO” has taken a backseat in consumer concerns. Whether you’re a...
This week, Ross and Dan team up with the brilliant Anne-Marie Roerink of 210 Analytics to uncover the hottest produce trends for 2024 and take a sneak peek at what’s in store for 2025. Will produce continue to thrive , or is it just jive? Take a dive into this session recorded live at The Produce Industry Network. Tune in and Turn on!
