Advertise on podcast: Fresh Take

Send us Fan Mail Florida's citrus industry has faced no shortage of challenges in recent decades, from citrus greening and extreme weather to mounting economic pressures. In this episode of Fresh Take, host Juan Carlos Rodriguez sits down with Zack Farr, a third-generation Florida citrus grower and CEO of Biotech Applied Research, to discuss how innovation and resilience are helping shape the future of agriculture. Drawing on both his farming background and his work developing biochar solutions, Zack explains how agricultural waste can be transformed into a valuable resource that helps improve soil health, retain water and nutrients, and build more resilient farming systems. He also discusses biochar's potential role in regenerative agriculture, carbon sequestration, and supporting the long-term viability of farms and growers. From the realities facing Florida's citrus industry to the opportunities emerging through agricultural innovation, this conversation offers an insightful look at how farmers are turning challenges into solutions for the future of food and farming. Want to see biochar production in action? Join the LIVE Citrus to Carbon Demonstration on October 6 to learn more about the innovative process discussed in this episode and its potential applications for Florida agriculture. Tune in to discover why biochar is gaining attention as a promising tool for healthier soils, stronger farms, and a more resilient agricultural landscape. Support the show Fuel the Work Behind the Mic—and Beyond Behind every episode is a community of supporters who believe in a healthier, more resilient food future. Sponsorship support helps Florida Organic Growers continue connecting farmers, food, and communities through education, resources, and conversations that inspire positive change. 🌱 👉 Visit our sponsor page to learn more and join our community of supporters. Together, we can grow real solutions.

Send us Fan Mail A beautiful Florida landscape can do more than enhance curb appeal. It can provide critical habitat for butterflies, bees, birds, and other pollinators. In this episode, certified horticulture professional, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ professional, and landscape designer Tenille Dixon Pawlus, owner of Butterflies and Blossoms FL, shares how homeowners can create vibrant, thriving outdoor spaces that support wildlife while remaining beautiful, functional, and easy to maintain. Drawing on years of experience designing landscapes across Florida, Tenille offers practical guidance on choosing the right plants, avoiding common landscaping mistakes, and making simple changes that can have a lasting impact on pollinator populations. Whether you're starting a new garden or looking to enhance an existing landscape, you'll walk away with actionable ideas for creating a healthier ecosystem right outside your door. Tune in to discover how every yard, no matter its size, can become part of the solution and help save pollinators one landscape at a time. Support the show Fuel the Work Behind the Mic—and Beyond Behind every episode is a community of supporters who believe in a healthier, more resilient food future. Sponsorship support helps Florida Organic Growers continue connecting farmers, food, and communities through education, resources, and conversations that inspire positive change. 🌱 👉 Visit our sponsor page to learn more and join our community of supporters. Together, we can grow real solutions.

Send us Fan Mail Join host JC Rodriguez for an inspiring conversation with Kyndra Love, SE TOPP Project Manager, about Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program (SE TOPP) and the real opportunities it creates for farmers looking to strengthen their operations, access new markets, and navigate the path to organic production with confidence. We also share a preview of two upcoming free Jacksonville events that bring together growers, buyers, researchers, students, and community leaders to share resources, address challenges, and create opportunities for success! In this episode, you'll learn: • How SETOPP helps farmers transition to organic production • Ways to reduce uncertainty and gain expert guidance on organic certification and compliance • What to expect at the upcoming Town Hall, including policy updates and opportunities to voice local agricultural concerns • Key Symposium sessions covering produce safety, marketing strategies, and telling your farm's story to attract customers • What buyers are looking for right now and how to position your products for new sales opportunities • Why networking with farmers, researchers, students, and industry professionals can open doors to partnerships and growth • Resources available to help your farm become more resilient, profitable, and connected Don't miss these free opportunities to learn, connect, and grow. Register today for both the Town Hall and Symposium at: EVENTS – Florida Organic Growers Whether you're just getting started or looking to take your farm to the next level, these events are designed to help you turn questions into actionable next steps. Support the show Fuel the Work Behind the Mic—and Beyond Behind every episode is a community of supporters who believe in a healthier, more resilient food future. Sponsorship support helps Florida Organic Growers continue connecting farmers, food, and communities through education, resources, and conversations that inspire positive change. 🌱 👉 Visit our sponsor page to learn more and join our community of supporters. Together, we can grow real solutions.

