Fresh Take

Discover the heartbeat of sustainable agriculture with Audrey Coldy from the National Center for Appropriate Technology, as she brings her rich farming heritage and knowledge to our latest conversation. Her passion for intertwining nature with history to promote food equity and environmental stewardship is nothing short of inspiring. As we navigate the narratives of food safety, local production, and marketing strategies, Audrey's insights shed light on the transformative power of hope and history in reshaping our agricultural landscape.

Step into a world where sustainable farming programs flourish and initiatives sow the seeds of community and innovation. From the evolution of ATRA's outreach efforts to the creation of a digital hub for farmers through the "Voices from the Field" podcast, our discussion navigates the advancements in sharing knowledge and fostering connections. The Arm to Farm program stands out, offering veterans a new mission in sustainable agriculture, while farmer networks and conferences bridge the gap between cultures, enhancing resilience and learning. And when it comes to nurturing the next generation, the Farm to School initiative is a testament to the robust link between local agriculture and youth education, guaranteeing a fresh, healthy future for our children and our planet. Join us as we celebrate the collective efforts that are cultivating a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

 https://attra.ncat.org/about/staff/

https://attra.ncat.org/events/

 https://www.latinofarmersusa.com/

 https://www.notillgrowers.com/

Join us at the upcoming Organic Food & Farming Summit April 18-19, 2024 in Tampa! Early bird savings ends February 2, 2024! SECURE YOUR SPOTS!

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Summary: 

In this episode, Dr. Keith Schneider joins Dr. Juan Carlos Rodriguez for a discussion on FSMA’s produce safety rule and microbiology concepts related to food safety. 

In this episode, Dr. Keith Schneider discusses microbiology concepts that help farmers better understand how to produce food safely.  

 Tune in to learn about:  

• The Produce Safety Rule  
• Problematic foodborne pathogens  
• The role of indicator organisms and methods to test for their presence  
• Preventative controls 

 Resources: 

Learn more about food safety and upcoming events and webinars on our website: https://foginfo.org/food-safety-for-producers/

Learn more about food safety on the UF/IFAS Southern Center for FSMA Training website: https://sc.ifas.ufl.edu

Learn more about FSMA on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Website:
https://www.fda.gov/food/guidance-regulation-food-and-dietary-supplements/food-safety-modernization-act-fsma 

Join us at the upcoming Organic Food & Farming Summit April 18-19, 2024 in Tampa! Early bird savings ends February 2, 2024! SECURE YOUR SPOTS!

We hope you enjoyed the episode! Please help us continue to produce more valuable content by subscribing to our Fresh Take Podcast Series! Subscribe here

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Discover the transformative world of organic agriculture as Andi Emrich, programs manager of Florida Organic Growers, joins our host Lana Chehabeddine, in unraveling the wonders behind the upcoming Organic Food and Farming Summit April 18-19 in Tampa, FL! Andi, brings her unique expertise to the table, guiding us through the Summit's inception and its mission to connect a diverse community.

Prepare to be inspired as we give you a sneak peek into the upcoming 2024 Summit, with its two-day agenda packed with farm tours, workshops, and a trade show that highlights the best of local sustainable agriculture. Andi and Lana navigate the topics that will sizzle at the event, from urban farming to integrating local produce into your favorite restaurants. The Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program's partnership promises to elevate the learning experience with practical training for those looking to make the big switch to organic farming. Tune in for this episode filled with passion, knowledge, and a deep dive into the future of food and farming.

Book your tickets now to save with our new February Share the Love  discount! Order at: https://bit.ly/3uIJkoY

Join us at the upcoming Organic Food & Farming Summit April 18-19, 2024 in Tampa! Early bird savings ends February 2, 2024! SECURE YOUR SPOTS!

We hope you enjoyed the episode! Please help us continue to produce more valuable content by subscribing to our Fresh Take Podcast Series! Subscribe here

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY- Learn more about the many benefits of becoming a Sponsor of Florida Organic Growers! Your contribution will not only help to advance an organic and sustainable future but gain brand awareness through our growing audience. If you are interested, click here

In this podcast episode, Catherine Campbell, PhD, MPH, and Jesse Haskins delve into the impact of the Florida Greenbelt Law on farm property taxes. 

