Fresh Takes On Tech
104 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago -Welcome to Fresh Takes on Tech, a podcast from the International Fresh Produce Association. At IFPA, Our trade association represents companies from every segment of the global fresh produce and floral supply chain. We advocate, connect and guide to enhance members’ prosperity.
This is a show for people interested in the intersection between technology and the produce and floral industries. Each episode we explore the problems, solutions, people and ideas that are shaping the industry.
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Episodes
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 35: Spotlight - Future View From the c-Suite: Bolthouse Farms
September 21, 2021 14:50 - 39 minutes - 36.4 MBIn this episode, we speak to two executives from Bolthouse Farms about innovation. The Bolthouse Farms story is a great business case on what innovation and collaboration can bring to a company. Innovation is woven through everything they do and think about. There is also an open invitation to reach out to the company with innovative ideas/products/technology at [email protected]
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 34: From Boots on the Ground: Using data management platforms in the field
September 14, 2021 19:30 - 32 minutes - 29.3 MBHear from Randy Pequignot about his journey as a field supervisor for Del Monte AND data management administrator. He uses software to accumulate Ag data from contract of growers through to the processing of snap beans. Randy gives a great view of what is important to him and how data management has helped his operation and his time management. It is always great to hear the voice of the customer of new technology!
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 34: From Boots on the Ground: Using data management platforms in the field
September 14, 2021 14:30 - 32 minutes - 29.3 MBHear from Randy Pequignot about his journey as a field supervisor for Del Monte AND data management administrator. He uses software to accumulate Ag data from contract of growers through to the processing of snap beans. Randy gives a great view of what is important to him and how data management has helped his operation and his time management. It is always great to hear the voice of the customer of new technology!
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 33: Tackling the Carbon Challenge: Track, Trace and Transparency
September 07, 2021 19:50 - 35 minutes - 32.9 MBThe race to develop systems for carbon capture and reduction is on! We dig deeper into the carbon challenge and talk with two innovators who are working with food companies to ensure transparency across the supply chain. The speakers tie together the importance of ESG, effects of climate change, carbon programs and how technology is the “unlock” to solve these issues.
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 33: Tackling the Carbon Challenge: Track, Trace and Transparency
September 07, 2021 14:50 - 35 minutes - 32.9 MBThe race to develop systems for carbon capture and reduction is on! We dig deeper into the carbon challenge and talk with two innovators who are working with food companies to ensure transparency across the supply chain. The speakers tie together the importance of ESG, effects of climate change, carbon programs and how technology is the “unlock” to solve these issues.
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 32: Cyber Security in Agriculture: What You Need to Do
August 31, 2021 19:00 - 50 minutes - 46.7 MBHow safe is your information? How do threat actors get into your company and what do you do if it happens? Hear from the experts about the current state of affairs and how you should protect yourself and mitigate risk.
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 32: Cyber Security in Agriculture: What You Need to Do
August 31, 2021 14:00 - 50 minutes - 46.7 MBHow safe is your information? How do threat actors get into your company and what do you do if it happens? Hear from the experts about the current state of affairs and how you should protect yourself and mitigate risk.
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 31: Technology Transforming Business Operations – Why it matters
August 24, 2021 19:00 - 41 minutes - 37.8 MBListen to a real life example of Lipman Family Farms and their supply chain management technology adoption journey. We hear about the value of a good partner, constant iteration and finding the right pace of adoption.
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 31: Technology Transforming Business Operations – Why it matters
August 24, 2021 14:00 - 41 minutes - 37.8 MBListen to a real life example of Lipman Family Farms and their supply chain management technology adoption journey. We hear about the value of a good partner, constant iteration and finding the right pace of adoption.
PMA Takes on Tech, Bonus Episode: Gene Editing: The Future of the Produce Industry?
August 17, 2021 19:50 - 47 minutes - 43 MBWhat is gene editing? How is it different from GMOs? Today, experts will discuss real world examples of gene editing. The ability to develop climate-resistant crops with higher nutrition and less food loss are a couple of benefits of gene editing. Could this be the path forward for our industry to develop improved foods with lower environmental impact?
PMA Takes on Tech, Bonus Episode: Gene Editing: The Future of the Produce Industry?
August 17, 2021 14:50 - 47 minutes - 43 MBWhat is gene editing? How is it different from GMOs? Today, experts will discuss real world examples of gene editing. The ability to develop climate-resistant crops with higher nutrition and less food loss are a couple of benefits of gene editing. Could this be the path forward for our industry to develop improved foods with lower environmental impact?
