The Produce Moms Podcast

"We're now working on robots that can go through a field, and through imagery, differentiate between weeds, plants, and insects, and target them as they go along." - Jenny Maloney (11:24 - 11:47)Lori TaylorThe Produce Moms

Jenny Maloney is a Food Chain and Sustainability Manager at Bayer Crop Science. She is extremely passionate and knowledgable about the agriculture industry, and she has been instrumental in starting many of the farmer's markets in the Fresno, CA area. She grew up on a small farm, and she has witnessed the transformation of the agriculture industry first-hand.

Technology Has Transformed the Agriculture Industry

Technology has had an enormous impact on almost every industry during the last few decades, and agriculture is no exception. In the earlier days of the twentieth century, farmers and growers had to be creative to remain profitable. Animals were heavily involved in the harvesting process, and approximately 30% of the workforce took part in agriculture.

Today, we have robots that can go through the fields, and through imagery, differentiate between weeds, plants, and insects. We can use drone imagery to see the changes in a field over the span of a few years. Growers have access to large amounts of data that enable them to make better decisions. Also, agriculture only accounts for 2% of the workforce today, as a result of the vastly increased efficiency in the industry.

"For any young women that are interested in a career in agriculture, the opportunities are endless as long as they are eager to learn, and are willing to work hard."

- Jenny Maloney (15:31 - 15:49)

The Increased Role of Women in Agriculture

Traditionally, women's roles were limited in the agriculture industry, but today the opportunities are endless, and there are various ways to get involved. For example, women can identify consumer trends like the rising popularity of avocados, and create marketing plans that encourage people to eat more avocado toast. They are also increasingly active on the field. With an understanding of crop weather patterns, they can help in making decisions on when to harvest, when to fertilize, and more.

The industry mindset has significantly evolved regarding women's role in agriculture. It is no longer uncommon for women to occupy upper management roles in industry-leading companies like Bayer, both in the United States and globally. Today, for young women that are willing to learn and work hard, the sky is the limit in the agriculture industry.

Modern Agriculture is Encouraging Kids to Eat Fresh Produce

Fresh fruits and vegetables are a crucial part of a healthy diet for both adults and kids, but research has shown that most kids in America are not getting their daily recommended amount. It is a difficult problem to solve because children generally aren't predisposed to liking vegetables. Modern farming and innovative companies like Bayer Crop Science are taking a multi-prong approach in making fresh produce more palatable for kids.

Bayer and other companies are partnering with various school districts and donating equipment to make vegetables more accessible to kids in those communities. They're also working to encourage kids to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables when they are not in school. However, there's more to making vegetables appealing to kids than just introducing it to them. It helps to pique their interest in fresh produce and to make it fun for them to eat.

To help make vegetables more exciting and fun for kids, Bayer has undertaken some innovative projects. They are working on home garden products, which can be an excellent opportunity for kids to grow their own food in their backyards. This would help them develop a connection with healthy produce, and they'll be more likely to eat it. On a larger scale, they are working on seed technology, the vast majority of which are non-GMO, that makes fruits and vegetables more palatable to kids, in a way that's sustainable to all stakeholders.

"I think a lot of people probably have no idea about the incredible things happening at the seed level to help increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables." - Lori Taylor (33:19 - 33:30)

Organic vs. Conventional Farming

Many people are confused about whether or not it is really important to eat organic vegetables. With current farming and environmental standards, they'd be happy to know that it is absolutely safe to eat either kind. The difference lies in how they are grown. There are rigorous standards in place to get the USDA Organic seal, and growers are not allowed to use any synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. So, organic farmers have to come up with more natural, and mostly manual, ways to prevent pests from destroying their crops. As far as vegetables that are farmed conventionally, the EPA has stringent rules in place for both the development and use of synthetic crop protection products.

As technology increases, the produce industry will continue to move forward as well. However, in the midst of all of the change, the importance of fresh produce remains the same. Organic or conventional, make sure your family is getting plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, to stay healthy and strong.