Catherine, an Assistant Professor at the University of Florida, shares her expertise in community food systems, emphasizing research for health, sustainability, equity, and resilience. The discussion covers the law's background, implications for stakeholders, and criteria for agricultural classification.

Jesse Haskins, principal attorney at J Haskins Law, brings legal insight, drawing on his experience in agriculture and defamation law. The episode guides farmers through the application process, explores potential tax savings, and discusses avenues for appeal. Key resources are provided for a comprehensive understanding of the Greenbelt Law.

Listeners also get to know Catherine's background and research focus, explore the history of the Florida Greenbelt Law, and receive practical tips on applying and appealing if denied.

Find your county’s property appraiser here: https://floridarevenue.com/property/Pages/LocalOfficials.aspx   

Join us at the upcoming Organic Food & Farming Summit April 18-19, 2024 in Tampa! Early bird savings ends February 2, 2024! SECURE YOUR SPOTS!

We hope you enjoyed the episode! Please help us continue to produce more valuable content by subscribing to our Fresh Take Podcast Series! Subscribe here

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Lana and Andi invite Florida local food actors to join the Florida Local Food Network, and to get started by attending our virtual training event January 18th, "Platform Training & Kickoff!"

Fresh Take host Lana Chehabeddine takes on the guest role to talk about the Florida Local Food Project, FOG’s USDA-funded initiative to connect local farmers with local food entrepreneurs and restaurateurs. Members gain access to a vibrant community where they can collaborate, share ideas, and access valuable resources.  
  

In this episode, learn about:  

- How the Florida Local Food Network is working toward a more sustainable local food system 

- Benefits of becoming a member of the Florida Local Food Network 

- Hylo launch and virtual training event on January 18th 

Learn more about Florida Local Food Project on the website: https://foginfo.org/our-programs/local-food-promotion-project/

Join us at the upcoming Organic Food & Farming Summit April 18-19, 2024 in Tampa! Early bird savings ends February 2, 2024! SECURE YOUR SPOTS!

We hope you enjoyed the episode! Please help us continue to produce more valuable content by subscribing to our Fresh Take Podcast Series! Subscribe here

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY- Learn more about the many benefits of becoming a Sponsor of Florida Organic Growers! Your contribution will not only help to advance an organic and sustainable future but gain brand awareness through our growing audience. If you are interested, click here

Join Lana and Joy for a conversation about sustainable baking practices. 

Joy, a former pastry chef and current FOG Local Nutrition and Outreach Coordinator, introduces the concept of sustainable baking, emphasizing the importance of minimizing environmental impact, reducing waste, and supporting local communities. Practical tips include embracing sourdough for low-waste baking, optimizing oven efficiency, and adopting eco-friendly ingredient and single-use plastic alternatives. 
  

In this episode, learn about:  

- Alternative environmentally friendly flours 

- Sourdough bread as a means of low- to no-waste baking 

- Practical tips for reducing waste in the kitchen 

Learn more about sustainable baking on the King Arthur website: https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/learn/guides/guide-to-sustainable-baking 

Learn more about sourdough on The Perfect Loaf: https://www.theperfectloaf.com/beginners-sourdough-bread/

Secure Your Spot at the 2024 Organic Food & Farming Summit in Tampa, FL! Sign up early to take advantage of big savings! Get all the details and your tickets at: https://bit.ly/3uIJkoY

Join us at the upcoming Organic Food & Farming Summit April 18-19, 2024 in Tampa! Early bird savings ends February 2, 2024! SECURE YOUR SPOTS!

