Description:

Vonnie Estes sits down with three innovators transforming how agriculture manages energy, water, and disease detection. Michael Salvador, co-founder and CEO of Mirai Solar, discusses how photovoltaic shading systems generate clean energy while protecting crops from excessive sunlight. Sarah Placella, founder and CEO of Root Applied Sciences, shares how their airborne pathogen detection system helps growers optimize pesticide use and improve scouting precision. Bryce Buesing, Manager of Client Relations at Responsive Drip Irrigation (RDI), explains their plant-responsive irrigation system that delivers water only when plants need it, improving efficiency and conservation.

Each of these technologies is shaping a more sustainable and data-driven future for farming, offering solutions that enhance productivity, reduce waste, and support climate resilience.

Key Points from the Conversation:

•​Mirai Solar: Photovoltaic shading replaces traditional greenhouse and field shading, providing crops with optimal light exposure while generating electricity.

•​Root Applied Sciences: DNA-based airborne pathogen detection helps farmers reduce pesticide use by identifying disease presence before visible symptoms appear.

•​Responsive Drip Irrigation (RDI): A sensor-free, plant-responsive irrigation system that releases water based on root signals, optimizing water use for a variety of crops.

•​The increasing need for precision agriculture solutions in response to climate change and resource limitations.

•​Insights from the Fresh Field Catalyst Accelerator, including the value of industry mentorship and collaboration in bringing new ag-tech innovations to market.

Guest Information: 

•​Michael Salvador – Co-founder & CEO of Mirai Solar, leading innovation in solar-powered shading for agriculture.

•​Sarah Placella – Founder & CEO of Root Applied Sciences, pioneering DNA-based pathogen detection to optimize crop protection.

•​Bryce Buesing – Manager of Client Relations at Responsive Drip Irrigation, specializing in plant-responsive irrigation solutions for water conservation.

Description:

Vonnie Estes explores how data, financing, and AI-driven solutions are transforming the fresh produce industry with insights from three pioneering companies. David Kat of Neolithics discusses how hyperspectral imaging is enabling non-destructive analysis of fruits and vegetables, reducing food waste, and improving quality control. Pat McCullough from ProducePay shares how technology-driven financing is providing growers with access to capital, stabilizing supply chains, and increasing transparency from farm to retailer. Steve Mantle of Innov8.ag explains how geospatial data is helping farmers optimize resources, improve sustainability, and make informed decisions at scale. Learn how these innovations are shaping a more efficient and resilient produce industry.

Key Points from the Conversation:

• Neolithics’ use of hyperspectral imaging to assess internal fruit quality and prevent food waste.

• ProducePay’s technology-driven financing solutions that improve supply chain stability.

• Innov8.ag’s geospatial data analytics for optimizing agricultural inputs and sustainability.

• The role of AI and real-time data in transforming fresh produce operations.

Guest Information:

• David Kat – VP of Business Development at Neolithics, specializing in hyperspectral imaging for produce quality assessment.

• Pat McCullough – CEO of ProducePay, leading advancements in produce financing and supply chain transparency.

• Steve Mantle – Founder of Innov8.ag, focused on geospatial data solutions for improving agricultural efficiency.

Description:

In this episode, Vonnie Estes explores innovations in extending produce shelf life with leaders from three pioneering companies. Rodrigo Cifuentes and Bradford Warner from AgroFresh discuss their SmartFresh and FreshCloud technologies, which use sensing and digital solutions to maintain quality and reduce waste. Agustin Büchert from ClearLeaf introduces a silver-based antimicrobial solution that protects fresh produce from microbial diseases. Originally developed for medical use, this innovative pesticide alternative is non-toxic and safe for both consumers and the environment. Ofir Daube of Sufresca explains how their natural, edible coatings replace synthetic fungicides, offering a sustainable approach to post-harvest management. Learn how these technologies are shaping a more sustainable future for fresh produce.

Key Points from the Conversation:

• AgroFresh’s use of sensing and cloud technologies to improve post-harvest outcomes.

• ClearLeaf’s antimicrobial solution as a non-toxic alternative to synthetic pesticides.

• Sufresca’s natural edible coatings and their applications for vegetables and citrus fruits.

• The global push for sustainable and environmentally safe preservation solutions.

