The Produce Industry Podcast w/ Patrick Kelly

Join host Patrick Kelly at the heart of the International Fresh Produce Association's Global Produce and Floral Show in Orlando, Florida.

This episode features exclusive interviews with industry leaders about cutting-edge produce innovations, sustainable practices, impactful initiatives like the Water For All Hike, and the latest market trends.

Don't miss the vibrant buzz of the industry's premier gathering and hear firsthand about the future of fresh produce.

Visit us here: www.aglifemedia.com

Join host Patrick Kelly as he takes you through the bustling Philadelphia port and beyond to explore the unparalleled Summer Citrus program from South Africa.

Featuring exclusive insights from importers, logistics experts, and growers, discover how quality, consistency, and seamless collaboration bring the world's finest citrus to American tables each summer.

Don't miss this deep dive into the supply chain magic fueling your favorite citrus fruits!

Visit Summer Citrus here: https://www.summercitrus.com/

Visit Aglife Media, Inc here: https://aglifemedia.com

Join host Patrick Kelly as he sits down with Mary Mooney, CEO of Mooney Farms, to explore the inspiring family story behind one of California's most iconic produce companies.

Discover how a struggling kiwi orchard blossomed into the world's largest sun-dried tomato processor and learn about the grit, innovation, and dedication to quality that drives their success.

Don't miss this deep dive into industry passion, tradition, and the future of fresh produce.

Visit Mooney Farms here: https://bellasunluci.com

Visit Aglife Media for more stories here: https://aglifemedia.com

In this insightful second part of our conversation with industry veteran Dino Cardelli, we dive into the future of produce procurement education through his innovative Juice Knowledge platform.

Discover how this comprehensive course equips the next generation of procurement and sales professionals with essential industry vocabulary, real-world insights, and technical know-how to navigate the evolving global fresh supply chain.

Whether you're new to the industry or looking to deepen your expertise, this episode offers invaluable guidance and inspiration.

Visit Dino here: https://www.juiceknowledge.com

Visit us @: www.aglifemedia.com

Join Patrick Kelly as he kicks off a two-part series with industry veteran Dino Cardelli, a global procurement powerhouse with over 40 years in juice, ingredients, and the fresh produce supply chain experience.

Dive deep into the evolving citrus market, supply chain innovations, and insider stories from major brands like Coca-Cola and Tropicana. Perfect for anyone looking to understand the rapid changes and complexities shaping fruit procurement today.

Visit Dino @: https://juiceknowledge.com/

Visit More Stories @: https://aglifemedia.com/

The Super El Niño is officially here — and scientists say it may be the strongest ever recorded. In this episode, Patrick Kelly breaks down what a “very strong” El Niño means for fall and winter weather, global agriculture, and the future of fresh produce.

We dive into the science behind El Niño — how NOAA defines it, why the Walker Circulation matters, and why the World Meteorological Organization is forecasting a near 100% chance that this event will persist through February 2027. You’ll hear expert insights from UC San Diego, USF, and global climate researchers on what makes this El Niño different.

After the break, we explore how extreme weather, drought, flooding, and shifting ocean temperatures are already disrupting global agriculture. From rising rice prices to volatile grain markets, food insecurity risks, and supply chain pressure, Patrick unpacks how this climate event will reshape fresh produce markets worldwide.

References:

TIME – How El Niño Will Impact Fall and Winter Weather in the U.S.

https://time.com/article/2026/09/11/el-nino-fall-winter-weather-us/

NOAA – El Niño Forms, Expected to Strengthen

https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/el-nino-forms-expected-to-strengthen-say-noaa-forecasters

WMO – El Niño Set to Become Very Strong, Raising Risks of Extreme Weather into 2027

https://wmo.int/news/media-centre/el-nino-set-become-very-strong-raising-risks-of-extreme-weather-2027

The Conference Board – El Niño Reshapes Global Agricultural Markets

https://www.conference-board.org/research/policy-backgrounders/el-nino-reshapes-global-agricultural-markets

Newsweek – How El Niño Could Spark Global Crisis in 2027

https://www.newsweek.com/how-el-nino-could-spark-global-crisis-2027-12331811 (newsweek.com in Bing)

Join host Patrick Kelly as he reconnects with industry veteran Tony Stackhurski, now leading a major mushroom farm, to dive deep into the evolving mushroom market.

Discover the challenges of mushroom farming, supply shifts, and why the category needs a fresh perspective and renewed advocacy.

This episode offers valuable insights for retailers, growers, and produce enthusiasts aiming to understand and support the future of mushrooms.

Join host Patrick Kelly as he dives into the vital role propane plays in American agriculture with special guests NASCAR driver and eighth-generation watermelon farmer Ross Chastain and Suburban Propane CEO Michael Stivala. Together they talk partnership, fueling American agriculture and partnership that complement each other.

Discover how propane fuels farms, supports rural communities, and even connects the worlds of motorsports and farming, highlighting innovations that keep food moving and farmers resilient.

Visit us @ www.aglifemedia.com

Visit Suburban Propane @: https://www.suburbanpropane.com/nascar/

Visit Ross Chastain @: https://melon1.com/about/ and https://rosschastain.com/

Join host Patrick Kelly as he takes you behind the scenes at the New England Produce Show 2026, sharing exclusive interviews with industry leaders from JOH and top vendors.

Discover the latest product innovations, partnership stories, and how collaboration is shaping the future of the produce supply chain.

Don't miss this deep dive into the vibrant world of fresh produce and supply chain connections!

Visit JOH @: https://joh.com

New England Produce Council @: https://newenglandproducecouncil.com

Visit Aglife Media @: https://aglifemedia.com

Join host Patrick Kelly as he sits down with Brendan A. Niemira, PhD from the Institute of Food Technologists to explore the science behind food innovation, the evolving FDA rules on Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) ingredients, and the debated definition of ultra processed foods.

Whether you’re in produce, product development, or just a curious consumer, this episode clears up misconceptions and highlights how science shapes the foods we eat every day.

To learn more about IFT, go to www.ift.org. and www.aglifemedia.com

About Institute of Food Technologists

Since 1939, the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has served as the voice of the global food science community. IFT advocates for science, technology, and research to address the world’s greatest food challenges, guiding our community of more than 200,000. IFT convenes professionals from around the world – from producers and product developers to innovators and researchers across food, nutrition, and public health – with a shared mission to help create a global food supply that is sustainable, safe, nutritious, and accessible to all. IFT provides its growing community spanning academia, industry, and government with the resources, connections, and opportunities necessary to stay ahead of a rapidly evolving food system as IFT helps feed the minds that feed the world. For more information, please visit ift.org.