Fresh Takes On Tech

Marta Baptista, Global Director of Strategic Research and Technology Adoption at Driscoll’s, joins the show to share the core sustainability commitments of the renowned berry producer. Driscoll’s has dedicated itself to the principle of "more berries, less resources," highlighting specific global priorities. They aim for a remarkable 30% increase in water use efficiency, measured in liters of water per kilogram of fruit. This episode unravels Driscoll’s plans to navigate the challenges of water use within these sustainability goals, considering regional variations and climate-smart agriculture practices. 

Listen in as Marta highlights the importance of testing and implementing these climate-smart tools to meet the ambitious objectives. With the growing prevalence of extreme weather events, this discussion emphasizes the need for resilient production methods and economically viable solutions, all while maintaining a steadfast focus on sustainability goals. Discover the strategies, challenges, and innovations that will shape the future of berry farming in an ever-changing climate.

• Driscoll’s primary sustainability commitments.
• How they plan to increase their water use efficiency.
• Where pesticides will fit into these goals.
• How they plan to be net neutral by 2030.
• The differences regionally.
• How climate-smart agriculture fits in with what Driscoll’s is doing.
• The importance of taking it one step at a time.

Marta Baptista: LinkedIn

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 do we usher in a more sustainable and climate-resilient future for agriculture? This season, we embark on a journey through climate-smart agriculture (CSA) to explore the solutions and innovations driving change. In our inaugural episode, we dive deep into the world of CSA with Renée Vassilos, Director of Agriculture Innovation at The Nature Conservancy. Renée addresses fundamental questions about CSA, such as the importance of rebuilding soil health for its role in climate change mitigation, freshwater systems, and biodiversity support.

You'll learn about the distinction between climate-smart and regenerative agriculture, the challenges and risks involved, and the critical need to align new technologies with business outcomes to drive adoption and scaling. Listen in to discover the profound link between soil health and human well-being, where soil microbiomes are key to physical and mental health.

• The difference between climate-smart and regenerative agriculture.
• The challenges and risks Renée sees in this line of work.
• How Renée’s team gets involved in testing solutions.
• What needs to happen in order for solutions to be adopted and scaled.
• How we can encourage farmers to adopt these climate-smart products.
• The importance of soil health.

Renée Vassilos: LinkedIn | Website

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/

Welcome to the final episode of our 6-part series on green packaging. In this episode, we are joined by two experts from the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), Max Teplitski, the Chief Science Officer, and Tamara Muruetagoiena, the Director of Sustainability. Together, they provide insights into sustainable packaging, addressing the technical barriers that have hampered its widespread adoption and sharing how IFPA is dedicated to equipping individuals and companies with the necessary tools for change. You will gain an understanding of the efforts being made by businesses to contribute to a more sustainable world and how the landscape of sustainable packaging has evolved in recent years.

Discover the critical balance between food safety and reducing food waste, the evolving legislative framework, and why we must challenge governments to make recycling infrastructures universally available. You'll learn about the increasing interest in sustainable packaging, the vital role of educating citizens, and the necessity of investing in innovation to drive sustainability. Tamara and Max also delve into the ever-important aspects of legislation, including the need for restrictions on certain types of packaging.

• What needs to change in order for sustainable packaging to be taken on at scale.
• What companies are doing to contribute to a more sustainable world.
• Whether the interest in sustainable packaging has grown in the past few years.
• How we can continue to ensure food safety during this packaging transition.
• The importance of challenging governments to make recycling easier.
• The three ways regulators need to create a sustainable future for packaging.
• What Tamara and Max are most excited about for the future of sustainable packaging.

Max Teplitski: LinkedIn

Tamara Muruetagoiena: LinkedIn

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/

Wyatt Maysey, Director of Sustainability for Taylor Farms, joins the show to continue our conversation about sustainable packaging. Wyatt's extensive background in sustainability and his commitment to considering the entire life cycle of a product provide a unique perspective. In this episode, he shares valuable insights into the concept of renewable resources, the significance of life cycle assessments (LCAs), and the key factors to consider when evaluating packaging sustainability. 

Listen in as Wyatt emphasizes the importance of moving beyond a narrow focus on end-of-life recycling and expanding our understanding of the entire life cycle of materials. He highlights the critical need for more LCAs and data to shape a sustainable future. You will learn about sustainable packaging practices, discover the complexities of LCAs, and explore the vital role they play in shaping a more environmentally conscious world.

• What renewable means and if it is the same as sustainable.
• What a life cycle assessment is when it comes to packaging.
• What should be accounted for in evaluating packaging sustainability.
• The need for functionality in packaging for produce.
• What we should keep an eye on in terms of regulation in sustainable packaging.
• Why we must remember that food is medicine and is essential for life.

Wyatt Maysey: LinkedIn

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/

Have you ever wondered about the shift toward compostable materials and their role in reducing plastic waste? Join us in this episode with John Paap, a multifaceted expert in the industry, as he delves into the driving factors behind compostables and their advantages. In this conversation, John paints a vivid picture of the current state of plastic usage in the market, shedding light on the pressing need for sustainable alternatives.

