Best International Fresh Produce Association Podcasts (2024)

1
108: How Industry Collaboration and Technological Innovation Impact Sustainable Packaging with Garland Perkins 30:27

3d ago30:27

30:27

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

1
EP 62 I Glantine Mashile: Overcoming barriers to finance in agriculture 35:48

3d ago35:48

35:48

In conversation with Glantine Mashile, MD of Geekay Agribusiness. Glantine shares invaluable insights on the challenges farmers face in securing loans from retail banks, particularly for black and emerging farmers. He emphasises the importance of proper business structuring, compliance, and record-keeping to become bankable. We discuss the types of…

1
107: Sustainable Packaging, AI-Driven Material Discovery, and Robotics with Po-Yen Chen 23:12

10d ago23:12

23:12

How can cutting-edge technology revolutionize packaging for fresh produce? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Po-Yen Chen, Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland, to explore how his lab is leveraging AI and flexible robotic technologies to discover and develop new functional materials. By implementing active learning frameworks with r…

1
106: Emerging Trends in Sustainable Packaging with Max Teplitski and Andrew Stephens 29:33

17d ago29:33

29:33

Are you passionate about fresh, healthy produce and a cleaner planet? In this first episode of our six-part series, we highlight the vital connection between packaging practices in the produce industry and the urgent need for sustainability. We'll explore the delicate balance between ensuring top-quality, pathogen-free products and reducing the env…

1
105: Partnerships and Collaborations to Elevate Food with Peter Wells 23:43

1M ago23:43

23:43

Today we're joined by Peter Wells, Chief Strategy Director at Elevated Foods, who shares insights into the company's innovative approach to agriculture. Discover how Elevated Foods measures success with new sustainability practices and how the USDA’s Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities grant has impacted them. Listen in as Peter delves into …

1
EP 61 I Dr Penny Byrne: Exploring ESG and Climate Resilience in Agriculture 29:33

1M ago29:33

29:33

Dr. Penny, an ESG specialist, sheds light on the significance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in today's agricultural landscape. She shares her expertise as an ESG Investment Analyst at SBG Securities, emphasising the importance of incorporating environmental, social, and governance factors into investment strategies for equities, wi…

1
104: Embracing the Principles of Nature Farming with Wiam Haddad 35:49

2M ago35:49

35:49

What does it take to transform a leading agricultural company into a beacon of sustainability? In this episode, we talk with Wiam Haddad, Systems Ecologist at ZZ2, a renowned agricultural company in South Africa committed to environmental stewardship. Join us as we explore ZZ2's journey towards climate-smart agriculture, delving into the strategies…

1
103: How to Get Started in Regenerative Agriculture with Steven Cardoza 25:24

2M ago25:24

25:24

Today we sit down with Steven Cardoza, Owner of Cardoza & Cardoza Farming Company, as he shares his family's remarkable transition to organic and regenerative ag. Discover why they made the switch to organic farming back in 1998 and how embracing regenerative practices has revolutionized their approach to agriculture. From enhanced soil health to i…

1
102: Revolutionizing Crop Protection with Ben Cicora 25:15

2M ago25:15

25:15

What is the future of crop protection? Join us as we sit down with Ben Cicora, Senior VP of Sales and Marketing at Vestaron, to explore the game-changing innovations in agriculture. Discover how Vestaron is leading the charge with peptide-based technologies, addressing pest issues and resistance problems while prioritizing safety and sustainability…

1
EP 60 I Michelle Marais: Urban Farmer's mission to support African agriculture 34:15

2M ago34:15

34:15

Michelle shares her journey in the agricultural sector, her recent award win, and her work with small-scale farmers through Urban Farmer. We discuss the challenges faced by smallholder farmers, the importance of information access, and the vision for the future of agriculture in Africa. Please rate and review this podcast episode. Email info@mbalin…

1
101: Sustainable Agriculture Strategies with Measure to Improve 24:51

2M ago24:51

24:51

How crucial is it for businesses to integrate sustainability practices into their operations? Today, we're joined by Nikki Cossio, Kyle Cosgrove, and Gabe Worthington from Measure to Improve to explore the significance of their partnership with IFPA on the climate-smart commodities grant. As pioneers in building successful sustainability programs, …

1
100: Charting the Path to Climate-Smart Agriculture 26:06

2M ago26:06

26:06

In our milestone 100th episode, we're diving deep into the realm of climate-smart agriculture, a pivotal topic shaping the future of farming. Joining us are Max Teplitski, Chief Science Officer at the International Fresh Produce Association, and Drew Zabrocki, Managing Partner at TOTEM LTD. Together, we explore IFPA's ambitious climate-smart progra…