How to get involved

• Join The Produce Moms Group on Facebook and continue the discussion every week!
• Reach out to us - we'd love to hear more about where you're at in life and business! Find out more here.
• You can connect with Jenny on LinkedIn, and keep up with all the new innovations from Bayer Crop Science.

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we'd love for you to help us spread the word!

"People are reluctant to buy fresh food items online because they don't trust other people to pick the freshest produce for them." - Brittain Ladd (7:02 - 7:18)Lori TaylorThe Produce Moms

The Online Grocery Shopping Trend

As consumers, we have become increasingly comfortable with online shopping throughout the years, except when it comes to fresh food products. What we put in our bodies is rather personal, and we don't like having other people pick out our apples and broccoli for us. However, recently there has been an emerging trend of online shopping services that have aimed to serve busy consumers by doing their grocery shopping for them.

Brittain Ladd, founder and CEO of Six-Page Consulting, was integrally involved in Amazon's acquisition of Whole Foods. He is an industry and thought leader, and does work around the globe. He has worked with other corporate giants including Kroger, Walmart, and Dell, all of which have implemented strategies or made acquisitions Brittain recommended. Brittain is a strategic thinker and focused on global logistics in his work with Amazon. He first made the recommendation that Amazon acquire Whole Foods in 2013. He is a logistical expert and has much to share about the emergence of technology in the grocery industry.

While the idea of having someone deliver grocery items that you order through an app can be appealing to busy parents and professionals, it has its own set of drawbacks. By design, these services prioritize efficiency and speed, not the highest quality of produce for the customers. As a result, customers often end up with rotten food items in their grocery bags. The best way to make sure you're picking the highest quality meats, fruits, and veggies, is to visit the local grocery store personally.

"Amazon is a major disrupter and grocery is no exception. Every major grocer is embracing e-commerce and other digital strategies to compete." - Lori Taylor (14:29 - 14:44)

The Convergence of Tech and Grocery Industries

The recent acquisition of Whole Foods by Amazon has been a significant catalyst for the convergence of the tech and grocery industries. Many grocery retailers have signed agreements with third-party fulfillment services like Instacart, or they have installed e-commerce capabilities of their own. They did this to compete with Amazon, but it might have been a shortsighted move on their part. A large number of grocery stores that have installed e-commerce capabilities only serve 1 - 2 % of their customers through online sales. The cost of having digital ordering systems in place is exceptionally high when compared to the revenue they are generating from them. Instead of panicking every time Amazon makes a move, grocery chains would be better served if they operated more intelligently, and gained a better understanding of what their customers are looking for. One area of investments that might serve retailers better is in logistics and supply chain. Grocery stores work hard to get customers in the door, or to convince them to place an order online, and they need to make sure they have an optimal supply chain to meet customer demands across all channels. There's no point in marketing services that can't be efficiently executed, and logistics is a significant part of execution for grocery retailers.

The Future of the Grocery Industry

Amazon will continue to expand. Amazon continues to disrupt many industries across the board, and grocery is no exception. Acquiring Whole Foods might only have been the beginning. It is estimated that Amazon will be the largest retailer of groceries in the United States by 2030. This is excellent news for consumers. Amazon's expansion will force all the competitors in the marketplace to find creative and unique ways to attract customers, resulting in a more positive shopping experience. It is also likely that consumers will enjoy lower prices and better choices.Baked-on-the-way trucks. A significant trend that is expected to emerge in the coming years is baked-on-the-way trucks. Customers will be able to order meals from their local stores. The stores will prepare the meals with fresh ingredients, bake them in their delivery trucks as they are on the way, and deliver hot meals just in time for dinner. This is expected to cause significant disruptions in the grocery industry, as it will virtually eliminate the need for consumers to visit grocery stores.

"It doesn't do any good to market a service if you can't execute, and execution is absolutely what logistics is all about for a grocery retailer." - Brittain Ladd (19:38 - 19:49)

Today, luxuries like personal chefs are unattainable for most people. However, soon many people might be able to order a freshly prepared meal from their grocery stores through a smartphone app. The grocery industry is also expected to play a more pro-active role in public health, by empowering their customers to make healthier choices, and by helping reduce healthcare costs. These innovations, and others, certainly make it an exciting time to be a consumer.

