Fresh Takes On Tech

Dive into regenerative agriculture with host Vonnie Estes as she explores the USDA's Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) program. Guests Nikki Cossio and Kyle Cosgrove from Measure to Improve discuss the importance of implementing sustainable practices on farms, the challenges growers face, and how AMP bridges the gap between farm practices and market recognition. This episode highlights the collaborative efforts needed across the supply chain to empower growers, enhance sustainability, and foster market demand. Listen to discover how regenerative agriculture is reshaping the future of farming and produce industry.
Key Takeaways
Proof of Concept: The AMP program aims to establish viable conservation practices that work across different farms and environments, providing growers with confidence in their sustainability investments.
Supply Chain Education: There is a need for alignment and clarity among supply chain stakeholders concerning terms like "sustainable" and "regenerative," ensuring everyone speaks the same language.
Risk Reduction: The program offers financial and technical support to mitigate the risks growers face when trialing new practices.
Storytelling Importance: Effective communication of sustainability efforts is crucial in connecting farm practices to market value and consumer understanding.
Farmer-First Approach: While centered on growers' needs, the initiative demands active participation from the entire supply chain for holistic success.

Guest Resources
Measure to Improve (MTI): Website
International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA): Website
USDA's Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP): USDA AMP Page

Embark on this informative journey as Vonnie Estes and her guests, Nikki Cossio and Kyle Cosgrove, discuss these crucial themes in agriculture today. Listen to the full episode for deeper insights and stay tuned to Fresh Takes on Tech for more engaging discussions on the future of food and agriculture.
Show Links
International 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/

Episode Summary:
In this episode of "Fresh Takes on Tech," host Vonnie Estes delves into the significant themes of regenerative agriculture and market opportunities for growers engaged in climate-smart practices. The episode specifically highlights the USDA's Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) program, showcasing its attempt to forge tangible market value for sustainable farming practices. Featured guest Peter Wells from Elevated Foods shares insights into his company's role within this program, focusing on how they aggregate products from multiple growers to reach new consumer markets.
Elevated Foods is actively contributing to resolving the disconnect between sustainable agricultural practices and market incentives by developing commercial supply chains linking growers with consumers and buyers. The discussion centers on the innovative approaches that Elevated Foods is pursuing, such as nutrient density testing, and the emphasis on local and regional food systems. Wells discusses the challenges and successes encountered, particularly with data collection and market engagement, providing listeners with a detailed view of the company's strategic initiatives.
Key Takeaways
The USDA's AMP program aims to connect climate-smart agricultural practices with real market value for growers by fostering collaborations among producers, buyers, and supply chain partners.
Elevated Foods focuses on aggregating produce from multiple growers to enter new markets, relying on storytelling and local food systems to differentiate their products.
Nutrient density testing is an innovative approach being utilized by Elevated Foods to highlight the quality and health benefits of sustainably grown produce.
The challenges of data collection have been alleviated somewhat by recent changes to the program, enabling more efficient engagement with growers.
There is significant interest from growers in adopting sustainability practices, and buyers are intrigued by the potential for differentiation through these practices in the marketplace.

Guest Resources
Elevated Foods
International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA)

For those intrigued by the interplay between sustainable agriculture and market forces, this episode offers a deep dive into the solutions and opportunities being explored. Listen to the full episode to gain further insights and stay tuned for more discussions that push the boundaries of innovation in the food and agricultural sectors.
Show Links
International 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/

Dive into the world of regenerative agriculture with host Vonnie Estes and guest Tamara Muruetagoiena, VP of sustainability at IFPA, as they discuss the latest developments in regenerative practices. Learn about the USDA's Advancing Markets for Producers grant and its impact on the produce industry. Discover how California and Washington state growers are adopting innovative practices, reducing risks, and exploring new market opportunities. Explore the economic benefits and market potential of regenerative agriculture, while supporting sustainability and environmental efforts across the supply chain.
Key Takeaways
The IFPA is working with the USDA on a grant to promote regenerative agriculture practices among specialty crop growers in California and Washington.
This initiative aims to reduce the financial risk for growers trying sustainable practices, offering compensation and measuring outcomes like yield and soil health.
Regenerative agriculture practices align closely with the increasing market demand, giving growers a competitive edge in sustainability storytelling.
The program engages with the entire supply chain, actively involving retailers to enhance market access for regenerative agriculture products.
The wealth of data and real-world application from this initiative will provide robust insights into future agricultural practices.