You will learn how compostable materials offer a solution to this global dilemma and the primary advantages they bring to the table. John also shares why it's crucial for both consumers and businesses to embrace compostables and the challenges we face, from building the necessary composting infrastructure to educating the public about its benefits. In a world striving for eco-friendly solutions, understanding compostable materials is not just a choice, but also a responsibility.

• The current state of plastic use in the industry.
• The driving factors behind compostables.
• What the primary advantages are of adopting compostable materials.
• The challenges we may face as we look at compostables.
• Which compostable ingredients can be used in place of plastic.
•  The importance of knowing where the compostable material comes from.

John Paap: LinkedIn

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/

Joining the show today is Jared Cannon, the visionary CEO of Simply Good Jars, a company founded on the belief that food can be a catalyst for global change. Jared shares the journey of introducing salads to a broader audience while enhancing access to healthy food through portability, convenience, and value. Discover how Simply Good Jars is committed to sustainability and recycling as they scale their business, ensuring that customers actively participate in their jar recycling program.

Listen in as we explore the critical issue of excessive packaging in the fresh produce industry and how it can be mitigated, shedding light on the reasons why we should prioritize these changes. We also discuss why sustainability isn't just a marketing gimmick for Simply Good Jars—it's a genuine commitment that drives product innovation and flavor. You will learn the challenges and opportunities of promoting sustainable packaging on a mass scale and the importance of making sustainability simpler for broader adoption.

• What pushed Jared to create healthy food that is accessible and convenient.
• The recycling potential for their jars.
• How the jars keep the food so fresh for so long.
• How they are empowering consumers to solve the food waste problem.
• What they are doing to assist in helping the hunger issue.
• The importance of sustainable packaging.

Jared Cannon: LinkedIn

Simply Good Jars

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 we are talking about PLU stickers—those tiny, ubiquitous labels on our fruits and vegetables. For those in the produce industry, they are well-known, but for others, PLU stickers ensure pricing accuracy for loose produce in supermarkets. Each sticker boasts a Price Look Up (PLU) code, a cashier's tool for identifying products quickly. Recently, PLU stickers have taken the spotlight as certain European countries push for the mandate that these stickers on fresh produce must be home-compostable, sparking discussions and concerns, especially in the USA regarding potential export challenges if other nations follow suit. Joining us to break down this topic are industry experts Rod Baeini, General Manager at Accu-Label International, and Scott Howarth, Director of Research and Development at Sinclair.

In this episode, Rod and Scott shed light on the origins of PLU stickers, their presence in the industry, and the intricate process of obtaining a PLU code. We explore how PLU stickers can help consumers identify organic produce and the wealth of information they contain. You will learn about the future of PLU stickers, the ongoing challenges driven by evolving regulations, and the complexities surrounding home compostability.

• Why PLU stickers were created.
• How long PLU stickers have been around.
• The amount of information on PLUs.
• The benefit of having PLUs on products.
• What Rod and Scott see for the future of PLU stickers.
• The definition of home compostable.

• Scott Howarth: LinkedIn | Sinclair
• Rod Baeini: LinkedIn | Accu-Label

• “There is a lot of information that can be put on PLUs. I think the next phase of the PLU may even be QR codes, and when we get to that step, we will have more information on the PLU. People will be able to scan it and get more out of it.” - Rod Baeini
• “When it comes to PLUs we think we are getting there and then the regulations change. A lot of that has to do with there not being a standard legislation across the globe. Every single country and every single region is coming up with their own mandates and we’re all trying to react to those right now.” - Rod Baeini
• “People don’t realize how QR codes on PLU stickers will help them at the point of sale. It is also the minimalist amount of packaging you can have. So, if you’re really concerned about being sustainable, these little PLUs take up so few resources but do such a big job for the industry.” - Scott Howarth

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/

Welcome to the inaugural episode of a six-part season that sheds light on the crucial intersection of packaging practices within the produce industry and the pressing imperative for sustainability. Join us on this journey as we navigate the intricate balance between delivering high-quality, pathogen-free products and minimizing the environmental impact caused by packaging waste. In this season, we will talk with experts who are pioneering innovative packaging methods, waste reduction strategies, and sustainable practices within the produce sector. We will also dissect the complexities of proposed regulations advocating for reduced packaging, discussing potential repercussions on produce quality, post-harvest losses, and environmental conservation.

Today Adam Hollowell, Senior Trade Policy Specialist at Bryant Christie Inc, will explain international policy initiatives related to fresh produce packaging, regional variations in these policies, the impact of new packaging regulations on produce-exporting companies, regional responses to policy changes, and proactive steps to support future policy adjustments. As we delve into these topics, we will confront the challenges associated with the cost and feasibility of packaging alternatives for producers and the importance of ensuring that these transitions do not impact trade or exclude smaller producers from the market. Listen in as we explore how policymakers can balance trade interests with sustainability objectives.