How to get involved

• Join The Produce Moms Group on Facebook and continue the discussion every week!
• Reach out to us - we'd love to hear more about where you're at in life and business! Find out more here.
• Brittain would love to connect with you on LinkedIn!

"The rich vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in fresh fruits and veggies are the building blocks of a healthy childhood diet."

- Dr. Rachael Bilello (5:48 - 6:01)Lori TaylorThe Produce Moms

Childhood obesity is a growing issue in the United States.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), almost 90% of children in America are getting less than the recommended five servings of fresh of fruits and vegetables per day. Moreover, around half of all food consumed by children is processed, unhealthy snack food.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are the foundations of a healthy diet at any age, but are an integral component for children. They provide multiple vitamins and minerals that are essential for their development and are a good source of fiber which promotes better gastrointestinal health. Consuming an adequate amount of fruits and veggies fights childhood obesity, and it puts children on the path to a happy and healthy life.

"Data shows that in America, the most food-secure nation in the world, close to 90% of all children are not getting the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables." - Lori Taylor (7:38 - 7:58)

The higher consumption of processed foods, coupled with the lack of fruits and veggies, has led to a childhood obesity crisis in America. It is estimated that one in five kids are now obese in this country. That's around thirteen million children between the ages of 2-19. It is a significant problem, and parents, pediatricians, and school nutritionists across the country are looking for solutions to counter these disturbing trends. While the task may seem daunting, adopting relatively simple habits at home can go a long way in improving the health of our children.

How to promote a healthy lifestyle for your children.

When promoting a healthy lifestyle with children, it's important to keep in mind that we are holistic beings. This encapsulates much more than our diet. Adequate fruits and vegetables are a fundamental component, but a healthy lifestyle also incorporates habits like exercise and quality rest.

Your child is never too young to start incorporating healthy habits that will stick with them throughout the rest of their life. There are simple things you can do to help your child make better choices. Infants. Breastfeeding has been associated with a lower risk of obesity in childhood and adolescence. The positive correlation has even been shown, at times, to reach well into adulthood. It has also been known to help with immune function and improve gastrointestinal health.

Toddlers. At the 4-6 months stage, as you introduce solids, include a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in your child's diet. This can be a difficult stage, with food preferences, and sensitivity to textures. If they are reluctant, find creative ways to help them get their recommended amount. For example, try parboiling carrots if for a toddler who doesn't want to eat them raw.School-Aged Children. Help children make healthy choices at school by looking through the menu beforehand and pre-selecting the fruits and veggies they could order for lunch. Helping your child understand healthy choices beforehand can help them be more likely to order a turkey salad or an orange instead of those greasy nachos. It is also helpful to make sure your children eat breakfast. Those rushed mornings can make it feel impossible to make breakfast and get to school and work on time. However, even something small, like a fruit or a whole grain toast with peanut butter, can prevent children from being overly hungry at lunchtime and overeating, or making unhealthy food choices.

At home, family meals are a great time to connect with your kids and to set an example of healthy food choices. Plan to include plenty of fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains at the dinner table. Your children will follow your lead, and if you aren't eating your veggies, they aren't going to either.

"Your kids are not going to eat vegetables if you're not eating them. Set a positive example. Kids watch us, and they do what we do."

- Dr. Rachael Bilello (13:02 - 13:12)

Health and nutrition is a lifelong journey. It's never too late to start promoting a healthy lifestyle! Start with some small choices this week to incorporate healthy choices in your family. Those little things are sure to grow into big change in nutrition, lifestyle, and health.

How to get involved

• Join The Produce Moms Group on Facebook and continue the discussion every week!
• Reach out to us - we'd love to hear more about where you're at in life and business! Find out more at on our website.
• Connect with Dr. Rachael Bilello on her blog, Instagram, and Twitter. If you're close to Long Island, NY you can contact her at her private practice.