We hope you enjoyed the episode! Please help us continue to produce more valuable content by subscribing to our Fresh Take Podcast Series! Subscribe here

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY- Learn more about the many benefits of becoming a Sponsor of Florida Organic Growers! Your contribution will not only help to advance an organic and sustainable future but gain brand awareness through our growing audience. If you are interested, click here

Dr. Javier Garces joins JC for a conversation about Certified Organic Farm Technician training (COFT), a comprehensive program designed to provide high school and post-secondary students with the specialized knowledge, skills, and experience they’ll need to enter the agricultural workforce. 

Dr. Garces is currently serving as a Professor and Program Chair for the Plant Science and Agricultural Technology Program at Valencia College. Valencia offers an A.S. degree with specializations in Sustainable Agriculture, Horticulture, or Landscape, as well as several Technical Certificates. Tune in to hear JC and Dr. Garces chat about COFT training and the intersection of academia with real-world agricultural practices.  

In this episode, learn about:  

- How Dr. Garces got his start in plant science and agricultural technology 

- The skills and knowledge COFT training provides 

- Where to start if you're interested in transitioning to organic 

Learn more about COFT on the website: https://foginfo.org/coft/ 

Join us at the upcoming Organic Food & Farming Summit April 18-19, 2024 in Tampa! Early bird savings ends February 2, 2024! SECURE YOUR SPOTS!

We hope you enjoyed the episode! Please help us continue to produce more valuable content by subscribing to our Fresh Take Podcast Series! Subscribe here

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY- Learn more about the many benefits of becoming a Sponsor of Florida Organic Growers! Your contribution will not only help to advance an organic and sustainable future but gain brand awareness through our growing audience. If you are interested, click here

In this episode, JC and Dr. Carlene Chase explore some of the biggest challenges facing farmers, discuss the potential of organic farming practices to address these issues, and delve into science-based solutions, highlighting the benefits of cover crops.  

Dr. Chase is an associate professor at UF with a research focus on weed management, methyl bromide alternatives, and cover crops. She discusses challenges for organic farmers, including the rising cost of fertilizers and climate change, as well as some ways of mitigating those challenges. In particular, you’ll learn about the benefits of sunn hemp, which not only yields substantial biomass, but is also effective in suppressing nematodes.  
 

In this episode, learn about: 

- Organic weed management practices  

- Off-season cover cropping 

- Southern Cover Crops Council 

Learn more about Southern Cover Crops Council on the website: https://southerncovercrops.org/ 

Join us at the upcoming Organic Food & Farming Summit April 18-19, 2024 in Tampa! Early bird savings ends February 2, 2024! SECURE YOUR SPOTS!

We hope you enjoyed the episode! Please help us continue to produce more valuable content by subscribing to our Fresh Take Podcast Series! Subscribe here

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY- Learn more about the many benefits of becoming a Sponsor of Florida Organic Growers! Your contribution will not only help to advance an organic and sustainable future but gain brand awareness through our growing audience. If you are interested, click here

FOG Board Vice President Logan Petrey joins us to discuss the benefits of organic farming practices and The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP).  

Logan Petrey is the Ranch Manager for Grimmway Farms’ organic farm in North Florida, as well as serving as the National Organic Standard Board member. Join us to learn about SE-TOPP, a USDA program that will provide transitioning and existing organic farmers mentoring services, technical assistance, community building, and organic workforce development.  
  
In this episode, learn about:  

- The Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program (SE TOPP)
-Opportunities at the Organic Food and Farming Summit
- Organics’ role in US agriculture 
- How farmers can benefit from adopting organic farming practices 

Learn more about SE TOPP at: https://foginfo.org/our-programs/southeast-center-for-organic-transition/

Join us at the upcoming Organic Food & Farming Summit April 18-19, 2024 in Tampa! Early bird savings ends February 2, 2024! SECURE YOUR SPOTS!

We hope you enjoyed the episode! Please help us continue to produce more valuable content by subscribing to our Fresh Take Podcast Series! Subscribe here

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY- Learn more about the many benefits of becoming a Sponsor of Florida Organic Growers! Your contribution will not only help to advance an organic and sustainable future but gain brand awareness through our growing audience. If you are interested, click here

Join us for a conversation with FOG’s own Andi Emrich about the Organic Certification Cost Share Program and how it helps current and future organic farmers. 