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 30: Food safety: A fireside chat with Nate Storey, CSO of Plenty
July 20, 2021 19:55 - 40 minutes - 37 MBA conversation with Nate Storey about how Plenty thinks about and deals with food safety issues. Listen to this candid discussion about the challenges and types of solutions the produce industry (indoor and out) faces with food safety and traceability
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 30: Food safety: A fireside chat with Nate Storey, CSO of Plenty
July 20, 2021 14:55 - 40 minutes - 37 MBA conversation with Nate Storey about how Plenty thinks about and deals with food safety issues. Listen to this candid discussion about the challenges and types of solutions the produce industry (indoor and out) faces with food safety and traceability
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 29: Bringing the public with you…. Lessons in social license and plant genetics
July 13, 2021 19:58 - 35 minutes - 32.7 MBI sit on the other side of the microphone with Sarah Nolet from the agtech….so what podcast. We discuss a wide range of topics from genetics to clean tech.
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 29: Bringing the public with you…. Lessons in social license and plant genetics
July 13, 2021 14:58 - 35 minutes - 32.7 MBI sit on the other side of the microphone with Sarah Nolet from the agtech….so what podcast. We discuss a wide range of topics from genetics to clean tech.
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 28: Who is Kalera and what is their secret weapon for genetics?
July 06, 2021 19:55 - 31 minutes - 29.1 MBKalera is one of the fastest-growing and largest vertical farming companies. It has high-yield, automated, data-driven hydroponic production facilities designed for rapid rollout with two operating facilities in Orlando, one in St Paul, MN and one in Atlanta. It plans to open five additional large-scale facilities across the US by early 2022, including locations in Houston, Denver, Hawaii, Columbus, and Seattle. Kalera has had a very busy year with the acquisition of Vindara, an indoor ag ...
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 28: Who is Kalera and what is their secret weapon for genetics?
July 06, 2021 14:55 - 31 minutes - 29.1 MBKalera is one of the fastest-growing and largest vertical farming companies. It has high-yield, automated, data-driven hydroponic production facilities designed for rapid rollout with two operating facilities in Orlando, one in St Paul, MN and one in Atlanta. It plans to open five additional large-scale facilities across the US by early 2022, including locations in Houston, Denver, Hawaii, Columbus, and Seattle. Kalera has had a very busy year with the acquisition of Vin...
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 27: What are biologicals and are they a viable alternative to conventional inputs?
June 29, 2021 19:55 - 51 minutes - 47.1 MBThe development of agricultural biologicals - biostimulants, biopesticides and biofertilizers - is growing as global agriculture looks to move towards more sustainable ways to boost yields and new methods of crop protection. Growers are increasingly looking to agricultural inputs based on microbes to both reduce and complement the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilzers in their fields. Biological controls have been around for years, but represent only 10% of fungicide and sales and have ...
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 27: What are biologicals and are they a viable alternative to conventional inputs?
June 29, 2021 14:55 - 51 minutes - 47.1 MBThe development of agricultural biologicals - biostimulants, biopesticides and biofertilizers - is growing as global agriculture looks to move towards more sustainable ways to boost yields and new methods of crop protection. Growers are increasingly looking to agricultural inputs based on microbes to both reduce and complement the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilzers in their fields. Biological controls have been around for years, but represent only 10% of fungicide an...
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 26: Bright Farms, Oysters and Beer with Paul Lightfoot
June 22, 2021 16:45 - 38 minutes - 35.5 MBJoin a lively discussion with Paul Lightfoot, founder and president at Bright Farms. We talk about his journey with BrightFarms over the last 10 years and the strengths he sees with indoor growing around supply chain and water. Paul has also started a newsletter called Negative Foods and is on a mission to eat and promote foods based on regenerative farming practices that draw carbon from the atmosphere. Paul believes if we eat foods that draw down carbon on a net basis, our food system will...
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 26: Bright Farms, Oysters and Beer with Paul Lightfoot
June 22, 2021 11:45 - 38 minutes - 35.5 MBJoin a lively discussion with Paul Lightfoot, founder and president at Bright Farms. We talk about his journey with BrightFarms over the last 10 years and the strengths he sees with indoor growing around supply chain and water. Paul has also started a newsletter called Negative Foods and is on a mission to eat and promote foods based on regenerative farming practices that draw carbon from the atmosphere. Paul believes if we eat foods that draw down carbon on a net basis, our...
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 25: Chile: A private / public sector success story
June 15, 2021 16:55 - 57 minutes - 52.7 MBThis episode focuses on the success story of fruit production in Chile. The public and private sectors have worked together to expand production of fruit using all types of technology and innovation. In 2019, the fruit-growing sector in Chile achieved record exports, of over $6.5 B US dollars with an increase of 3.6% compared to 2018. This is a reflection of Chile's strategy of expanding into new markets which has led to a significant increase in the number of export destinations, up from 78...