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we'd love for you to help us spread the word!

"Even as a little girl, I connected Idaho to potatoes. The branding has become synonymous with the crop and it's quite impressive." - Lori Taylor (3:04 - 3:10)

Lori TaylorThe Produce Moms

Not all potatoes are created equal.

Potatoes are one of the most widely used food sources in the world, and they have an abundance of benefits that make them a staple in many different diets. They are packed with nutrients, they are affordable, and nearly everyone loves them, even children. Potatoes provide complex carbohydrates, potassium, fiber, and various other vitamins and minerals, making them an ideal food for athletes.

However, not all potatoes are created equal. Idaho potatoes are of the highest quality you can find in the United States. There are over twenty varieties grown in Idaho, and they are even certified as heart-healthy by the American Heart Association (AHA). A combination of characteristics sets Idaho potatoes apart from the rest. From the ideal climate and growing conditions, and the creative marketing and community outreach by the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC), Idaho potatoes are simply the best.

"If you're looking for a food that's high in potassium, good for hearts, and good for families, the Idaho potato is perfect."

- Frank Muir (7:33-7:38)

What makes Idaho Potatoes so great?

Idaho has near-perfect conditions for growing potatoes. The high desert climate provides warm days and cool nights during the growing season, resulting in delicious potatoes with a fluffy texture. The Snake river supplies a steady stream of clean, clear water along the river valley, and the fertile volcanic soil is rich with trace minerals that are ideal for growing potatoes. Although the potatoes are harvested once a year in the Fall, Idaho has a sophisticated storage system with controlled humidity and temperature, making sure fresh potatoes are available year-round.

Besides growing great potatoes, the IPC also engages in creative marketing and community outreach programs. Every year, they tour the country with the Idaho Potato Truck to raise awareness for various charities. They have supported Meals on Wheels and Go Red for Women, along with numerous other local causes across the country. The IPC also partners with Racing for Orphans with Down Syndrome (RODS), an event that raises funds to find homes for orphaned children with Down Syndrome from around the world.

"Sometimes I've referred to the Idaho potato as the world's largest multivitamin because it's loaded with micronutrients and potassium." - Frank Muir (19:34 - 19:43)

Potatoes suffered through a period of decreased consumption during the low-carb phase, but recent consumer trends data has shown that they are making a comeback. That's excellent news because potatoes provide you with some of the best nutritional value for the price you pay. Remember to look for the "Grown In Idaho" seal the next time you're at the store to make sure you're getting the highest quality potatoes from Idaho.

How to get involved

• Join The Produce Moms Group on Facebook and continue the discussion every week! https://www.facebook.com/groups/316715662104709/
• Reach out to us - we'd love to hear more about where you're at in life and business! Find out more at www.theproducemom.com

"We hope that when anyone comes into a Jason's Deli, it feels like family. And they know that the people in their family are making decisions on what food to bring in." - Kimberly Andreason (5:37-5:50)

It's not always easy to know where your food comes from when dining out. Parents who want their families to eat nutritious foods need to know that a restaurant truly cares about the produce it serves. Kimberly Andreason is a true food superstar. Her role as Produce Director for Jason's Deli has allowed her to play a major role in the health-promoting changes made within the company.

Kimberly is passionate about the produce industry, and her work with Jason's Deli has been an integral part of their mission to promote a higher consumption of whole fruits and vegetables among families. With 275 delis in 28 states, Jason's Deli is making a big impact on the future health of today's consumers. The company continues to grow, opening between 12 and 15 delis each year with the goal of having a Jason's Deli in all 50 states.

"If we wouldn't serve it to our families, we wouldn't serve it to our customers." - Kimberly Andreason (4:13-4:17)

What makes Jason's Deli even more unique is the fact that its founder Joe Tortorice Jr. is still involved in the business. A dedicated family man who's passionate about the quality of the food he serves, Joe has been an inspiration to the entire Jason's Deli team. Joe believes that if he wouldn't serve it to his family, he wouldn't serve it to his customers. This principle is at the heart of Jason's Deli's mission to advance the food industry.