In this episode, we are spreading the word about the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP). Discover how OCCSP offers financial support to organic farmers, assisting them in obtaining or renewing their organic certification.  

In this episode, learn about: 

- Who is eligible for the Cost Share program and what can and cannot be reimbursed 

- How to apply for reimbursements and how you will receive them 

- Further resources to help you navigate the program 

Learn more about --- on the website: https://foginfo.org/our-programs/cost-share/ 

https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/occsp/index 

Join us at the upcoming Organic Food & Farming Summit April 18-19, 2024 in Tampa! Early bird savings ends February 2, 2024! SECURE YOUR SPOTS!

We hope you enjoyed the episode! Please help us continue to produce more valuable content by subscribing to our Fresh Take Podcast Series! Subscribe here

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY- Learn more about the many benefits of becoming a Sponsor of Florida Organic Growers! Your contribution will not only help to advance an organic and sustainable future but gain brand awareness through our growing audience. If you are interested, click here

Patrick Ferguson, Senior Organizing Representative for Sierra Club’s Stop Sugar Field Burning Campaign, joins us to discuss the environmental impact of pre-harvest sugar burning.  

Beginning in 2015, the Stop the Burn campaign focuses on the environmental and public health consequences of pre-harvest sugar field burning. We will explore the success of green harvesting alternatives, highlighting countries that have embraced this approach. We will also examine the advocacy initiatives undertaken by local leaders, farmers, consumers, and sustainable food advocates.  
  

In this episode, learn about:  

- The Stop the Burn campaign  

- The environmental and health impacts of pre-harvest sugar field burning 

- How green harvesting has the potential to overhaul sugar burning 

Learn more about Sierra Club’s Stop Sugar Field Burning Campaign on the website: https://stopsugarburning.org/ 

Join us at the upcoming Organic Food & Farming Summit April 18-19, 2024 in Tampa! Early bird savings ends February 2, 2024! SECURE YOUR SPOTS!

We hope you enjoyed the episode! Please help us continue to produce more valuable content by subscribing to our Fresh Take Podcast Series! Subscribe here

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY- Learn more about the many benefits of becoming a Sponsor of Florida Organic Growers! Your contribution will not only help to advance an organic and sustainable future but gain brand awareness through our growing audience. If you are interested, click here

Join us as we dive into the world of food systems and community development with Kim Hines and discover how strategic planning and innovative tools are shaping a more resilient future.   

Kim Hines is a Leadership Co-Chair of the North American Food Systems Network with an interest in following national trends in local and regional food systems employment. We will be discussing challenges faced by food systems practitioners, as well as highlighting ACRE and CARAT as tools for creating a more resilient food system.  
  

In this episode, learn about:  

- Kim’s background and current role at NAFSN  

- How the AgriCluster Retention and Expansion helps farmers work together 

- The development and utilization of the Community Agriculture Resiliency Audit Tool 

- How to get involved  

Learn more about NAFSN on the website:  https://www.foodsystemsnetwork.org/ 

Join us at the upcoming Organic Food & Farming Summit April 18-19, 2024 in Tampa! Early bird savings ends February 2, 2024! SECURE YOUR SPOTS!

We hope you enjoyed the episode! Please help us continue to produce more valuable content by subscribing to our Fresh Take Podcast Series! Subscribe here

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY- Learn more about the many benefits of becoming a Sponsor of Florida Organic Growers! Your contribution will not only help to advance an organic and sustainable future but gain brand awareness through our growing audience. If you are interested, click here

Join us for an informative discussion with Tom Wichman, an expert on eco-friendly landscaping with nearly 50 years’ experience in the industry.  

A self-proclaimed plant nerd, Tom is currently the Assistant Director for the Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program and the statewide coordinator for the Green Industries Best Management Practices Program. Tom is also the radio host for Florida-Friendly Landscaping in a Minute radio show, and he and his team just completed filming season 3 of the television show Flip My Florida Yard. We’ll highlight the importance of eco-friendly landscaping and break down its core tenets. 
  
