In this podcast episode, Catherine Campbell, PhD, MPH, and Jesse Haskins delve into the impact of the Florida Greenbelt Law on farm property taxes. 

Catherine, an Assistant Professor at the University of Florida, shares her expertise in community food systems, emphasizing research for health, sustainability, equity, and resilience. The discussion covers the law's background, implications for stakeholders, and criteria for agricultural classification.

Jesse Haskins, principal attorney at J Haskins Law, brings legal insight, drawing on his experience in agriculture and defamation law. The episode guides farmers through the application process, explores potential tax savings, and discusses avenues for appeal. Key resources are provided for a comprehensive understanding of the Greenbelt Law.

Listeners also get to know Catherine's background and research focus, explore the history of the Florida Greenbelt Law, and receive practical tips on applying and appealing if denied.

Find your county’s property appraiser here: https://floridarevenue.com/property/Pages/LocalOfficials.aspx   

Support the show

Fuel the Work Behind the Mic—and Beyond

Programs like Fresh Take and this podcast are made possible by partners who believe in organic agriculture, community wellness, and lasting food systems change. Sponsorship support helps Florida Organic Growers continue providing farmer education, trusted resources, and impactful conversations that move our work forward.

By becoming a sponsor, you’re investing in meaningful, measurable impact—and helping ensure these programs remain accessible and sustainable.

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

Lana and Andi invite Florida local food actors to join the Florida Local Food Network, and to get started by attending our virtual training event January 18th, "Platform Training & Kickoff!"

Fresh Take host Lana Chehabeddine takes on the guest role to talk about the Florida Local Food Project, FOG’s USDA-funded initiative to connect local farmers with local food entrepreneurs and restaurateurs. Members gain access to a vibrant community where they can collaborate, share ideas, and access valuable resources.  
  

In this episode, learn about:  

- How the Florida Local Food Network is working toward a more sustainable local food system 

- Benefits of becoming a member of the Florida Local Food Network 

- Hylo launch and virtual training event on January 18th 

Learn more about Florida Local Food Project on the website: https://foginfo.org/our-programs/local-food-promotion-project/

Support the show

Fuel the Work Behind the Mic—and Beyond

Programs like Fresh Take and this podcast are made possible by partners who believe in organic agriculture, community wellness, and lasting food systems change. Sponsorship support helps Florida Organic Growers continue providing farmer education, trusted resources, and impactful conversations that move our work forward.

By becoming a sponsor, you’re investing in meaningful, measurable impact—and helping ensure these programs remain accessible and sustainable.

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

Join Lana and Joy for a conversation about sustainable baking practices. 

Joy, a former pastry chef and current FOG Local Nutrition and Outreach Coordinator, introduces the concept of sustainable baking, emphasizing the importance of minimizing environmental impact, reducing waste, and supporting local communities. Practical tips include embracing sourdough for low-waste baking, optimizing oven efficiency, and adopting eco-friendly ingredient and single-use plastic alternatives. 
  

In this episode, learn about:  

- Alternative environmentally friendly flours 

- Sourdough bread as a means of low- to no-waste baking 

- Practical tips for reducing waste in the kitchen 

Learn more about sustainable baking on the King Arthur website: https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/learn/guides/guide-to-sustainable-baking 

Learn more about sourdough on The Perfect Loaf: https://www.theperfectloaf.com/beginners-sourdough-bread/ 

Support the show

Fuel the Work Behind the Mic—and Beyond

Programs like Fresh Take and this podcast are made possible by partners who believe in organic agriculture, community wellness, and lasting food systems change. Sponsorship support helps Florida Organic Growers continue providing farmer education, trusted resources, and impactful conversations that move our work forward.

By becoming a sponsor, you’re investing in meaningful, measurable impact—and helping ensure these programs remain accessible and sustainable.

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

Dr. Javier Garces joins JC for a conversation about Certified Organic Farm Technician training (COFT), a comprehensive program designed to provide high school and post-secondary students with the specialized knowledge, skills, and experience they’ll need to enter the agricultural workforce. 