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 25: Chile: A private / public sector success story
June 15, 2021 11:55 - 57 minutes - 52.7 MBThis episode focuses on the success story of fruit production in Chile. The public and private sectors have worked together to expand production of fruit using all types of technology and innovation. In 2019, the fruit-growing sector in Chile achieved record exports, of over $6.5 B US dollars with an increase of 3.6% compared to 2018. This is a reflection of Chile's strategy of expanding into new markets which has led to a significant increase in the number of export destina...
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 24: Big happenings in Israel in AgTech (Part 2)
May 11, 2021 16:45 - 56 minutes - 51.3 MBI had so much interest in being on the podcast in Israel that we are doing Part 2! As a global innovation hub, Israel uses novel technologies to lead the AgTech and FoodTech industry towards a more efficient and sustainable future; it serves as a global laboratory for producing more food using fewer resources. Israeli start-ups are improving traditional agriculture by introducing new, groundbreaking technologies in the field. The country has a strong ecosystem with universities, a long histo...
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 24: Big happenings in Israel in AgTech (Part 2)
May 11, 2021 11:45 - 56 minutes - 51.3 MBI had so much interest in being on the podcast in Israel that we are doing Part 2! As a global innovation hub, Israel uses novel technologies to lead the AgTech and FoodTech industry towards a more efficient and sustainable future; it serves as a global laboratory for producing more food using fewer resources. Israeli start-ups are improving traditional agriculture by introducing new, groundbreaking technologies in the field. The country has a strong ecosystem with universit...
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 23: The Latest in AgTech SPAC’s, Carbon Markets, Indoor Farming & More with Vonnie Estes & The Modern Acre
May 04, 2021 16:45 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MBI turn the microphone around with Tim and Tyler Nuss from The Modern Acre. We hit updates and insights in some hot topics in agriculture. We talk through the recent coming together of PMA and United Fresh, the latest in carbon markets, agtech exits including SPAC’s, indoor farming, and seeing a Rivian in the wild! This episode has it all.
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 23: The Latest in AgTech SPAC’s, Carbon Markets, Indoor Farming & More with Vonnie Estes & The Modern Acre
May 04, 2021 11:45 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MBI turn the microphone around with Tim and Tyler Nuss from The Modern Acre. We hit updates and insights in some hot topics in agriculture. We talk through the recent coming together of PMA and United Fresh, the latest in carbon markets, agtech exits including SPAC’s, indoor farming, and seeing a Rivian in the wild! This episode has it all.
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 22: Big happenings in Israel in AgTech (Part 1)
April 27, 2021 16:45 - 1 hour - 75.6 MBAs a global innovation hub, Israel uses novel technologies to lead the AgTech and FoodTech industry towards a more efficient and sustainable future; it serves as a global laboratory for producing more food using fewer resources. Israeli start-ups are improving traditional agriculture by introducing new, groundbreaking technologies in the field. The country has a strong ecosystem with universities, a long history in food production with multinational VC’s and Corporates involved in financing ...
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 22: Big happenings in Israel in AgTech (Part 1)
April 27, 2021 11:45 - 1 hour - 75.6 MBAs a global innovation hub, Israel uses novel technologies to lead the AgTech and FoodTech industry towards a more efficient and sustainable future; it serves as a global laboratory for producing more food using fewer resources. Israeli start-ups are improving traditional agriculture by introducing new, groundbreaking technologies in the field. The country has a strong ecosystem with universities, a long history in food production with multinational VC’s and Corporates invol...
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 21: Singapore’s well-designed AgTech ecosystem
April 20, 2021 16:50 - 50 minutes - 46.6 MBWith little farming land, Singapore imports 90% of the food it consumes. Coupled with the recent supply chain shocks, the government has set up a number of programs and incentives for local food production and innovation. In this episode, we hear from there different companies in the well-functioning AgTech ecosystem in Singapore. Benny Chng from SGInnovate discusses the companies they are investing in at this time and why food and ag are important. We also hear from Foong Yoke Oon who with ...
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 21: Singapore’s well-designed AgTech ecosystem
April 20, 2021 11:50 - 50 minutes - 46.6 MBWith little farming land, Singapore imports 90% of the food it consumes. Coupled with the recent supply chain shocks, the government has set up a number of programs and incentives for local food production and innovation. In this episode, we hear from there different companies in the well-functioning AgTech ecosystem in Singapore. Benny Chng from SGInnovate discusses the companies they are investing in at this time and why food and ag are important. We also hear from Foong Y...