Guest Information:

• Rodrigo Cifuentes and Bradford Warner – Leaders at AgroFresh, specializing in post-harvest technologies for quality preservation.

• Agustin Büchert – Co-Founder and CSO of ClearLeaf, an innovator in silver-based antimicrobial solutions for fresh produce.

• Ofir Daube – VP of Product and Regulation at Sufresca, focused on natural edible coatings for post-harvest management.

Description:

Vonnie Estes welcomes Nathan Dorn, VP of Business Development for Farm-ng, and Alex Gutierrez, Founder of L5 Robotics, to explore the transformative role of robotics in agriculture. Nathan discusses Farm-ng’s development of small electric robotic tractors that support farming tasks such as data collection, weeding, and harvesting, while also empowering students and researchers with hands-on learning opportunities. Alex shares insights into L5 Robotics’ autonomous harvesting systems for strawberries, designed to address labor shortages and improve efficiency. Together, they shed light on how robotics is paving the way for smarter, more sustainable agricultural systems.

Key Points from the Conversation:

• Farm-ng’s open-source robotic tractors and their applications in farming and education.

• L5 Robotics’ approach to autonomous harvesting and labor efficiency in strawberry production.

• Overcoming challenges in scaling robotics and reducing costs for farmers.

• The intersection of robotics, sustainability, and the future of food systems.

Guest Information:

Nathan Dorn – VP of Business Development for Farm-ng, a company focused on small-scale robotics for sustainable farming and education.

Alex Gutierrez – Founder of L5 Robotics, specializing in autonomous harvesting technologies for strawberries and other crops.

Description:

This episode features two innovative companies addressing critical agricultural challenges. Stephanie Gamez, Director of R&D at AgraGene, introduces their gene-editing technology designed to combat Drosophila suzukii, an invasive pest devastating small fruit crops. Using sterile insect techniques, AgraGene offers growers an environmentally friendly, sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides.

Thai Sade, Founder and CEO of BloomX, discusses their biomimicking pollination solutions that enhance the natural pollination process, helping growers overcome labor shortages and optimize yields for crops like avocados and blueberries. Together, these technologies represent groundbreaking solutions for pest control and pollination challenges in the agriculture industry.

Key Points from the Conversation:

• AgraGene’s sterile insect technology and its application in controlling Drosophila suzukii.

• The environmental benefits of reducing chemical pesticide usage.

• BloomX’s data-driven approach to optimizing pollination windows.

• How both companies are addressing challenges like climate change, labor shortages, and sustainable farming practices.

Guest Information:

Stephanie Gamez – Director of R&D at AgraGene, a company using gene-editing technologies to provide sustainable pest control solutions for agriculture.

Thai Sade – Founder and CEO of BloomX, a leader in biomimicking pollination technology that supports growers in enhancing crop yields.

How can the fresh produce industry reduce its environmental footprint through innovative packaging? Jenny Panziera, VP of Operations at Taylor Farms, joins the show to discuss how Taylor Farms is leading the way in redefining sustainable packaging with plant-based solutions. Jenny shares insights into how the company balances operational efficiency with eco-friendly practices, focusing on reducing single-use plastics and improving sustainability across their supply chain.

In this episode, you’ll hear about the strategies behind Taylor Farms’ sustainability initiatives, the role of plant-based packaging in reducing waste, and how companies can adapt to evolving environmental demands. Jenny also offers leadership insights on driving change within large organizations while maintaining product quality and consumer trust.

Key Takeaways:

• How Taylor Farms is innovating with plant-based packaging solutions.

• The environmental impact of sustainable packaging in fresh produce.

• Jenny’s leadership insights for managing sustainable operations.

• Strategies for reducing single-use plastics in large-scale food production.

• The importance of partnerships in advancing sustainability initiatives.

• How consumer demand is shaping the future of eco-friendly packaging.

Guest Resources:

• Jenny Panziera on LinkedIn

• Taylor Farms

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/

How can we significantly reduce food waste and improve the shelf life of produce? Jenny Du, Co-Founder & VP of Operations at Apeel Sciences, joins the show to discuss how Apeel's innovative product slows the rate at which produce spoils. By maintaining moisture and reducing oxidation, Apeel enhances the plant’s natural protective abilities. You'll learn how Apeel adds a microscopic extra layer to fruits and vegetables, mimicking the natural cuticle layer to keep produce fresh longer. Jenny shares her insights on the importance of preventing food waste and how Apeel is making a difference.