In 2005, Jason's Deli became one of the first restaurants to eliminate trans fats and high fructose corn syrup from their menu. They went on to introduce organic produce in 2006, and now proudly serve healthful items like organic spring mix, spinach, carrots, and apples. More importantly, they're always looking to expand their organic produce options over time.

The restaurant's tagline "It's a Family Thing," sums up its approach to business. Their goal is to make dining at Jason's Deli feel like a family affair. In fact, its origins are rooted in the family business. Joe Tortorice Jr. grew up in Beaumont, Texas. He worked at his father's grocery store where he noticed the construction workers who would come in to buy bread and other ingredients for their sandwich lunches. Joe quickly saw a need he could fulfill. He was soon selling pre-made sandwiches, and in 1974, Jason's Deli was born.

"Every single day there's an abundant offering of fresh fruits and vegetables at Jason's Deli." - Lori Taylor (10:04-10:14)

As the Produce Director, Kimberly Andreason oversees the purchase and coordination of produce for all Jason's Deli restaurants throughout the United States. The company works with over 30 produce growers and 33 distributors to determine what items will appear on the menu.

In 2018 alone, Jason's Deli served over 34 million pounds of fresh produce to their customers. This abundance of fruits and vegetables makes it easy for families to get a healthy meal while on the go. Kimberly and the entire Jason's Deli team are passionate about fresh produce. At Jason's Deli, you know where your food is coming from, and this is just as important to the company as it is to today's moms who are feeding their children for the future.

Some Topics we talk about in this episode:

• Introduction // Kimberly Andreason - 0:42
• Jason's Deli's Food Values - 3:20
• Founder's Story - 5:55
• Kimberly's Role as the Produce Director - 7:58
• How Much Produce Does Jason's Deli Serve? - 9:10
• The One Thing to Know About Dining Out at Jason's Deli - 12:25
• Wrap-up - 14:30

Get the Kroger Opt Up App on the App Store and Google or visit www.optupapp.com for more info

How to get involved

• Join The Produce Moms Group on Facebook and continue the discussion every week! https://www.facebook.com/groups/316715662104709/
• Reach out to us - we'd love to hear more about where you're at in life and business! Find out more at www.theproducemom.com
• To learn more about Jason's Deli, visit their website at www.jasonsdeli.com. You can also connect with Kimberly Andreason by visiting her on LinkedIn.

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we'd love for you to help us spread the word!

The Produce Moms Podcast EP 37

Food Safety - Truth, Evidence, and Facts with Sonia Salas of Western Growers

"Food safety is an issue that affects all consumers of fresh food across the USA and the world."

- Lori (01:21)

As consumers, it is crucial to have confidence in the fresh produce that we are purchasing and consuming. As I'm sure you remember, two days before Thanksgiving in 2018 there was a recall that left consumers without access to romaine lettuce. There has been total chaos and misunderstanding surrounding the E. Coli outbreak that occurred. As a result, it can be difficult to know who to trust, and the appropriate course of action to take when these recalls occur.

Sonia Salas, the Senior Director of Science and Technology at Western Growers, was right in the midst of the action during the outbreak. Western Growers is an association representing local and regional farming families in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Colorado. Their members produce nearly half of America's organic produce and 94% of the leafy greens grown in California and Arizona. Their members are working hard to find long-term solutions to navigating recalls and outbreaks and building assurance with consumers.

"Last year was very difficult for Romaine producers … the industry basically closed down resulting in millions and millions of dollars in losses to crops that weren't necessarily implicated." - Sonia (14:02)

Romaine farmers are devoted to providing fresh, safe produce to consumers, and take any potential effect on public health very seriously. The outbreak brought many issues regarding not only public health but food waste and massive economic loss. It is important to understand that this outbreak affected a highly perishable crop. Within three weeks, any contaminated lettuce was decomposed and no longer edible. When a food supply is contaminated it most definitely must be handled in a serious manner and pulled from the shelves. However, the threat to public safety is short-term. In this situation, the threat was managed, but in late December it was still difficult to find romaine in many grocery stores.