In this episode, learn about:  

- How to build biodiversity in your home landscape 

- Water wise practices 

- Recycling yard waste 

Learn more about Florida-Friendly Landscaping on the website: https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/ 

And check out the Free Florida-Landscaping Handbook: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeysnTNBRS6LK6Kcqvdv6gcM6dk5KuUVc-KH2K0OG4BOHkOxQ/viewform 

Find your local agricultural extension agent for local events: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/ 

Join us at the upcoming Organic Food & Farming Summit April 18-19, 2024 in Tampa! Early bird savings ends February 2, 2024! SECURE YOUR SPOTS!

We hope you enjoyed the episode! Please help us continue to produce more valuable content by subscribing to our Fresh Take Podcast Series! Subscribe here

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY- Learn more about the many benefits of becoming a Sponsor of Florida Organic Growers! Your contribution will not only help to advance an organic and sustainable future but gain brand awareness through our growing audience. If you are interested, click here

Join FOG’s own Lana Chehabeddine and Juan Carlos Rodriguez for a conversation about the Florida Local Food Project. 

We will delve into the Florida Local Food Project, a compelling initiative led by FOG, focused on enhancing local food systems across Florida. Through six key objectives, the project aims to bolster food security, sustainability, and community well-being. By driving engagement, empowering local producers, and hosting informative events, the Florida Local Food Project seeks to create a resilient and interconnected local food ecosystem. 

In this episode, learn about: 

- Lana and Juan Carlos’ experience and expertise 

- How FOG is building a Florida Local Food Network and driving food security and food sovereignty  

- How LFPP is fostering sustainability and community engagement  

Learn more about LFPP on the website: https://foginfo.org/our-programs/local-food-promotion-project/

Join us at the upcoming Organic Food & Farming Summit April 18-19, 2024 in Tampa! Early bird savings ends February 2, 2024! SECURE YOUR SPOTS!

We hope you enjoyed the episode! Please help us continue to produce more valuable content by subscribing to our Fresh Take Podcast Series! Subscribe here

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY- Learn more about the many benefits of becoming a Sponsor of Florida Organic Growers! Your contribution will not only help to advance an organic and sustainable future but gain brand awareness through our growing audience. If you are interested, click here

Mike Campbell, founder and lead farmer of South Florida’s first commercial aquaponic farm Bare Roots Organics, joins us to talk about how aquaponics fits into his vision for the future of sustainable farming. 

Mike shares his journey and passion for building a sustainable world, driven by his background in film/television and love for nature and quality food. We will explore the importance of sustainable farming and the role of aquaponics in conserving resources compared to traditional agriculture. We will also discuss the cooperative relationship between plants and fish in aquaponics, highlighting the symbiotic environment involving three main players: fish, bacteria, and plants. 
 

In this episode, learn about: 

- Mike Campbell and Bare Roots Organics 

- The basics of aquaponics  

- Resource conservation  

- Labor requirements to run an aquaponics farm

Learn more about Bare Roots Organics on the website: https://www.barerootsorganics.com/ 

For those interested in Mike’s products, he is a vendor on our Backyard Market, which is our virtual farmer’s market. Check out his variety of fresh greens at:  https://backyardmarket.org/

Join us at the upcoming Organic Food & Farming Summit April 18-19, 2024 in Tampa! Early bird savings ends February 2, 2024! SECURE YOUR SPOTS!

We hope you enjoyed the episode! Please help us continue to produce more valuable content by subscribing to our Fresh Take Podcast Series! Subscribe here

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY- Learn more about the many benefits of becoming a Sponsor of Florida Organic Growers! Your contribution will not only help to advance an organic and sustainable future but gain brand awareness through our growing audience. If you are interested, click here

Continue our conversation about food sovereignty with the University of South Florida’s Nicole Brand and Will Schanbacher. 

