Fresh Takes On Tech

• Beyond Transparency: Cory Conners on the Future of Produce Packaging

  In this engaging episode of Fresh Takes on Tech, host Vonnie Estes welcomes the insightful Cory Connors. As the host of the “Sustainable Packaging Podcast” and a leading figure in sustainable packaging solutions, Cory shares his extensive experience and knowledge on the current trends, challenges, and innovations within the packaging industry. This episode stands out as a deep dive into how packaging, legislation, and sustainability intersect, particularly in the fresh produce sector.Cory and Vonnie discuss the complexities of introducing sustainable packaging in the produce industry, emphasizing the essential balance between functionality and eco-friendliness. Cory explains, “There’s nothing sustainable about rotten food,” highlighting the need for packaging to preserve product quality above all. They explore how industry changes, like the move away from single-use plastics and styrofoam, are impacting suppliers and retailers. The conversation reveals the gradual shift from confusion to adaptation, as more companies embrace eco-friendly materials while navigating new regulations across multiple states.Key TakeawaysSustainable packaging must first and foremost be effective in preserving the quality of produce to ensure true sustainability.Regulations, such as those in Oregon, are pushing the packaging industry towards sustainability but require businesses to stay informed and adjust accordingly to remain compliant.The shift to sustainable packaging involves collaboration across the supply chain, from manufacturers to retailers.Industry events play a crucial role in fostering connections and developing solutions in sustainable packaging.Consumer behavior and preferences, such as the desire to visually inspect produce, will continue to influence packaging design choices.Guest ResourcesInnovative Packaging Program Info/Application: https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/fresh-field-catalyst/Cory Connors on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-connorsSustainable Packaging Podcast with Cory Connors on Spotify and AppleAtlantic Packaging: https://www.atlanticpkg.comFor listeners eager to dive deeper into sustainable packaging strategies and industry insights, tune into this episode for a comprehensive look into current innovations and future directions in produce packaging. Stay connected with Fresh Takes on Tech for more enlightening discussions on technology’s role in transforming the food and agriculture sectors.Show LinksInternational 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 -

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• Joe Don Zetzche on AI, Automation, and the Future of Fresh

  Explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and automation on the produce and floral industries with host Vonnie Estes and guest Joe Don Zetzsche. With insights from Joe’s extensive experience, the episode delves into AI’s role in reshaping retail, revolutionizing floriculture breeding, and redefining supply chains. Discover strategies for growers and retailers to adapt and thrive amid rapid technological advancements. As AI models grow exponentially, understand how embracing these changes can unlock abundance and sustainability in everyday business practices.Key Takeaways• Exponential Growth Understanding: Joe explains the concept of exponential tech growth and its implications on human understanding and industry evolution.• AI in Retail: AI is revolutionizing retail operations, with companies like Amazon and Walmart leading through data integration and automation.• Impact on Medium and Small Retailers: Smaller retailers may face challenges without strategic adoption of AI technologies, potentially paying other companies to fill those gaps.• AI’s Role in Floriculture: AI’s integration in breeding processes is leading to more resilient and higher-performing floral varieties, highlighting future potentials for genomics and CRISPR technologies.• Cultural and Economic Shifts: Consumer acceptance of AI-driven services, like delivery of perishables, signals a cultural shift towards automation-enhanced convenience.Guest Resources• Joe Don Zetzsche: Currently supporting the floral and retail industries through consulting.• International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA): Fresh ProduceFor more insights into how AI and technology are reshaping industries, listen to the full episode and stay tuned to “Fresh Takes on Tech” for more thought-provoking discussions.Show LinksInternational 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/

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• Inside Corteva’s Revolution: A Conversation with Brian Lutz