Being educated is a key to navigating food recalls as a consumer. Let's break down the facts. It only takes two individuals who have become sick due to the consumption of a specific food to insight an "outbreak." Once a situation is designated an outbreak by the CDC and FDA, an investigation is launched to determine whether or not a recall is necessary. There are times when recalls aren't related to an outbreak, but to quality, a safety issue, mislabeling, or a potential for cross-contamination. When the investigation confirms that a particular food item is responsible for the illness, the public is notified through an advisory and/or a recall.

There has been substantial action taken since the romaine outbreak. A Leafy Green Taskforce was assembled before the official FDA report was even released. There is also a Romaine Lettuce Taskforce that is continuing to identify areas for improvement. One such improvement is the implementation of new labeling systems for leafy produce. This labeling process will increase traceability to help determine the region responsible for any future outbreaks.

"I do think the romaine labels are a step in the right direction, but we are far from a solution that's going to give consumers the restored confidence they need to have and that they, quite frankly deserve after an outbreak."

- Lori (21:20)

Our hope is the the produce industry is free from further outbreaks like the one experienced in November. However, in the event of another advisory and recall, the CDC and FDA will deliver the most up-to-date and reliable information. You can also reach out to trade associations like Western Growers. With an internet full of speculation, opinion, and hearsay make sure you are seeking out verifiable information.

Trade and leadership organizations such as Western Growers are actively working in unison with federal agencies to achieve the best outcome for growers and consumers. They believe in being proactive and focusing on preventative controls to reestablish confidence in the market. You can find more information about them on their website.

Some Topics we talk about in this episode:

• Introduction // Sonia Salas - 01:49
• Who are Western Growers - 02.44
• How Does Food Safety Impact Members of Western Growers? - 05:20
• How Does an Outbreak Start? - 08:07
• What is the Difference Between Mandatory and Voluntary Recalls? - 11.30
• How the Romaine Outbreak Affected Western Growers? - 13:48
• Wrap-up - 23:47

How to get involved

• Join The Produce Moms Group on Facebook and continue the discussion every week!
• Reach out to us - we'd love to hear more about where you're at in life and business! Find out more at on our website.

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we'd love for you to help us spread the word!

"One of the most beautiful parts of responsible sourcing is the effort put into raising communities and empowering the farm workers that feed our families." - Jessie Gunn (3:52)

When mentioning responsible sourcing in the produce industry, most people may immediately think of the standards implemented to yield healthy, safe produce. However, responsible sourcing is about more than just the produce itself. It's important to recognize that people, planet, and resources are all symbiotic. The same parents who are providing healthy, sustainable food sources for their children also want to make sure that they have a beautiful green part to play. It's crucial to treat farm workers fairly, and also make sure that the crops they are harvesting and handling each day aren't poisoned with countless chemicals. It takes health awareness in each area to establish sustainable and responsible sourcing.

"If we want to provide good, healthy work environments for workers, we have to be environmentally sound as well." - Jessie Gunn

While the words "Fair Trade" are often thrown around, not everyone is aware of what this standard entails. In order for a company to be fair trade certified, they have to be willing to submit to third-party audits, both scheduled and unscheduled. These audits include interviewing farm workers and reviewing documentation and growing practices. The standard encompasses much more than just the produce.

With the rise of awareness through social media and technology, consumers are demanding responsible sourcing. In fact, the last two years have shown a 19% increase in purchases of items including "free from" labels, Certified Fair Trade, B Corp produce, and products that support empowering women. This is the most dramatic increase in purchasing power in decades.

Listen in to this week's episode to learn more about responsibly sourced produce, internationally sourced produce, the rise in consumer awareness, and how you can make a difference in the produce industry.