Guest Resources
International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA): Website

Discover how regenerative agriculture is shaping the future of the produce industry by listening to the full episode. Stay tuned for more insightful discussions on the intersection of food, technology, and sustainability on Fresh Takes on Tech.
Show Links
International 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/

In this episode of "Fresh Takes on Tech," hosted by Vonnie Estes, Rachel Blake from the International Fresh Produce Association shares her insights on the transformative power of the Global Intelligence Engine. This episode delves into the intersection of artificial intelligence and the agricultural sector, revealing how technology is reshaping the produce industry's approach to data and decision-making. Rachel provides an in-depth look at how this innovative platform is addressing the rapidly changing dynamics of global trade and consumer behavior.
The discussion spotlights the critical role artificial intelligence plays in the produce industry, especially amidst factors like climate change, inflation, and shifting consumer preferences. Rachel explains the comprehensive capabilities of the Global Intelligence Engine, including its ability to provide data-backed insights tailored to individual member needs. The engine combines proprietary consumer trend data with POS sales data from Circana, setting it apart as a reliable resource for members navigating market complexities. Rachel emphasizes the engine's unique ability to provide reliable insights, unlike generic market reports or public dashboards, underscoring its importance in making informed business decisions.
Key Takeaways
The Global Intelligence Engine is an AI-enabled platform that provides reliable, data-backed insights for the fresh produce and floral industries, allowing for highly customized decision-making.
The platform integrates proprietary consumer trend data and US retail POS data, providing unparalleled insights into consumer behavior and market trends.
The engine's capabilities are particularly vital in today's rapidly changing global trade and consumer environment, offering valuable predictive insights.
Trust and security are prioritized in the Global Intelligence Engine, ensuring that member queries remain confidential and the data remains reliable.
Ongoing advancements in the platform include expanding market data access and potentially integrating global policy and regulatory information to further benefit members.

Guest Resources
International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA)

Listeners are encouraged to tune into this insightful episode to learn more about how cutting-edge technology is shaping the future of the produce industry. Don’t forget to subscribe to “Fresh Takes on Tech” for more engaging discussions on innovation in agriculture.
Show Links
International 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/

Explore the transformative partnership between Sun World International and Pairwise as they redefine the future of produce. Hosted by Vonnie Estes, this engaging discussion features insights from David Marguleas and Tom Adams, who share their journey of pioneering gene editing in fresh produce. Discover how innovations like pitless cherries and seedless mandarins are reshaping consumer experiences, addressing sustainability, and enhancing grower profitability. Unearth the golden age of plant breeding and its potential to increase fresh produce consumption worldwide. Join the conversation on this groundbreaking collaboration advancing the produce industry.
Key Takeaways
Sun World International and Pairwise have partnered to use CRISPR technology in plant breeding, focusing on consumer-centric traits like pitless cherries and seedless blackberries.
The initiatives aim to boost sustainability, enhance flavor, and provide convenience, thereby increasing fresh produce consumption.
Transparency with consumers about the use of gene editing is crucial to acceptance, although regulatory advancements in regions such as Europe are encouraging.
The podcast underscores the importance of collaboration in innovation, leveraging advantages like Sun World's distribution expertise and Pairwise's technological prowess.
There is an anticipation of significant changes in how breeding and genetic technologies will transform the fresh produce industry over the next decade.

Guest Resources
Sun World International
Pairwise

Tune into the full episode to explore how these innovative minds are reshaping the future of fresh produce. Don't miss upcoming episodes for more on the cutting edge of agricultural technology and innovation!
Show Links
International 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/