1
EP 59 I Minki Thulo: The role of a Business Coach in scaling and growing your business 36:17

3M ago36:17

36:17

In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Minki, a seasoned business growth consultant and coach at GROW. We explore the crucial role of business coaching in the success of entrepreneurs, delving into the importance of clarity, focus, and intentionality in building a thriving business. We also discuss the difference between business coa…

1
EP 58 I Oxolo Mofokeng : Siyavuna Abalimi Development Centre 46:47

3M ago46:47

46:47

In conversation with Oxolo Mofokeng, the Deputy Director of Siyavuna Abalimi Development Centre. Siyavuna focuses on empowering rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal through sustainable farming practices. They provide training to both elderly farmers and youth, emphasizing the importance of skills development and enterprise development. Oxolo explains…

1
EP 57: Francois Rossouw I Unleashing AI in Agriculture with AI Farmer powered by AELA 31:51

4M ago31:51

31:51

In our first episode of 2024, we dive into the transformative world of agricultural technology with our guest, Francois Rossouw, CEO of SAAI. Francois, a returning friend of the podcast, shares exciting developments about SAAI's latest innovation, AI Farmer, powered by AELA. AI Farmer, formerly known as Hi Saai, is a groundbreaking technology provi…

1
Short Takes on Tech 06: Pioneering Innovations in Produce Industry Tech 38:11

5M ago38:11

38:11

Unlock the secrets of innovation and success in the produce industry with today's power-packed lineup! Join us as we dive into the world of cutting-edge technology and data solutions with Greg Gatzke and Thuan Ngo from ZAG Technical Services, Inc. Discover how their accelerated business growth strategies are reshaping the technological landscape an…

1
Short Takes on Tech 05: AgTech Revolution 26:41

5M ago26:41

26:41

We're diving into the cutting-edge world of AgTech with a double feature in today's episode with two industry pioneers who are shaping the future. First up is Walt Duflock, VP of Innovation at Western Growers, a true trailblazer in the AgTech startup scene. Following Walt, we're honored to hear from Melissa Ackerman, CEO of Planet Harvest, on a mis…

1
Short Takes on Tech 04: Navigating Traceability and Innovation in the Produce Industry 24:36

5M ago24:36

24:36

Take a look into the ever-evolving fresh produce industry in this episode featuring Andrew Kennedy, Co-Founder of New Era Partners, and Jeff Butler, General Manager of Silo Capital. Andrew shares his unique journey transitioning from the FDA to the private sector, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities of traceability in the food i…

1
Short Takes on Tech 03: Illuminating AgTech Innovations in Fresh Produce 24:43

5M ago24:43

24:43

Today we are taking a deep dive into the realm of technology in fresh produce and the remarkable advancements shaping the industry. In our first conversation, Gene Wisakowsky, CEO of Agniuity, Inc, reveals how their revolutionary horticulture lighting system is not just illuminating crops, but doing so with exceptional energy efficiency, setting a …

1
Short Takes on Tech 02: Inside the Fresh Field Catalyst Accelerator Program 34:56

5M ago34:56

34:56

Join us today as we uncover the groundbreaking Fresh Field Catalyst Accelerator Program, a platform propelling 12 revolutionary companies toward commercialization within the next 1-2 years. In this episode, our insightful guests share their journeys and their insights into the agricultural markets, and shed light on the invaluable advantages of par…

1
Short Takes on Tech 01: Harvesting Innovation from the Global Produce & Floral Show 37:48

5M ago37:48

37:48

Today we are starting a journey into the heart of innovation with the inaugural episode of our special season, recorded live at the Global Produce & Floral Show. Throughout this season, join us for 2-4 interviews in each episode, featuring discussions with experts from groundbreaking companies and pioneers in cutting-edge technology within the prod…

1
Special Episode: The Connected Farm: New Technology and Tools for Farmers to Reduce Waste and Optimize Work Cycle 30:41

5M ago30:41

30:41

Step into the world of agricultural innovation with a unique perspective on The Connected Farm. In this special episode, the tables are turned as I join the ITSPmagazine Podcast for their CES 2024 Coverage. Listen in as we explore the evolving landscape of farming technology and the challenges farmers face in adopting new practices. You will learn …