• The current issues faced in the produce sector as it relates to packaging.
• The notable policy initiatives in packaging for fresh produce on an international scale.
• How new policy changes to packaging impact companies growing produce for export.
• How different regions are responding to these policy changes.
• Why the cost is such a big issue for those hoping to make packaging changes.
• The challenge between food safety and sustainable packaging.
• How policymakers can strike a balance between trade interest and sustainability.

• Adam Hollowell: LinkedIn
• Bryant Christie Inc

• “The cost and viability of some of these alternatives is challenging for a lot of producers. So, although we have seen some progress, there is a long way to go before we even begin to have these conversations about reducing packaging for fresh produce and making sure alternatives are available.” - Adam Hollowell
• “There is a long way to go to make sure that the produce sector is supported to revolutionize and adjust its packaging supply chains to meet the growing demands that we will see.” - Adam Hollowell
• “What we don’t want is this to become another barrier to trade. The larger producers may have the resources to manage that transition, but it’s the smaller producers that will be shut out of these markets and that is what we need to avoid at all costs.” - Adam Hollowell

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/

In this episode we speak with Max Teplitski and Mollie Van Lieu and discuss the challenges of increasing access to healthy produce in underserved communities. They explore the role of programs like SNAP, WIC, and produce prescriptions, as well as the need for public-private partnerships and technological solutions to address food waste. The conversation also includes personal experiences with gardening and tips for reducing waste. The podcast emphasizes the importance of advocacy for government engagement in achieving a sustainable and equitable food system for all, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in food justice and sustainability.

• Learn about the challenges of increasing access to healthy produce in underserved communities
• Discover the limitations and potential improvements of programs like SNAP and WIC
• Explore opportunities for USDA to buy fruits and vegetables directly from growers and make them available to those in need
• Understand the importance of programs like Double Up Bucks, Brighter Bites, and Common Threads in increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables
• Find out about the potential of produce prescriptions and renewable energy sources in sustainable last mile distribution
• Discover efforts to reduce food waste in the distribution of fresh produce
• Learn about personal experiences with gardening and tips for extending the shelf life of herbs
• Understand the importance of public-private partnerships and technological solutions in achieving equitable access to fresh, nutritious food

“Double Up Bucks, a program that was very important, near and dear to me when I was at USDA. I think it's a unique opportunity to build public private partnerships. Certainly a great example. We just need to continue to be more creative as we think about incentivizing consumption. (Max Teplitski)

“The amount of food that's wasted is just staggering. Shocking. On average, a third of all food in the US is lost to wasted. For some fresh produce items, it's up to 70%. And to me this is just terrifying. (Max Teplitski)

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/

In this episode, three leaders from multigenerational family businesses in the produce industry share their experiences and insights on how they have maintained and evolved their businesses in the face of unique challenges. They talk about the importance of keeping up with industry trends like sustainability and technology, while balancing the needs of the business and the family. The conversation is both enlightening and inspiring, offering valuable advice on attracting and retaining new talent, promoting from within, and developing clear career paths for employees. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of the produce industry and how family businesses can thrive in the face of ongoing change.

• The produce industry faces unique challenges in attracting and retaining new talent, particularly from college job fairs where larger companies tend to dominate.
• Family businesses in the industry must balance the needs of the business with the needs of the family, while also remaining competitive through evolution and employee retention.
• COVID-19 forced family businessesto make changes that were previously shrugged off, jumpstarting the transition to the next generation.
• Networking and professional development, particularly through involvement with the Produce Alliance, are critical for success.
• The industry must work harder to raise brand awareness and attract talent, while also promoting from within and developing clear career paths for employees.
• The future of the produce industry looks bright, but it will require ongoing efforts to adapt and evolve to remain successful.
• The family business has a strong culture of hard work and earning one's place, with a focus on leaving the business in a better place than it was found.
• The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is working to develop programs to attract young people to the industry, as it is not typically seen as an aspirational career path.

“We spend a lot of time talking about ways that we can increase things like sustainability and how do we be as efficient as possible and how can we use technology as our friend and really work smarter, not always harder.”

“When my friends were working at Six Flags, and at Ben and Jerry's and the community summer camps with kids going to the water parks, I was in the warehouse. Going through rotten tomatoes and picking up the trash out of the employee parking lot and doing whatever job anybody else had to do because they wanted me to learn from the ground up.”

“When it comes to the family perspective, there's no way until you have kids that you could conceptualize what it would be like to not only be a father or a mother, but also to work with them, to ultimately one day be a boss. But I think it’s incredibly special to work with your family in that way and continue that tradition.”

Tom LaGrasso III

https://www.lagrasso.com/the-lagrassos

LaGrasso Brothers

https://facebook.com/LaGrassoBros

https://twitter.com/La_Grasso_Bros

http://instagram.com/lagrassobros/

Billy Itule

https://www.linkedin.com/in/billyitule/

Willie Itule Produce

https://ituleproduce.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/willie-itule-produce-inc/

Anthony Sirna

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-sirna-a2740078/

Sirna & Sons Produce

https://www.linkedin.com/company/sirna-sons-produce/

https://www.facebook.com/sirnaandsonsproduce/

https://www.instagram.com/sirnaandsons/

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/