Nicole Brand is the Director of the Environmental Conservation Outreach, Research, and Education (ECORE) System at USF, overseeing the USF Forest Preserve, the USF Botanical Gardens and a geological park. Will Schanbacher is an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at the University of South Florida with a research concentration in religious and social ethics, specializing in the global food system, poverty, and food sovereignty. Additionally, he is the Director of USF's Urban Food Sovereignty Group. We will discuss the impact of food sovereignty on food systems, as well as Florida's unique landscape efforts, and the potential impact of food sovereignty projects in the Tampa Bay area. 
 

In this episode, learn about: 

- Nicole and Will’s important work at USF  

- The relationship between land, food, and conservation 

- Urban Food Sovereignty Group 

- Feeding the Future 

Learn more about USF’s Urban Food Sovereignty Group on the website: https://www.usf.edu/arts-sciences/centers/ufsg/index.aspx 

Learn more from Will Schanbacher’s forthcoming book: Food Insecurity: A Reference Handbook 

https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/food-insecurity-9781440878398/ 

Join us at the upcoming Organic Food & Farming Summit April 18-19, 2024 in Tampa! Early bird savings ends February 2, 2024! SECURE YOUR SPOTS!

We hope you enjoyed the episode! Please help us continue to produce more valuable content by subscribing to our Fresh Take Podcast Series! Subscribe here

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY- Learn more about the many benefits of becoming a Sponsor of Florida Organic Growers! Your contribution will not only help to advance an organic and sustainable future but gain brand awareness through our growing audience. If you are interested, click here

Dell deChant joins us for a discussion about food sovereignty and its aim to challenge existing food structures and place power back into the people’s hands.  

Dell deChant is an Instructor at the University of South Florida, specializing in religion and contemporary cultures. deChant's current research focuses on Agrarianism in American popular culture, with an emphasis on religion, literature, and ecology. He holds various positions, including Chair of the Environmental Committee of the City of New Port Richey and Convener of the USF Urban Food Sovereignty Group. Tune in for a discussion that explores the origins and principles of food sovereignty and highlights its potential to transform the current food system into a more just and sustainable one. 

In this episode, learn about: 

- Mr. deChant's background  

- Demystifying food sovereignty 

- Challenging power structures  

- Empowering the people and discussing “the right to food” 

Checkout additional resources below: 

La Via Campesina: https://viacampesina.org/en/ 

US Food Sovereignty Alliance: http://usfoodsovereigntyalliance.org/   

Join us at the upcoming Organic Food & Farming Summit April 18-19, 2024 in Tampa! Early bird savings ends February 2, 2024! SECURE YOUR SPOTS!

We hope you enjoyed the episode! Please help us continue to produce more valuable content by subscribing to our Fresh Take Podcast Series! Subscribe here

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY- Learn more about the many benefits of becoming a Sponsor of Florida Organic Growers! Your contribution will not only help to advance an organic and sustainable future but gain brand awareness through our growing audience. If you are interested, click here

Join us today as Kabir Parker discusses everything you need to know about seaweed and its contribution to sustainable agriculture. Learn what makes seaweed, “The Secret Sauce”.  

Kabir Parker is a passionate ocean entrepreneur. Born in Greenwich, Connecticut and raised in New Delhi, India, he developed a vast knowledge of global oceanic issues. Kabir studied marine science and microbiology at the University of Miami and went on to pursue a career in ocean entrepreneurship.  

In this episode, learn about:  

- Kabir’s background and current work with his foundation Ocean’s Bounty  

- The role that seaweed plays from the sea to the soil  

-  Process and benefits of seaweed farming  

- How seaweed might impact the future of agriculture 

 We hope you enjoyed the episode! Please help us continue to produce more valuable content by subscribing to our Fresh Take Podcast Series! Subscribe here  

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY- Learn more about the many benefits of becoming a Sponsor of Florida Organic Growers! Your contribution will not only help to advance an organic and sustainable future but gain brand awareness through our growing audience. If you are interested, click here  

Join us at the upcoming Organic Food & Farming Summit April 18-19, 2024 in Tampa! Early bird savings ends February 2, 2024! SECURE YOUR SPOTS!