1
EP 56 I Sinelizwi Fakade: Unlocking commercialisation strategies for rural agricultural development 42:52

7M ago42:52

42:52

Ukhanyo Farmer Development (NPO) is a pioneering initiative dedicated to empowering and uplifting farmers in South Africa, in the Eastern Cape province. Focused on rural agricultural development, the organization aims to unlock the full potential of farmers by providing essential resources, training, and support. Through strategic guidance and comm…

1
89: Nurturing Growth: Supporting Farmers in Climate-Smart Solutions with Julie DiNatale 23:29

7M ago23:29

23:29

With a wealth of experience predating the widespread discussions on sustainability, Julie DiNatale, Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer at FMC Corporation, joins the show to share a look into FMC's commitment to sustainability. As the world faces the dual challenge of feeding a growing population while safeguarding our planet, FMC focus…

1
88: Cultivating a Greener Tomorrow: Climate-Smart Agriculture Initiatives for a Sustainable Future with Suzy Friedman 27:09

7M ago27:09

27:09

Today Suzy Friedman, Senior Director of Food Policy at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), joins the show to share the organization's commitment to sustainability. In this episode, Suzy emphasizes that the ability to sustain our food sources relies fundamentally on healthy ecosystems and biodiversity. Suzy explains the urgency of adopting quick and acce…

1
EP 55 I Thabile Nkunjana: Understanding the economics behind the egg scarcity crisis 24:04

7M ago24:04

24:04

Over the past couple of months, the poultry industry in South Africa has faced unprecedented challenges, especially with the emergence of the bird flu virus. This outbreak has had a profound impact, particularly on the availability of poultry products, with eggs being a notable example, on many retail shelves. Thabile Nkunjana joins us once again; …

1
87: Bayer's Commitment to Regenerative Agriculture and Climate-Smart Solutions 29:13

7M ago29:13

29:13

Join Bayer leaders, Cristiane Lourenço and Josh VanDeWalle, as they unveil Bayer Crop Science's commitment to sustainability and regenerative agriculture. They break down how sustainability aligns with Bayer's mission, exploring practical strategies for optimizing resources and leaving a positive impact on soil and communities. You will learn about…

1
86: Revolutionizing Agriculture: Award-Winning Regenerative Practices with Braga Fresh and Agrology 37:18

8M ago37:18

37:18

Today we are talking to Eric Morgan, Vice President of Environmental Science and Resources at Braga Fresh, and Charlie Dubbe, Head of Regenerative Partnerships at Agrology, winners of the IFPA Science and Tech Circle of Excellence Award. Their collaboration in regenerative agriculture has earned them this prestigious recognition. In this episode, t…

1
EP 54: Palesa Motaung: Making agribusiness value chains more efficient with Agrikool 34:56

8M ago34:56

34:56

Agrikool, is a startup focused on making food and agricultural products accessible to everyone. Palesa Motaung, COO of Agrikool discusses the challenges of agri-entrepreneurship in South Africa and how Agrikool has had to adapt its business model to meet the needs of its target market. The episode also highlights Agrikool's strong retail partnershi…

1
85: Regenerative Organic: A Path to a Healthier Planet with Paul Lightfoot 25:26

8M ago25:26

25:26

Discover the future of sustainability with Paul Lightfoot, the General Manager at Patagonia Provisions, in this episode. Paul's passion for sustainability, health and the well-being of our planet shines through as he explores the current state of sustainability efforts and the changes he believes are crucial for our planet. A shift towards climate-…

1
84: Driscoll’s Global Commitments and Climate-Smart Strategies with Marta Baptista 21:08

8M ago21:08

21:08

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 i…

1
83: The Path to Climate-Smart Agriculture with Renée Vassilos 31:22

8M ago31:22

31:22

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 Co…

1
82: Charting the Future of Sustainable Packaging: IFPA Expert Insights 33:38

9M ago33:38

33:38

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 te…

1
EP 53 I Stephanie van der Walt: Women in Agriculture - Highlights from the International Fresh Produce Association's Women's Fresh Perspective 46:38

9M ago46:38

46:38

Stephanie van der Walt, the Regional Manager of the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) discusses the purpose of industry body associations and the work they do, as well as the benefits of being a member. Stephanie shares her thoughts on the Women's Fresh Perspective breakfast hosted by IFPA and their recent conference in Southern Africa…

1
81: Life Cycle Assessments in Packaging Sustainability with Wyatt Maysey 20:51

9M ago20:51

20:51

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 renewab…

1
80: Compostable Revolution: Sustainable Solutions to Plastic Waste with John Paap 31:32

9M ago31:32

31:32

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…

1
79: Redefining Sustainability, Flavor, and Impact in Food with Simply Good Jars 29:05