Dr. Garces is currently serving as a Professor and Program Chair for the Plant Science and Agricultural Technology Program at Valencia College. Valencia offers an A.S. degree with specializations in Sustainable Agriculture, Horticulture, or Landscape, as well as several Technical Certificates. Tune in to hear JC and Dr. Garces chat about COFT training and the intersection of academia with real-world agricultural practices.  

In this episode, learn about:  

- How Dr. Garces got his start in plant science and agricultural technology 

- The skills and knowledge COFT training provides 

- Where to start if you're interested in transitioning to organic 

Learn more about COFT on the website: https://foginfo.org/coft/ 

Support the show

Fuel the Work Behind the Mic—and Beyond

Programs like Fresh Take and this podcast are made possible by partners who believe in organic agriculture, community wellness, and lasting food systems change. Sponsorship support helps Florida Organic Growers continue providing farmer education, trusted resources, and impactful conversations that move our work forward.

By becoming a sponsor, you’re investing in meaningful, measurable impact—and helping ensure these programs remain accessible and sustainable.

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

In this episode, JC and Dr. Carlene Chase explore some of the biggest challenges facing farmers, discuss the potential of organic farming practices to address these issues, and delve into science-based solutions, highlighting the benefits of cover crops.  

Dr. Chase is an associate professor at UF with a research focus on weed management, methyl bromide alternatives, and cover crops. She discusses challenges for organic farmers, including the rising cost of fertilizers and climate change, as well as some ways of mitigating those challenges. In particular, you’ll learn about the benefits of sunn hemp, which not only yields substantial biomass, but is also effective in suppressing nematodes.  
 

In this episode, learn about: 

- Organic weed management practices  

- Off-season cover cropping 

- Southern Cover Crops Council 

Learn more about Southern Cover Crops Council on the website: https://southerncovercrops.org/ 

Support the show

Fuel the Work Behind the Mic—and Beyond

Programs like Fresh Take and this podcast are made possible by partners who believe in organic agriculture, community wellness, and lasting food systems change. Sponsorship support helps Florida Organic Growers continue providing farmer education, trusted resources, and impactful conversations that move our work forward.

By becoming a sponsor, you’re investing in meaningful, measurable impact—and helping ensure these programs remain accessible and sustainable.

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

FOG Board Vice President Logan Petrey joins us to discuss the benefits of organic farming practices and The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP).  

Logan Petrey is the Ranch Manager for Grimmway Farms’ organic farm in North Florida, as well as serving as the National Organic Standard Board member. Join us to learn about SE-TOPP, a USDA program that will provide transitioning and existing organic farmers mentoring services, technical assistance, community building, and organic workforce development.  
  
In this episode, learn about:  

- The Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program (SE TOPP)
-Opportunities at the Organic Food and Farming Summit
- Organics’ role in US agriculture 
- How farmers can benefit from adopting organic farming practices 

Learn more about SE TOPP at: https://foginfo.org/our-programs/southeast-center-for-organic-transition/

Support the show

Fuel the Work Behind the Mic—and Beyond

Programs like Fresh Take and this podcast are made possible by partners who believe in organic agriculture, community wellness, and lasting food systems change. Sponsorship support helps Florida Organic Growers continue providing farmer education, trusted resources, and impactful conversations that move our work forward.

By becoming a sponsor, you’re investing in meaningful, measurable impact—and helping ensure these programs remain accessible and sustainable.

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

Join us for a conversation with FOG’s own Andi Emrich about the Organic Certification Cost Share Program and how it helps current and future organic farmers. 

In this episode, we are spreading the word about the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP). Discover how OCCSP offers financial support to organic farmers, assisting them in obtaining or renewing their organic certification.  

In this episode, learn about: 

- Who is eligible for the Cost Share program and what can and cannot be reimbursed 

- How to apply for reimbursements and how you will receive them 

- Further resources to help you navigate the program 

Learn more about --- on the website: https://foginfo.org/our-programs/cost-share/ 

https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/occsp/index 

Support the show

Fuel the Work Behind the Mic—and Beyond

Programs like Fresh Take and this podcast are made possible by partners who believe in organic agriculture, community wellness, and lasting food systems change. Sponsorship support helps Florida Organic Growers continue providing farmer education, trusted resources, and impactful conversations that move our work forward.

