Fresh Take

Send us Fan Mail

Podcast Description:

In this episode, we’re joined by Mandi Garcia, a Clinical Nutritionist, Master Health Coach, and Performance Specialist with over 20 years of experience in the allied health industry. Mandi’s passion for nutrition began with a deeply personal journey—her dog’s lymphoma diagnosis—which ignited her dedication to holistic eating and sparked a profound connection between food, health, and agriculture.

Mandi shares her expertise in tying nutrition to sustainable agriculture, diving into the concept of farm-to-table nutrition and its impact on our health. We explore the benefits of locally-sourced and seasonal foods, from their superior nutrient density to the role of soil health in creating more nutrient-rich crops. Learn why freshness matters, how reduced transportation time enhances flavor and quality, and why seasonal eating can optimize your overall well-being.

Mandi also provides practical tips for incorporating local foods into your diet, from finding fresh produce at farmers markets and CSAs to crafting simple, nutrient-packed recipes. Whether you’re curious about nutrient retention, soil health, or meal prepping with local ingredients, this episode will inspire you to make informed food choices that support your health, local farmers, and the environment.

Tune in to discover how embracing farm-to-table practices can transform the way you eat, live, and connect with your community!

Learn more at: Wellness | Freedom Health and Well-Being

Additional resources mentioned:
SNAP-ed Connection - Seasonal Produce Guide

Foundation for Fresh Produce

Fresh From Florida

Mandi's "Chicken in a Pot" recipe

Support the show

Fuel the Work Behind the Mic—and Beyond

Behind every episode is a community of supporters who believe in a healthier, more resilient food future. Sponsorship support helps Florida Organic Growers continue connecting farmers, food, and communities through education, resources, and conversations that inspire positive change. 🌱

👉 Visit our sponsor page to learn more and join our community of supporters. Together, we can grow real solutions.

Send us Fan Mail

La Dra. Michelle Danyluk Brinda información sobre las 7 reglas principals de FSMA que los agricultores deben conocer.  

La Dra. Michelle Danyluk aclara la relación entre FDA Y La Ley de Modernización de Inocuidad de Alimentos (FSMA), destacando la legislación propuesta que aún no ha sido finalizada y Brinda información sobre las 7 reglas principals de FSMA incluyendo: 

1. La Regla de inocuiad de frutas y verduras 
2. Programa de Verificación de Proveedores Estranjeros (en inglés FSVP) 
3. La Regla de Transporte Sanitario  
4. Protección contra la adulteración intencional 
5. Certificación de terceros acreditados 
6. Reglas de controles preventivos para alimentos humanos y animals 
7. Programa de Importador Voluntario (en inglés, VQIP)  

 Recursos: 

Aprenda más en nuestro sitio web: https://foginfo.org/food-safety-for-producers/  

https://foginfo.org/food-safety-for-producers-spanish/ 

 Obtenga más información sobre la inocuidad de alimentos en el sitio web de the U.S. Food and Drug Administration:https://www.fda.gov/food/guidance-regulation-food-and-dietary-supplements/food-safety-modernization-act-fsma 

Support the show

Fuel the Work Behind the Mic—and Beyond

Behind every episode is a community of supporters who believe in a healthier, more resilient food future. Sponsorship support helps Florida Organic Growers continue connecting farmers, food, and communities through education, resources, and conversations that inspire positive change. 🌱

👉 Visit our sponsor page to learn more and join our community of supporters. Together, we can grow real solutions.

Send us Fan Mail

Dr. Michelle Danyluk, Professor and Extension Specialist in the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department at University of Florida, provides insight into 7 major FSMA rules that farmers need to know. 

Dr. Michelle Danyluk clarifies the relationship between the Food and Drug Administration and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), highlights proposed legislation yet to be finalized, and provides insight into 7 major FSMA rules including: 

1. Produce Safety Rule 

2. Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) 

3. Sanitary Transportation Rule 

4. Protection Against Intentional Adulteration 

5. Accredited Third-party Certification 

6. Preventive Controls Rules for Human and Animal Food 

7. Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP) 

Resources: 

Learn more about food safety and upcoming events and webinars on our website: https://foginfo.org/food-safety-for-producers/
 
Learn more about FSMA on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Website:
https://www.fda.gov/food/guidance-regulation-food-and-dietary-supplements/food-safety-modernization-act-fsma 

Support the show

Fuel the Work Behind the Mic—and Beyond

Behind every episode is a community of supporters who believe in a healthier, more resilient food future. Sponsorship support helps Florida Organic Growers continue connecting farmers, food, and communities through education, resources, and conversations that inspire positive change. 🌱

👉 Visit our sponsor page to learn more and join our community of supporters. Together, we can grow real solutions.