"Food feeds your whole person. It feeds your values, it feeds your moral alignment. It is about feeding your family what's best for them to grow them into better human beings." - Jessie Gunn (26:02)

To learn more about responsible sourcing practices, find Jessie Gunn on LinkedIn, and visit fairtradeusa.org. Be intentional about your produce purchases. If you buy fruit or vegetables that make claims about their sourcing, go to their website and do your research. Be more informed, be more responsible, and help us increase responsible sourcing for a more sustainable produce industry.

Some Topics we talk about in this episode:

• Introduction // Jessie Gunn - 1:18
• What is Responsible Sourcing? - 3:12
• Understanding Fair Trade - 7:13
• Fresh Produce is an International Collaboration - 12:13
• Environmental Standards - 15:25
• 2017 Data Points and Consumers' Interest - 19:43
• The Main Takeaway - 25:12
• Wrap-up - 28:49

How to get involved

• Join The Produce Moms Group on Facebook and continue the discussion every week! https://www.facebook.com/groups/316715662104709/
• Reach out to us - we'd love to hear more about where you're at in life and business! Find out more at www.theproducemom.com

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we'd love for you to help us spread the word!

"You know the garlic is USA grown when it's grown by Christopher Ranch." - Lori

With the rise of awareness and education, consumers are becoming more conscious regarding the sourcing of their produce. When seeking responsibly sourced garlic, look no further than Ken Christopher and his family at Christopher Ranch, the only family-owned garlic farm in the United States. The ranch is rich with family legacy and has its roots deep in the California soil.

Their story began with Ole Christopher who migrated from Denmark in the 1880s in hopes of finding land to settle. His grandson, Don, learned the ropes of farming from his father and grandfather and then bought 10 acres of his own to begin farming garlic. In the past 60 years, Christopher Ranch has scaled those 10 acres into over 5,000, and last year harvested 110 million pounds of California Heirloom Garlic. If you were to visit the ranch today, you would find that they are still family owned and operated, brother, father, grandson, and cousins working side-by-side to grow and harvest exceptional produce.

"It's so critically important for us to not be holed into a faceless corporate board or faceless directors interested only in profits. As a truly family run company, we can do what is best for our product, what is best for our legacy, and what's best for our community." - Ken Christopher

While Christopher Ranch is a leading supplier of garlic, they are also invested in making a positive impact in their community. They have provided scholarships for area schools, vehicles for sports programs, and even donated Chrome Books to each classroom in the local school.

In the past year, Christopher Ranch has ignited change in the political arena. Illegal Chinese garlic imports have been an issue for garlic farmers since the 1990s. Hundreds of millions of pounds of garlic illegally make their way into the US each year, pulling down the price of international commodities. Because of Ken Christopher's relentless pursuit of action, on September 24th a new tariff for garlic went into effect.

"We find education to be the silver bullet for so many of our society's ills." - Ken Christopher

Look for a Christopher Ranch product in a produce aisle near you! FInd information about Christopher Ranch, their products, and delicious recipes at christopherranch.com.

Some Topics we talk about in this episode:

• Introduction // Ken Christopher - 1:17
• Family Owned and Operated - 6:25
• Community Impact - 6:34
• Political Involvement - 10:17
• Unique Garlic Product Offerings - 13:20
• Ken's Favorite Way to Eat Garlic - 16:38
• Wrap-up - 17:36

How to get involved

• Join The Produce Moms Group on Facebook and continue the discussion every week! https://www.facebook.com/groups/316715662104709/
• Reach out to us - we'd love to hear more about where you're at in life and business! Find out more at www.theproducemom.com

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we'd love for you to help us spread the word!

"Julie is authentically passionate about raising awareness of our industries' critical issues and teaching academic standard in the process. It's really a remarkable approach to education." - Lori

When it comes to innovation in the classroom, 6th-grade teacher Julie Cates, 2015 AG in the Classroom Teacher of the Year, is an inspiration. While she and her students live in Central Valley, a region considered a major producer of stone and citrus fruits, nut products, and the #2 dairy producer in the US, they are also in a food desert. Most of her students live in rural areas, and mini-marts stocked with convenience foods become the main staple for the dinner tables. Many of the children in Julie's classroom come from low-income families and are classified as Title 1 students, and some had never eaten even the most common fresh produce. One student had never tried a fresh strawberry.