By becoming a sponsor, you’re investing in meaningful, measurable impact—and helping ensure these programs remain accessible and sustainable.

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

Patrick Ferguson, Senior Organizing Representative for Sierra Club’s Stop Sugar Field Burning Campaign, joins us to discuss the environmental impact of pre-harvest sugar burning.  

Beginning in 2015, the Stop the Burn campaign focuses on the environmental and public health consequences of pre-harvest sugar field burning. We will explore the success of green harvesting alternatives, highlighting countries that have embraced this approach. We will also examine the advocacy initiatives undertaken by local leaders, farmers, consumers, and sustainable food advocates.  
  

In this episode, learn about:  

- The Stop the Burn campaign  

- The environmental and health impacts of pre-harvest sugar field burning 

- How green harvesting has the potential to overhaul sugar burning 

Learn more about Sierra Club’s Stop Sugar Field Burning Campaign on the website: https://stopsugarburning.org/ 

Support the show

Fuel the Work Behind the Mic—and Beyond

Programs like Fresh Take and this podcast are made possible by partners who believe in organic agriculture, community wellness, and lasting food systems change. Sponsorship support helps Florida Organic Growers continue providing farmer education, trusted resources, and impactful conversations that move our work forward.

By becoming a sponsor, you’re investing in meaningful, measurable impact—and helping ensure these programs remain accessible and sustainable.

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

Join us as we dive into the world of food systems and community development with Kim Hines and discover how strategic planning and innovative tools are shaping a more resilient future.   

Kim Hines is a Leadership Co-Chair of the North American Food Systems Network with an interest in following national trends in local and regional food systems employment. We will be discussing challenges faced by food systems practitioners, as well as highlighting ACRE and CARAT as tools for creating a more resilient food system.  
  

In this episode, learn about:  

- Kim’s background and current role at NAFSN  

- How the AgriCluster Retention and Expansion helps farmers work together 

- The development and utilization of the Community Agriculture Resiliency Audit Tool 

- How to get involved  

Learn more about NAFSN on the website:  https://www.foodsystemsnetwork.org/ 

Support the show

Fuel the Work Behind the Mic—and Beyond

Programs like Fresh Take and this podcast are made possible by partners who believe in organic agriculture, community wellness, and lasting food systems change. Sponsorship support helps Florida Organic Growers continue providing farmer education, trusted resources, and impactful conversations that move our work forward.

By becoming a sponsor, you’re investing in meaningful, measurable impact—and helping ensure these programs remain accessible and sustainable.

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

Join us for an informative discussion with Tom Wichman, an expert on eco-friendly landscaping with nearly 50 years’ experience in the industry.  

A self-proclaimed plant nerd, Tom is currently the Assistant Director for the Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program and the statewide coordinator for the Green Industries Best Management Practices Program. Tom is also the radio host for Florida-Friendly Landscaping in a Minute radio show, and he and his team just completed filming season 3 of the television show Flip My Florida Yard. We’ll highlight the importance of eco-friendly landscaping and break down its core tenets. 
  
In this episode, learn about:  

- How to build biodiversity in your home landscape 

- Water wise practices 

- Recycling yard waste 

Learn more about Florida-Friendly Landscaping on the website: https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/ 

And check out the Free Florida-Landscaping Handbook: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeysnTNBRS6LK6Kcqvdv6gcM6dk5KuUVc-KH2K0OG4BOHkOxQ/viewform 

Find your local agricultural extension agent for local events: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/ 

Support the show

Fuel the Work Behind the Mic—and Beyond

Programs like Fresh Take and this podcast are made possible by partners who believe in organic agriculture, community wellness, and lasting food systems change. Sponsorship support helps Florida Organic Growers continue providing farmer education, trusted resources, and impactful conversations that move our work forward.

By becoming a sponsor, you’re investing in meaningful, measurable impact—and helping ensure these programs remain accessible and sustainable.

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