Send us Fan Mail

Ever wonder how a love for gardening and a background in marketing can lead to a thriving sustainable farm? Join us as we chat with Jonathan Way, the visionary co-founder of Calusa Farms and CEO of Topiary Creations, who turned his passion into a movement supporting small farmers across America. 

Jonathan's journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability. When the pandemic forced his farm to temporarily close, leaving unsold produce behind, he turned adversity into opportunity. By inviting chefs to witness the transparency of his food sourcing, he built trust that became invaluable as restaurants shifted to takeout services. This episode highlights the power of strong relationships and Jonathan’s innovative problem-solving.

From starting Calusa Farms with just $300 to leading Topiary Creations, Jonathan shares his evolution from small-scale farming to large-scale agriculture. His story blends hands-on farming expertise with strategic business insights, showing how positivity and openness can turn challenges into opportunities. This inspiring episode offers practical lessons on overcoming obstacles and thriving in unexpected ways.

Support the show

Fuel the Work Behind the Mic—and Beyond

Behind every episode is a community of supporters who believe in a healthier, more resilient food future. Sponsorship support helps Florida Organic Growers continue connecting farmers, food, and communities through education, resources, and conversations that inspire positive change. 🌱

👉 Visit our sponsor page to learn more and join our community of supporters. Together, we can grow real solutions.

Send us Fan Mail

Join us for an enlightening episode of Fresh Take, offering invaluable insights into disaster relief and resilience within the farming community. Our special guests, Lisa Misch and Jaimie McGirt from RAFI, share their vast experience in guiding farmers through the challenges posed by natural disasters. From hurricanes to droughts, we discuss the essential support systems that enable farmers to recover and thrive, highlighting the important roles played by the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and Farm Service Agency (FSA) during times of crisis.

Lisa and Jaimie share their work, highlighting the importance of disaster recovery programs and keeping detailed records. We discuss the challenges of recovery and practical steps farmers can take to navigate the aftermath of extreme weather.
We conclude with a call to action for listeners to engage with RAFI's mission, advocating for a more equitable food system. Don't miss this crucial discussion on building resilient farm communities and the vital support farmers need to face natural disasters.

Additional resources:
USDA Disaster Discovery Tool
Navigating Disaster Programs for Farmers

Support the show

Fuel the Work Behind the Mic—and Beyond

Behind every episode is a community of supporters who believe in a healthier, more resilient food future. Sponsorship support helps Florida Organic Growers continue connecting farmers, food, and communities through education, resources, and conversations that inspire positive change. 🌱

👉 Visit our sponsor page to learn more and join our community of supporters. Together, we can grow real solutions.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we sit down with Ali Cox, a visionary in agriculture and food ingredient marketing and the founder of Noble West, an award-winning consultancy that serves the entire agricultural ecosystem—from fresh produce to agTech. As a fifth-generation farmer, Ali returned to California’s Central Valley in 2007 with a mission: to provide world-class marketing to farmers and growers in her community. 

Ali shares her journey of keeping farming viable for future generations, exploring innovative projects like upcycling imperfect produce into valuable products. Through her work, Ali champions environmental sustainability, consulting on upcycling, regenerative water use, and organic farming practices, all with an eye on the climate crisis. This episode dives into the ways agriculture can adapt to changing consumer demands, while reducing waste and building a more sustainable future.

Key Takeaways:
- Understand how upcycling transforms potential waste into economic opportunities.
- Learn the difference between food loss (unharvested resources) and food waste (uneaten food).
- Discover how upcycling supports biodiversity and sustainable practices.
- Hear Ali’s insights on holding processors accountable and ensuring fair compensation for farmers.
- Explore how consumer education can help build acceptance for upcycled products and reduce food waste.

Learn more about Sierra Agra and their mission here!

Tune in for an eye-opening discussion on creating a sustainable food system and the future of upcycling in agriculture!

