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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.

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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.

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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 learn why strawberries and other crops are heavily sprayed, especially in climates like Florida's, and the regulations in place to ensure consumer safety. 

Discover the truths and misconceptions surrounding organic farming as we clarify the selective use of natural and approved synthetic pest control products. We also highlight emerging evidence linking conventional pesticides to serious health issues, including hormonal disruptions and developmental problems. This episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to maintaining a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.

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.

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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 how they foster trust and accountability across the supply chain.

Concerned about the hidden costs of cheap food and environmental impacts? Tripp dives into the benefits of organic coffee farming and the role of certifications in promoting soil health and sustainability. Hear about innovative solutions like carbon sequestration payments that support farmers in adopting sustainable practices.

Join us to uncover how Sweetwater Organic Coffee is leading the way in ethical commerce and what the future holds for fair trade and sustainable 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.

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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 planning are discussed, highlighting the need to update codes to strengthen local food connections in Central Florida. Hannah and other extension agents provide essential tools and info to local food leaders, driving community growth.

We also talk about collaborative efforts to help farmers and food entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of education, self-determination, and community support. Tune in to find out how to tap into resources from UF IFAS and connect with local extension agents to promote sustainable agriculture in your area.

Find your local Extension Agent at: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/ 

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.

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Can food recovery revolutionize our approach to food waste and sustainability? Find out as we sit down with Emily Grant, Director of Florida Operations for foodrecovery.org, who shares her incredible journey from urban planning to leading food recovery efforts. Emily’s story is rooted in community engagement, from her hands-on work in a Sarasota community garden to her strategic role with UF IFAS Extension's Family Nutrition Program. Her experiences have paved the way for a remarkable career dedicated to reducing food waste and supporting communities in need.

Get ready to rethink your food habits as we explore practical strategies for reducing food waste at home and the significant environmental impacts of these efforts. We discuss savvy techniques like freezing overripe fruits and flash-freezing vegetables, using food scraps to make stock, and the benefits of home composting. We also touch on larger systemic changes, such as policy implementation and curbside compost pickups, that can create broader environmental benefits and significantly lower CO2 emissions.

Tune in to this transformative episode and learn how you can contribute to a more sustainable food system.

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.

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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.

Plus, don't miss the upcoming workshop: Preparing for Organic Inspections May 30, 2024 at 12 EST. Find out more and register at https://bit.ly/3Wr8Zy3

If you're passionate about organic farming, this podcast is a must-listen!

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.

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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 soil management techniques, blueberry species selection, and their dedication to environmental stewardship through initiatives like "This Farm CARES" and their involvement in the WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms )program. Hank and Jessica’s commitment extends beyond producing delicious, healthy produce; it's about nurturing a healthy planet and community, one blueberry at a time.

Additionally, they invite listeners to an upcoming special event in collaboration with Florida Organic Growers' Florida Local Food Project, the Spring Farm Tour a part of Millstone Institute 2024 Farm Tour!

This event provides an excellent opportunity to network, learn from experts, and foster meaningful connections with others who are passionate about local food May 18, 2024! Registration is free!

Secure your spots at: https://bit.ly/4cU3TAn

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.

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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 seasons, and how has it reshaped the restaurant scene in the wake of COVID-19? We chew over the substantial influence of harvest cycles on everything from a dish's nutritional value to the vibrancy of local economies. As we peel back the layers of the food industry, you'll learn about the challenges restaurants face with practices like artificially ripening tomatoes, and how chefs have the power to revolutionize consumer expectations by celebrating the natural diversity of produce. It's a candid talk that serves up a generous portion of food for thought on the importance of farm-to-table relationships.

To cap off our culinary convergence, we slice into the intricacies of designing a seasonal menu that keeps diners coming back for more. While uncovering the importance of color, texture, and flavor harmony, we also stir in a discussion on accountability within the food sourcing process. You'll hear firsthand about the growing trend of transparency in the industry, and why knowing the origin of your meal matters. So, set your table and ready your forks; this episode isn't just about what we eat, but how and why we choose to eat it, with insights from those cultivating change one plate at a time.

https://www.thewalkintalk.com/walkin-talk-podcast

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.

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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 trust in food labeling.

Contemplate the future of seafood and aquaculture, with a focus on ocean health. Get a sneak peek into Hari's upcoming heart-healthy cookbook, highlighting the link between culinary arts and sustainability. Join us for an enlightening discussion that challenges your perspective on food and its impact on the industry.

Don't miss Hari at the Organic Food and Farming Summit on April 19 for the Summit workshop – "Plating the Harvest: Embracing Local at Restaurants". Grab your tickets now! 

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.

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How do we build a food system that supports farmers, strengthens communities, and protects our environment?

In this episode, we sit down with Audrey Coldy of the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) to explore the impactful programs and resources offered through ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture. Drawing on her farming background and passion for food equity, Audrey shares how education, collaboration, and innovation are helping create a more sustainable future for agriculture.

From farmer training and networking opportunities to veteran-focused initiatives like Armed to Farm and youth-centered programs such as Farm to School, this conversation highlights the many ways ATTRA is empowering people across the food system. We also discuss the importance of local food production, community resilience, and knowledge-sharing through platforms like the Voices from the Field podcast.

Whether you're a farmer, educator, food advocate, or simply passionate about sustainable agriculture, this episode offers inspiration and practical insights into the programs helping communities thrive.

Tune in to discover how ATTRA is cultivating connections, supporting producers, and growing a healthier, more equitable food future for all. 🌱🎙️

 https://attra.ncat.org/about/staff/

https://attra.ncat.org/events/

 https://www.latinofarmersusa.com/

 https://www.notillgrowers.com/

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.