"There are students who have never tried a strawberry, or romaine lettuce, or green beans. When they can help make the food, they have buy-in, and enjoy trying new things." - Julie

Julie has been a follower of the Produce Moms and subscribed utilized the Produce Challenge to revolutionize the way her students experience fresh produce. Each week Julie focuses on a new item of produce through her Find Your Favorite campaign. Not only does she allow students to help prepare the food, and eat the food, she incorporates the items to help meet academic standards through educational activities. She and a colleague have developed a Breakout EDU game to help educate the students about invasive pest species that affect the crops in their region. Julie leverages the critical issues in the industry to students become more invested in a local problem that affects the global market. The work she is doing is changing the eating habits of her students and empowering them to live healthier lives.

"We are educating students on a local problem that affects a global market. We really want the students to become citizen scientists." - Julie

If you are ready to incorporate more fresh produce into your life, it may be time for you to take the Produce Challenge! Receive weekly emails with recipes, produce tips, and tutorials to make the challenge easy. The Produce Challenge is a simple way to reach that goal of eating healthier in the new year.

If you are interested in the ways Julie has seamlessly incorporated produce into her academic lessons, follow her on Twitter (@cates_julie) or find her on Instagram (@teachercates).

Some Topics we talk about in this episode:

• Introduction // Julie Cates - 1:15
• How Julie Uses the Produce Challenge - 4:12
• Living in a Food Desert - 7:02
• Innovation and Education/Math and Produce - 10:09
• What is AG in the Classroom? - 12:47
• Julie's Work With Flip Grid - 20:03
• Education and Inspiration - 25:25
• Wrap-up - 27:22

How to get involved

• Join The Produce Moms Group on Facebook and continue the discussion every week! https://www.facebook.com/groups/316715662104709/
• Reach out to us - we'd love to hear more about where you're at in life and business! Find out more at www.theproducemom.com

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we'd love for you to help us spread the word!

"Our mission is to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables in the US and change the way America eats"

In this pilot episode of the The Produce Moms Podcast, we hear from THE Produce Mom, Lori Taylor. Lori has 10+ years of experience in the produce industry and is working every day to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Her passion to "change the way America eats" comes from her expertise in the industry and her responsibility as a Mom to make the best, and most healthy, choices for her family.

"We're helping people understand the many different ways that they can eat more fresh produce and simplifying the process"

Lori shares her story and unique perspective on what it means to eat more fruits and vegetable, the vision for The Produce Moms, and why we decided to start a podcast. From a late night decision to buy the url theproducemom.com to what the brand and community is today is truly an amazing and inspiring journey. Lori shares some defining moments in the process and how she had to stand up for herself in corporate America to be able to make the impact that she's making today.

"I paid more for my idea than my home"

In 2018, The Produce Moms is a thriving community with an intense focus to resource America with a healthier alternative to what we're bombarded with everyday. The produce section is a guilt-free zone and we can be a part of changing the way America eats by shining light on the produce industry and all of it's benefits.

"We have almost 40K subscribers from 30 countries and all 50 states"

Join the movement today, and help us change the way America eats.

Some Topics we talk about in this episode:

• Introduction - 0:45
• Why We Started a Podcast - 2:15
• The Vision and Story of The Produce Moms - 3:30
• Lori and 10+ Years of Experience in the Produce Industry - 8:35
• How Lori Got Her First Marketing Job - 10:30
• Our First Blog Post - Who is the Produce Mom? - 16:30
• Resources that TPM and this Podcast Offer - 23:50
• The Community Component of TPM - 25:39
• Topics to Expect on This Podcast - 27:10
• Coming up in Episode 2 - 32:35
• Wrap-up - 33:50

How to get involved

• Join The Produce Moms Group on Facebook and continue the discussion every week! https://www.facebook.com/groups/316715662104709/
• Reach out to us - we'd love to hear more about where you're at in life and business! Find out more at www.theproducemom.com

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we'd love for you to help us spread the word!