Send us Fan Mail Many Kids Know What Food Is—But Not Where It Comes From Most children eat three meals a day, yet many have little connection to the farms, farmers, and food systems that make those meals possible. In this episode, Becky Sponholtz, Executive Director of Florida Agriculture in the Classroom, shares how school gardens, hands-on learning, and agricultural education are helping students better understand where their food comes from and why agriculture matters. Growing up in Florida's agricultural heartland and spending years as an agriscience teacher, Becky brings a unique perspective on inspiring the next generation of informed consumers, future farmers, and food system leaders. Together, we explore how agricultural literacy helps cultivate stronger communities, healthier food choices, and a more resilient future for agriculture. Support the show Fuel the Work Behind the Mic—and Beyond Behind every episode is a community of supporters who believe in a healthier, more resilient food future. Sponsorship support helps Florida Organic Growers continue connecting farmers, food, and communities through education, resources, and conversations that inspire positive change. 🌱 👉 Visit our sponsor page to learn more and join our community of supporters. Together, we can grow real solutions.

Send us Fan Mail Can you really start homesteading in the middle of a city? Absolutely. In this episode, Andres Arango—biomedical engineer turned homesteading innovator—shares how anyone, anywhere can begin building a sustainable, self-sufficient lifestyle. From balcony gardens to full-scale food forests, Andres breaks down the core principles of homesteading, busts common myths, and offers practical tips for beginners. Learn how to optimize your space, conserve resources, and connect with a growing community of eco-conscious growers. 🌱 Topics Covered: Urban vs. Rural HomesteadingStarting small with composting, herbs, and rainwater collectionDesigning efficient, resilient food systemsJoining the Grow a Food Forest community for freeOvercoming common beginner challengesWhether you're a city dweller, sustainability enthusiast, or curious beginner, this episode will inspire you to take the first step toward self-sufficiency—no matter where you live. 🔗 Follow Andres:  Instagram: @growfoodhomestead Support the show Fuel the Work Behind the Mic—and Beyond Behind every episode is a community of supporters who believe in a healthier, more resilient food future. Sponsorship support helps Florida Organic Growers continue connecting farmers, food, and communities through education, resources, and conversations that inspire positive change. 🌱 👉 Visit our sponsor page to learn more and join our community of supporters. Together, we can grow real solutions.

Send us Fan Mail What does regenerative agriculture really mean—and why does it matter? In this episode of Fresh Take, host JC Rodriguez sits down with Dr. Kendra Klein, Deputy Director for Science at Friends of the Earth, to unpack the science, stories, and social impact behind one of the most talked-about movements in food and farming. We explore: The true definition of regenerative agricultureHow it differs from organic and sustainable practicesThe hidden cost of pesticides on soil healthReal-world techniques and success stories from farmersThe role of policy, advocacy, and consumer action in shaping the future of foodWhether you're a farmer, foodie, or climate-conscious citizen, this episode offers a grounded and inspiring look at how soil can be a solution to some of our biggest environmental challenges. Support the show Fuel the Work Behind the Mic—and Beyond Behind every episode is a community of supporters who believe in a healthier, more resilient food future. Sponsorship support helps Florida Organic Growers continue connecting farmers, food, and communities through education, resources, and conversations that inspire positive change. 🌱 👉 Visit our sponsor page to learn more and join our community of supporters. Together, we can grow real solutions.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, nursery manager and vegetable farmer Robert Lommerse shares his journey from citrus horticulture to running a family-owned nursery and sustainable farm in Sanford, Florida. Discover how flowers and nurseries play a vital role in supporting pollinators, reducing environmental impact, and strengthening local food systems. Whether you're a beginner gardener or a food system advocate, you'll gain practical tips for growing in small spaces, learn how nurseries foster community resilience, and explore sustainable practices that make gardening accessible and impactful. Topics include: The role of flowers in biodiversity and food productionTips for beginner gardenersHow nurseries reduce environmental impactBuilding community through gardeningSustainable practices for everyday growersFarmer Rob's Veggies Support the show Fuel the Work Behind the Mic—and Beyond Behind every episode is a community of supporters who believe in a healthier, more resilient food future. Sponsorship support helps Florida Organic Growers continue connecting farmers, food, and communities through education, resources, and conversations that inspire positive change. 🌱 👉 Visit our sponsor page to learn more and join our community of supporters. Together, we can grow real solutions.

Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode of Fresh Take, we dig into the soil—literally and figuratively—with Gen Z farmer and sustainability advocate Dawson Amico, founder of Hospitable Harvests. From growing native milkweed to support monarch butterflies to managing over 15 front yard microfarms in Orlando, Dawson shares his journey of turning passion into purpose. Discover how the pandemic sparked his composting journey, why biochar became a game-changer in his soil health strategy, and how he's helping others grow greener through hands-on education and garden coaching. Whether you're a beginner composter, urban gardener, or just compost-curious, this episode is packed with practical tips, Florida-specific advice, and heartfelt stories of regeneration and resilience. What You’ll Learn: How to start composting (even in a small space!)The role of biochar in soil health and carbon sequestrationTips for composting in Florida’s warm, humid climateHow composting supports habitat restoration and biodiversityDawson’s vision for empowering Gen Z to grow sustainablyConnect with Dawson: Instagram: @hospitableharvests Facebook: Hospitable Harvests LinkedIn: Dawson Amico Website: www.hospitableharvests.com Tune in and get inspired to turn your food scraps into fertile soil and your front yard into a flourishing farm. Let’s grow a more sustainable future—one compost pile at a time. Support the show Fuel the Work Behind the Mic—and Beyond Behind every episode is a community of supporters who believe in a healthier, more resilient food future. Sponsorship support helps Florida Organic Growers continue connecting farmers, food, and communities through education, resources, and conversations that inspire positive change. 🌱 👉 Visit our sponsor page to learn more and join our community of supporters. Together, we can grow real solutions.