  Explore the transformative role of AI in agriculture with Vonnie Estes and guest Dr. Brian Lutz from Corteva Agriscience. Delve into the integration of AI and machine learning in crop protection and breeding to enhance prediction accuracy and hasten discovery processes. Discover how AI reshapes traditional methodologies, and learn about managing data and model performance in agriculture. Dr. Lutz shares insights on overcoming challenges in AI adoption and the importance of a robust data strategy in fostering innovation within large companies. Tune in for a forward-looking discussion on AI’s impact on farming’s future.Key TakeawaysAI in Agriculture: AI is transforming the agriculture sector by enhancing genetic research and crop protection with predictive modeling, significantly improving the R&D process.Complexity and Scale: The vast complexity of agricultural data, comparable to immense structures like genomes or vast chemical spaces, necessitates sophisticated AI to efficiently explore and optimize outcomes.Customization over Commoditization: Success in using AI involves tailoring both self-developed and existing models to specific agricultural problems, rather than relying solely on out-of-the-box solutions.Data as a Product: Emphasizing a data-centric approach, Corteva sees data not just as a resource for applications but as a standalone product, vital for effective AI implementation.Transformative Culture: Developing a culture that integrates innovative AI methodologies with domain expertise promotes progress and adaptation in agricultural practices.Guest ResourcesCorteva Agriscience: CortevaDr. Brian Lutz: LinkedIn profile International Fresh Produce Association: IFPAThis episode offers a deep dive into AI’s impact on agriculture, making it an essential listen for anyone interested in the future of farming technology. Tune in for more insightful discussions on Fresh Takes on Tech and stay informed about the leading-edge practices that are reshaping the industry. Subscribe for more episodes and stay ahead in the ag-tech landscape.Show LinksInternational 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/

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• AI in the Field: Ranveer Chandra on the Future of Data-Driven Agriculture

  Explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence in agriculture with Vani Estes and guest Ranveer Chandra, VP at Microsoft. Discover how Microsoft integrates AI to enhance productivity and decision-making in the agriculture and food industry. From AI-powered agronomists and predictive analytics to overcoming industry challenges such as data sparsity, Chandra shares insights on the future of AI, the importance of reskilling, and the ethical considerations for sustainable practices. Tune in to understand how AI is reshaping agriculture from farm to table.Key TakeawaysAI as a Powerful Enabler: Artificial intelligence is emphasized as a tool that can transform agriculture by making data-driven decisions, improving efficiency, and reducing reliance on guesswork.Generative AI in Agriculture: Chandra explains the role generative AI can play in empowering different stakeholders in the agriculture supply chain, from predicting yields to optimizing business processes.Customized AI Models: Future directions point towards personalized AI models tailored to specific organizational needs, taking internal data into account for more informed and effective decision-making.Need for Continuous Learning: The fast-evolving field of AI necessitates continual education and adaptation by individuals and organizations to fully leverage these tools.Equity and Bias in AI: Addressing potential biases in AI systems and ensuring equitable access to technology is essential to avoid a divide where certain parties are disadvantaged.Guest ResourcesRanveer Chandra’s LinkedInIFPA WebsiteDive into this riveting episode to learn how AI is poised to redefine agriculture and how you can prepare for its advances. Stay tuned for more insights from Fresh Takes on Tech as we continue to uncover the future of innovation in the food and agriculture industry.Show LinksInternational 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/

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• The Smart Money on AI: Chuck Templeton on S2G's Strategy

  Explore how AI is transforming the agtech investment landscape in this episode of Fresh Takes on Tech. Host Vonnie Estes sits down with Chuck Templeton, founding partner at S2G Ventures, to discuss AI’s role in sustainable innovation. Discover how companies are using AI for personalized marketing, efficient resource management, and collaborative solutions in food and agriculture. Learn about the shift towards more agile, cost-effective business models and how AI is enabling faster, targeted problem-solving and innovative partnerships. Join Chuck and Vonnie as they delve into AI’s potential to reshape agtech.Key TakeawaysInvestment Efficiency: AI is drastically shifting investment landscapes by enabling companies to be more capital-efficient, moving at the pace of industry adoption cycles.Cross-Industry Solutions: AI enables creative collaboration across different sectors by developing shared solutions, showcasing new models for innovation in agriculture.Dynamic Business Models: With AI, companies can discover opportunities faster and restructure marketplaces, redefining traditional industry models.Personalized Communication: AI is revolutionizing how companies communicate with their customers, creating customized content tailored to individual learning styles and preferences.Collaborative Research: Initiatives like pre-competitive consortia offer pathways to industry-wide collaboration, enabling shared research and development efforts.Guest ResourcesS2G Ventures - Investment firm focusing on sustainable food and agricultureOpenAI’s GPT-3 and its applications in organizational tasks and content developmentCompanies like Arable, Brightseed, and Shiru mentioned as examples of AI’s impact on the industryShow LinksInternational 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/

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