9M ago29:05

29:05

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 commit…

1
EP 52 I Zaheer Dindar and Fazlur Pandor: Introducing Pumpkin: A Web-Based Platform for Agribusiness Financial Management and Funding 52:35

9M ago52:35

52:35

Speaking to Zaheer Dindar and Fazlur Pandor both Co-Founders of Pumpkn.io Pumpkn is a web-based platform that helps agribusinesses manage their finances and raise funding. It provides businesses with a comprehensive financial compliance checklist and real-time updates on their financial standing. It also offers tailor-made financing and funding opp…

1
78: Compostable Concerns: The Future of PLU Stickers in a Sustainable Produce Industry 25:36

9M ago25:36

25:36

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. Recentl…

1
77: Sustainable Packaging: Balancing Quality, Safety, and the Environment with Adam Hollowell 27:49

10M ago27:49

27:49

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 im…

1
EP 51 I Tendai Chitapi & Oliver Windram: Farming with AI! How machine vision and deep learning are transforming produce grading - Kuronga 50:31

10M ago50:31

50:31

Tendai Chitapi and Oliver Windram, co-founders of Kuronga. Kuronga is a platform that utilizes machine vision and deep learning to help farmers accurately grade their produce and target the right customers. The founders recognized that farmers were missing out on market opportunities due to a lack of tools and expertise in grading fresh produce. Th…

1
EP 50 I Linda Siboto: Unveiling the world of cannabis with Cheeba Cannabis Academy 37:16

11M ago37:16

37:16

Linda Siboto is the Co-founder of Cheeba Cannabis Academy and he unpacks the cannabis industry from obtaining licenses, cultivation practices, the costs associated with cannabis farming, and the various courses the academy offers to individuals that seek to learn or pursue a career in the cannabis industry. Linda also shares his personal journey an…

1
EP 49 I Christian Giesel: The role of marketing in shaping the future of agriculture with Syngenta 34:37

11M ago34:37

34:37

Christian Giesel, the Head of Marketing at Syngenta South Africa is the guest on this exciting podcast episode. Syngenta is a global agribusiness company that plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of agriculture through innovative marketing strategies. Christian's passion for sustainable agriculture and his deep understanding of the marketing …

1
EP 48 I Lindsay Hopkins and Ozzy Nel : SA Harvest 37:37

12M ago37:37

37:37

SA Harvest, based in the heart of South Africa, is a pioneering company with a mission to alleviate hunger while combating food waste. They've identified a critical issue in our society—tons of perfectly edible food goes to waste every day, while millions of people struggle with hunger. SA Harvest was founded with the belief that this disparity can…

1
EP 47 I Naledi Magowe: Empowering Africa's rural farmers through tech innovation. 31:03

1y ago31:03

31:03

Brastorne is an innovative technology startup based in Botswana, dedicated to bridging the digital divide and empowering the rural poor in Africa. With a deep-rooted commitment to addressing the needs of rural communities, especially those engaged in agriculture (representing 80% of the population), Brastorne leverages the transformative power of t…

1
EP 46 I Thabile Nkunjana: Food price inflation and its impact on the consumer market 48:22

1y ago48:22

48:22

Thabile Nkunjana is an experienced economist in agri-food systems, international trade, and rural development industry, and is currently employed by the NAMC as an Economist in Agri-Food Chains. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of food price inflation and its far-reaching consequences. We discuss how shifts in supply and demand,…

1
EP 45 I Andy Du Plessis: Food Forward SA 36:19

1y ago36:19

36:19

Food Forward SA works with a network of food donors, volunteers, and beneficiary organizations to collect surplus food from retailers, farmers, and manufacturers, and distribute it to vulnerable communities across the country. Their mission is to ensure that no one goes hungry, while also promoting sustainable food systems and reducing the environm…

1
EP 44 I Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli: Growing agribusinesses across Africa 35:57

1y ago35:57

35:57

In this episode, we take a closer look at the incredible career of Ndidi Nwuneli, an entrepreneur, author, and advocate for sustainable development in Nigeria's agri sector. Ndidi is the founder of AACE Foods, an agribusiness company that works with smallholder farmers to produce high-quality food products for local and international markets. Ndidi…

1
76: Providing Fresh Produce to Underserved Communities & Measuring the Environmental Impact of Last Mile Changes 35:04

1y ago35:04

35:04

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 convers…

1
75: How Multigenerational Produce Industry Leaders Continue to Innovate While Maintaining Tradition 36:07

1y ago36:07

36:07

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 need…

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International Fresh Produce Association Podcasts

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