Send us Fan Mail What exactly is the Farm Bill—and why should you care? In this episode of Fresh Take, we demystify one of the most influential pieces of legislation shaping our food system. Host Lana Chehabeddine sits down with Billy Hackett, a passionate policy specialist from the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, to break down the Farm Bill’s history, structure, and far-reaching impact on farming, food access, environmental health, and rural communities. Billy shares insights on how the bill affects everything from food prices to conservation programs, and why equitable reform is essential for farmers and communities. Learn about common misconceptions, current challenges, and how grassroots advocacy can drive meaningful change. Whether you're a grower, policymaker, or simply someone who eats, this episode will empower you with the knowledge and tools to engage with the Farm Bill and support a more sustainable, just food system. Support the show Fuel the Work Behind the Mic—and Beyond Behind every episode is a community of supporters who believe in a healthier, more resilient food future. Sponsorship support helps Florida Organic Growers continue connecting farmers, food, and communities through education, resources, and conversations that inspire positive change. 🌱 👉 Visit our sponsor page to learn more and join our community of supporters. Together, we can grow real solutions.

Send us Fan Mail Daniel Miranda is Director of Sales at Legacy Greens, a microgreen farm located in Tallahassee, Florida. In this episode, Daniel joins us for a conversation about his experience completing two On Farm Readiness Reviews (OFRRs).  Hear about:  - Why Legacy Greens decided to request each OFRR  - Participating in the Produce Safety Alliance Training   - The OFRR process and how it was beneficial for the farm   Resources:  Learn more about On Farm Readiness Reviews on the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Website: https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Fruit-and-Vegetables/Food-Safety-Modernization-Act-Produce-Safety-Rule/On-Farm-Readiness-Review  Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training Schedule in Florida: https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Fruit-and-Vegetables/Food-Safety-Modernization-Act-Produce-Safety-Rule/FSMA-Produce-Safety-Training  Learn more about FOG’s upcoming food safety-related podcast, events and webinars on our website: https://foginfo.org/food-safety-for-producers/    For the latest news on FSMA, visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Website: https://www.fda.gov/food/guidance-regulation-food-and-dietary-supplements/food-safety-modernization-act-fsma    Learn more about Legacy Greens: http://www.legacygreens3.com/    Support the show Fuel the Work Behind the Mic—and Beyond Behind every episode is a community of supporters who believe in a healthier, more resilient food future. Sponsorship support helps Florida Organic Growers continue connecting farmers, food, and communities through education, resources, and conversations that inspire positive change. 🌱 👉 Visit our sponsor page to learn more and join our community of supporters. Together, we can grow real solutions.

Send us Fan Mail Billy Mitchell, experto en inocuidad de alimentos, habla con nosotros sobre las auditorías de inocuidad alimentaria y las preguntas más frecuentes que tienen los agricultores.  Damos la bienvenida a Billy Mitchell, Coordinador de Capacitación de FSMA para la Unión Nacional de Agricultores, para una conversación sobre las preguntas que comúnmente escucha de los agricultores sobre la seguridad alimentaria.  Sintoniza para escuchar sobre:  - Por qué la certificación de seguridad alimentaria se ha vuelto más común  - ¿Esta certificación es voluntaria para productores orgánicos certificados y pequeñas fincas?  - Cuánto tiempo lleva preparar una granja para una auditoría  - El costo promedio de una auditoría de seguridad alimentaria  Aprenda más en nuestro sitio web: https://foginfo.org/food-safety-for-producers-spanish/  Aprenda sobre el Sindicato Nacional de Agricultores (en inglés, National Farmers Union) en su página web: https://nfu.org   Encuentre información sobre la inocuidad de alimentos en la pagina web de la Alianza de Inocuidad de Frutas y Verduras (en inglés, Produce Safety Alliance): https://producesafetyalliance.cornell.edu  Obtenga más información sobre la inocuidad de alimentos en el sitio web de the U.S. Food and Drug Administration:https://www.fda.gov/food/guidance-regulation-food-and-dietary-supplements/food-safety-modernization-act-fsma    Support the show Fuel the Work Behind the Mic—and Beyond Behind every episode is a community of supporters who believe in a healthier, more resilient food future. Sponsorship support helps Florida Organic Growers continue connecting farmers, food, and communities through education, resources, and conversations that inspire positive change. 🌱 👉 Visit our sponsor page to learn more and join our community of supporters. Together, we can grow real solutions.