We hope you enjoyed the episode! Please help us continue to produce more valuable content by subscribing to our Fresh Take Podcast Series! Subscribe here

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY- Learn more about the many benefits of becoming a Sponsor of Florida Organic Growers! Your contribution will not only help to advance an organic and sustainable future but gain brand awareness through our growing audience. If you are interested, click here

Join us today as Melissa Desa speaks with us about how the organization Working Food is involved in growing resilient local food systems.  

With over a decade of experience, Melissa Desa is a seed steward, artist, educator, and ecologist living in Gainesville, Florida. She is a co-founder of the non-profit Working Food based in Gainesville, Florida which focuses on regional seed biodiversity, and lends itself to research, stewardship, distribution, and outreach. Working Food works closely with the community, collaborating and supporting adults with disabilities, youth, farmers, and the general public.  

In this episode, learn about:  

- Melissa Desa and her role in the Working Food Organization  

- Building a robust local food system  

- Collaboration and community engagement surrounding food systems and food access 

-  Initiatives and efforts currently taking place to increase equitable food access 

We hope you enjoyed the episode! Please help us continue to produce more valuable content by subscribing to our Fresh Take Podcast Series! Subscribe here  

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY- Learn more about the many benefits of becoming a Sponsor of Florida Organic Growers! Your contribution will not only help to advance an organic and sustainable future but gain brand awareness through our growing audience. If you are interested, click here  

Join us at the upcoming Organic Food & Farming Summit April 18-19, 2024 in Tampa! Early bird savings ends February 2, 2024! SECURE YOUR SPOTS!

We hope you enjoyed the episode! Please help us continue to produce more valuable content by subscribing to our Fresh Take Podcast Series! Subscribe here

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY- Learn more about the many benefits of becoming a Sponsor of Florida Organic Growers! Your contribution will not only help to advance an organic and sustainable future but gain brand awareness through our growing audience. If you are interested, click here

Monica Hampton, Ph.D, national and international agriculture consultant for TerraNutri, converses with Lana Chehabeddine on the topic of nutrient and weed management techniques.  

Monica Hampton, Ph.D., brings 20 years of research on agriculture and crop production. She serves on the board of trustees at the Compost Research and Education Foundation at the US Compost Council and shares with FOG her extensive knowledge on organic soil health and control techniques that allow for more sustainable and healthy crop production.  

In this episode, learn about: 

- Dr. Hampton’s background in agriculture and crop production 

- Crop production issues we are currently facing 

- Nutrient management techniques for crops  

- Mechanisms to control for pests, weeds, and nematodes 

Learn more from Dr. Hampton’s book, “Compost Utilization in Production of Horticultural Crops”: https://www.compostingcouncil.org/store/viewproduct.aspx?id=21109188  

Checkout additional resources and events below:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Monica-Ozores-Hampton  

2023 Florida Composting Council Annual Composting Conference- June 21, 2023 Bonita Springs, FL 

Today’s episode is brought to you by Veransa Group Inc.  Veransa’s REGEN Florida Organic Compost® is the only certified organic, OMRI Listed®, and STA Approved compost available in industrial scale in SW and Central Florida.

Learn more about Veransa at: https://www.veransa.com/

We hope you enjoyed the episode! Please help us continue to produce more valuable content by subscribing to our Fresh Take Podcast Series! Subscribe here 

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY- Learn more about the many benefits of becoming a Sponsor of Florida Organic Growers!  Your contribution will not only help to advance an organic and sustainable future but gain brand awareness through our growing audience. If you are interested, click here  

Join us at the upcoming Organic Food & Farming Summit April 18-19, 2024 in Tampa! Early bird savings ends February 2, 2024! SECURE YOUR SPOTS!

We hope you enjoyed the episode! Please help us continue to produce more valuable content by subscribing to our Fresh Take Podcast Series! Subscribe here

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY- Learn more about the many benefits of becoming a Sponsor of Florida Organic Growers! Your contribution will not only help to advance an organic and sustainable future but gain brand awareness through our growing audience. If you are interested, click here