Support the show

Fuel the Work Behind the Mic—and Beyond

Behind every episode is a community of supporters who believe in a healthier, more resilient food future. Sponsorship support helps Florida Organic Growers continue connecting farmers, food, and communities through education, resources, and conversations that inspire positive change. 🌱

👉 Visit our sponsor page to learn more and join our community of supporters. Together, we can grow real solutions.

Join us for an insightful episode with Lauren Daniels-Judge, Propagation Manager at ECHO, as she takes us through her journey from teaching in Chicago to promoting small-scale farming in North Fort Myers. Lauren shares how ECHO empowers communities with crucial resources and training to enhance food security and agricultural education. Dive into the world of plant propagation, where Lauren offers expert knowledge on seed saving, grafting, and other methods to help plants thrive in Florida’s challenging climate.

Key highlights:
- Lauren’s transition from education to small-scale farming advocacy.
- The importance of seed saving and propagation techniques
- Grafting to blend resilience with desirable plant traits for better growth in unpredictable weather.
- Understanding orthodox vs. recalcitrant seeds and the significance of true-to-seed knowledge.
- How ECHO supports communities with agricultural education and resources.

Support the show

We 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

Send us Fan Mail

Curious how a chef champions urban farming? Meet Mike Garcia, who traded his chef’s knife for a garden trowel and founded Everoak Farm in Orlando, Florida. In this episode, we explore Mike's journey from culinary school to sustainable farming, where his expertise helps him provide fresh, local produce that exceeds customer expectations.

Mike shares his vision for a collaborative food system in Orlando, emphasizing community-supported agriculture and the potential of urban farming networks. He offers practical advice for aspiring farmers, including land leasing and reinvesting earnings.

Join us at the Florida Local Food Project's Field to Fork Farm Day at Everoak Farm on November 14, 2024! This event provides you with an excellent opportunity to network, learn from experts, and foster meaningful connections with others who are passionate about local food.

This event is offered to local food actors at no cost and is limited to 50 attendees.

Register here!

Support the show

Fuel the Work Behind the Mic—and Beyond

Behind every episode is a community of supporters who believe in a healthier, more resilient food future. Sponsorship support helps Florida Organic Growers continue connecting farmers, food, and communities through education, resources, and conversations that inspire positive change. 🌱

👉 Visit our sponsor page to learn more and join our community of supporters. Together, we can grow real solutions.

Send us Fan Mail

Unlock the secrets to starting a successful home-based food business with expert insights from Jennifer Hagen, Extension Agent specializing in Family and Consumer Sciences from the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Jennifer’s inspiring journey from urban planning to guiding aspiring food entrepreneurs offers practical advice for those eager to launch their own ventures.

In this podcast, Jennifer breaks down the essentials of Florida’s cottage food laws, explaining which products can and cannot be sold from home. She also clarifies the critical distinctions between shelf-stable products that are allowed and those like dairy and meats that require refrigeration. With Jennifer's guidance, you’ll feel confident about starting your own food business while adhering to regulations.

**For even more info and an interactive experience, join Jennifer on Monday, September 30, 2024, from 12pm – 1pm EST for the Cottage Food and Value-Added Practices Virtual Training. Registration is free!**

Support the show

Fuel the Work Behind the Mic—and Beyond

Behind every episode is a community of supporters who believe in a healthier, more resilient food future. Sponsorship support helps Florida Organic Growers continue connecting farmers, food, and communities through education, resources, and conversations that inspire positive change. 🌱

👉 Visit our sponsor page to learn more and join our community of supporters. Together, we can grow real solutions.

Send us Fan Mail

We welcome back Dr. Keith Schneider for a discussion on post-harvest water use. Dr. Schneider shares strategies to keep produce safe.  

Tune in to hear about: 

- Why harvest and postharvest water quality is important 

- How cross-contamination can occur  

- Which mitigation strategies are effective 

- The use of sanitizers and their role in growing safe produce 

Learn more on our website: https://foginfo.org/food-safety-for-producers/ 

For the latest news on FSMA, visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Website:
https://www.fda.gov/food/guidance-regulation-food-and-dietary-supplements/food-safety-modernization-act-fsma 

Support the show

Fuel the Work Behind the Mic—and Beyond

Behind every episode is a community of supporters who believe in a healthier, more resilient food future. Sponsorship support helps Florida Organic Growers continue connecting farmers, food, and communities through education, resources, and conversations that inspire positive change. 🌱

👉 Visit our sponsor page to learn more and join our community of supporters. Together, we can grow real solutions.