Send us Fan Mail Kirby Quam, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Produce Safety Outreach Coordinator, speaks with us about the On Farm Readiness Review (OFRR) process for farmers.  In this episode, hear about:  - What is the On Farm Readiness Review  - Who manages and participates in the On Farm Readiness Reviews in Florida  - What farmers can expect prior, during and after an OFRR  - Some common issues inspectors often see on farms  - Where to sign up and find resources  Resources:  FDACS On Farm Readiness Review Website: https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Fruit-and-Vegetables/Food-Safety-Modernization-Act-Produce-Safety-Rule/On-Farm-Readiness-Review  For the latest news on FSMA, visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Website: https://www.fda.gov/food/guidance-regulation-food-and-dietary-supplements/food-safety-modernization-act-fsma    Support the show Fuel the Work Behind the Mic—and Beyond Behind every episode is a community of supporters who believe in a healthier, more resilient food future. Sponsorship support helps Florida Organic Growers continue connecting farmers, food, and communities through education, resources, and conversations that inspire positive change. 🌱 👉 Visit our sponsor page to learn more and join our community of supporters. Together, we can grow real solutions.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr. Keith Schneider, Professor and Extension Specialist in the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department at the University of Florida, introduces the Preventive Controls for Human Consumption Rule and its connection to Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HAACP). Learn about:  - The history of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HAACP)   - What the Preventive Controls for Human Consumption Rule establishes  - The Food Safety Preventive Control Alliance (FSPCA)  - Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) Training   Resources:  FSMA Final Rule for Preventive Controls for Human Food: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-modernization-act-fsma/fsma-final-rule-preventive-controls-human-food   Food Safety Preventive Control Alliance (FSPCA): www.ifsh.iit.edu/fspca  For the latest news on FSMA, visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Website: https://www.fda.gov/food/guidance-regulation-food-and-dietary-supplements/food-safety-modernization-act-fsma    Support the show Fuel the Work Behind the Mic—and Beyond Behind every episode is a community of supporters who believe in a healthier, more resilient food future. Sponsorship support helps Florida Organic Growers continue connecting farmers, food, and communities through education, resources, and conversations that inspire positive change. 🌱 👉 Visit our sponsor page to learn more and join our community of supporters. Together, we can grow real solutions.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we welcome Marina Chaparro, a nationally recognized bilingual nutrition and diabetes expert, to discuss the importance of building positive food relationships and sustainable living. In this episode, Marina shares her insights on raising adventurous eaters, creating supportive food environments, and adopting sustainable practices in the kitchen. Whether you're a parent, a healthy food advocate, or simply interested in making more mindful food choices, this episode offers valuable advice and practical tips for fostering a healthier relationship with food.  In this episode, you'll learn: The importance of nutrition in childhood and its impact on developmentPractical tips for raising healthy eaters and overcoming common challengesHow to build a positive relationship with food and manage stress-eatingThe benefits of eating organic or local and what to look for when grocery shoppingSimple ways to create a sustainable kitchen that benefits both your health and the planetTune in to gain practical advice and inspiration for making healthier, more sustainable food choices for you and your family! Support the show Fuel the Work Behind the Mic—and Beyond Behind every episode is a community of supporters who believe in a healthier, more resilient food future. Sponsorship support helps Florida Organic Growers continue connecting farmers, food, and communities through education, resources, and conversations that inspire positive change. 🌱 👉 Visit our sponsor page to learn more and join our community of supporters. Together, we can grow real solutions.

Send us Fan Mail Billy Mitchell, food safety expert, talks with us about food safety audits and commonly asked questions from farmers.    We welcome Billy Mitchell, FSMA Training Coordinator for the National Farmers Union, for a conversation about questions he commonly hears from farmers about food safety.  Tune in to hear about:  Why food safety certification has become more common Is this certification voluntary for certified organic growers and small farms? How long it takes to prepare a farm for an audit  The average cost of a food safety audit  Resources:  Listen to FOG’s food safety-related webinars on our website: https://foginfo.org/food-safety-for-producers/  Learn about the National Farmers Union on their website: https://nfu.org  Find information on food safety on the Produce Safety Alliance website: https://producesafetyalliance.cornell.edu  Support the show Fuel the Work Behind the Mic—and Beyond Behind every episode is a community of supporters who believe in a healthier, more resilient food future. Sponsorship support helps Florida Organic Growers continue connecting farmers, food, and communities through education, resources, and conversations that inspire positive change. 🌱 👉 Visit our sponsor page to learn more and join our community of supporters. Together, we can grow real solutions.