In this episode, you'll also hear about the challenges and successes of Apeel's journey, with valuable advice for businesses facing hardships. Jenny explains how Apeel identifies its target market and effectively communicates its message. She emphasizes that company evolution is neither linear nor steady, and shares her excitement about suppliers becoming more proactive in presenting their products.

• What Apeel does and how they are helping the food waste problem.
• How they are handling the misinformation about their product.
• Jenny’s advice for businesses facing hardships.
• How Apeel is finding their target market and getting the message to them.
• What innovation we need to see to help to minimize the use of single-use plastic.
• The efficiency that’s possible if we shift our consumer and production habits.

• Jenny Du: LinkedIn
• Apeel

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/

What are the benefits of using reusable packaging versus traditional single-use packaging? Join us as Tim Debus, President & CEO of the Reusable Packaging Association (RPA), explores this crucial question. RPA is a nonprofit trade organization that promotes the common and pro-competitive interests of member suppliers and users of reusable packaging products and services. In this episode, you'll learn about the importance of spreading awareness of reusable packaging and how collaboration is key to a more sustainable future.

Listen in as Tim explains the impact of policy on creating momentum behind better material management, as well as how innovation will be adopted and accepted in the supply chain. Discover how reusable products can create a better experience for consumers and why having a resource-efficient, zero-waste supply chain is essential.

• The importance of spreading awareness of reusable packaging.
• Why collaboration is the only way toward a more sustainable future.
• What got Tim interested and passionate about reusable packaging.
• The benefits of using reusable packaging over traditional single-use.
• How reusable packaging can help drive greater cost savings.
• How innovation is going to be adopted and accepted into the chain.
• The impact of policy and how it is going to create momentum behind better management of materials.
• How reusable products can create a better experience for consumers.

• Tim Debus: LinkedIn
• Reusable Packaging Association

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/

What can we learn from a company that supplies premium quality kiwi to over 50 markets worldwide? Today, Rachel Depree, Executive Officer of Sustainability at Zespri, joins the show to share insights from her role at a company that manages 30% of the global volume of kiwis. Learn about Zespri's unique financial relationship with their growers, Rachel's journey to her current position, and how she enjoys leading change in a cooperative environment. Discover how Zespri's collaborative approach with their supply chain delivers shared value and the global outlook that drives their commitment to health and well-being.

Rachel will discuss Zespri's strong investment in research and innovation, focusing on the health qualities of their fruit and anticipating consumer and customer trends. You'll learn how stretch targets can drive organizational innovation, the key elements that contribute to sustainable packaging, and the importance of alignment within the organization. Rachel will also explain the unique nature of relationships in the fresh produce industry, Zespri's personal connections with distributors and suppliers, and the shared responsibility for advancing sustainability practices.

• The financial relationship Zespri has with their growers.
• Rachel's background and how she came to her role at Zespri.
• How they’re positioning their company for the now and the future.
• The importance of having alignment around the organization.
• The role that packaging has in produce production.
• Some of the innovative projects Zespri has worked on.
• How the consumers are impacting the push for sustainability.
• Zespri’s goals for the future.
• Why collaboration is essential to come up with new solutions.

Rachel Depree: LinkedIn | Zespri

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/

Today Garland Perkins, Director of Innovation and Sustainability at The Oppenheimer Group (Oppy), shares insights into the challenges and solutions surrounding sustainable packaging. Learn about the importance of balancing product protection with environmental considerations and why simply eliminating plastic isn't necessarily the answer.

Garland explains how Oppy collaborates with suppliers, retailers, and partners to implement sustainable packaging solutions and discusses the goals for single-use packaging in the coming years. Listen in to understand the vital role of technology in evolving sustainable packaging, practical solutions for the present, and the exciting future of sustainability at Oppy.

• What Garland is most excited about in terms of sustainable packaging.
• How Oppy measures the impact of environmental solutions.
• Why plastic use is such a hard hurdle to overcome.
• The biggest hurdle in introducing sustainable practice.
• How Oppy is using collaboration across the supply chain to introduce sustainable packaging.
• The goals for Oppy over the coming years.
• How technology will impact packaging.
• The importance of focusing on here-and-now solutions.

• Garland Perkins: LinkedIn | Oppy

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/