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 20: Why it’s time to invest in the Food Supply Chain and where to look
April 13, 2021 17:46 - 39 minutes - 36.3 MBBe ready to take notes! This episode covers the needs of the food supply chain which was pushed into the spotlight by COVID-19. As we saw shortages on the shelf, and supply disruption and dislocations in production and distribution, this complicated question arose: What does it take to get data flowing from farm to plate to resiliently manage the supply chain? Brita and Seana have previously covered the well-funded ends of the supply chain. Seana in AgTech and Brita in Foodtech. They believe...
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 20: Why it’s time to invest in the Food Supply Chain and where to look
April 13, 2021 12:46 - 39 minutes - 36.3 MBBe ready to take notes! This episode covers the needs of the food supply chain which was pushed into the spotlight by COVID-19. As we saw shortages on the shelf, and supply disruption and dislocations in production and distribution, this complicated question arose: What does it take to get data flowing from farm to plate to resiliently manage the supply chain? Brita and Seana have previously covered the well-funded ends of the supply chain. Seana in AgTech and Brita in Foodt...
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 19: AgTech in South Africa
April 06, 2021 12:11 - 47 minutes - 43.1 MBChief Economist Wandile Sihlobo talks about what technology is important in boosting productivity in Africa along with how growing more produce can help address unemployment on the Continent. We also hear from two entrepreneurial companies from South Africa who have developed solutions to problems Wandile discusses and have gone global. Greg Whitaker from AgrigateOne discusses how their produce supply chain data systems supply insights to growers and buyers. Vic van den Berg from Aerobotics...
PMA Takes on Tech Episode 18: SBIR Grants - A way to grow early-stage innovation without dilution
March 09, 2021 16:45 - 48 minutes - 44.7 MBPMA Takes on Tech, Episode 18: SBIR grants: A way to grow early-stage innovation without dilution You have a great innovative idea that will have revolutionary impact on the produce industry. You have tapped out friends and family but you aren’t ready to go to a VC and give up equity in your business yet. What can you do? Government funding is a great way to help advance your small business's technology. One of the most popular government funding avenues is the Small Business Innovative...
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 17: AgTech Investing: Where is Smart Money Going?
March 02, 2021 11:45 - 46 minutes - 42.8 MBUnderstanding where investors put their money in 2020 will help guide predictions for 2021. In this session Ingrid Fung, an Investment Director with Finistere Ventures, will discuss what areas of agricultural technology venture capitalists invested in in 2020. We will also hear from AgTech companies about what it took to weather COVID-19 and fundraise during such a difficult year.
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 16: Driscolls and Plenty: The best of GxE and beyond!
February 23, 2021 12:41 - 39 minutes - 35.7 MBJoin the conversation with Nate Storey of Plenty and Scott Komar of Driscoll’s about their R&D collaboration. Driscoll’s and Plenty are partnering to bring berries with superior flavor to all regions of the world. Plenty will incorporate Driscoll’s proprietary genetics and berry expertise into its advanced, indoor farming technology using its plant science, data science, and robotics expertise. Through this controlled environment, Plenty can consistently deliver great flavors from Driscoll’...
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 16: Driscoll’s and Plenty: The best of GxE and beyond!
February 23, 2021 12:00 - 39 minutesJoin the conversation with Nate Storey of Plenty and Scott Komar of Driscoll’s about their R&D collaboration. Driscoll’s and Plenty are partnering to bring berries with superior flavor to all regions of the world. Plenty will incorporate Driscoll’s proprietary genetics and berry expertise into its advanced, indoor farming technology using its plant science, data science, and robotics expertise. Through this controlled environment, Plenty can consistently deliver great flavors from Driscoll’...
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 15: Brazil - A Booming AgTech Ecosystem
February 16, 2021 11:39 - 1 hour - 59.2 MBIn this episode, we continue our virtual tour to Brazil to explore the AgTech explosion. We discuss the flourishing tech and innovation ecosystem developing in the country. Startups in Brazil have access to a market with one of the highest levels of mobile saturation, a wide range of investment options from local and international Brazil-centric funds, and support from a government that has made driving business growth one of its key priorities. In agriculture specifically, Brazil has transf...
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 14: Personalized Nutrition: N-of-1
February 09, 2021 11:00 - 45 minutes - 41.3 MBWe would all like to know what exactly we should eat to make and keep us healthy and to support maximum performance. And some of us would follow the advice! This would require knowing our genetics, immediate environmental factors, and the nutrient make up of the exact food you’re are eating. This requires data from your body and the food. I would love to open an app and have it all there for me. Listen to this episode to find out where we are in the that process. We hear from Dr. Sarah Laske...
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 13: AgTech Happenings in Australia
February 02, 2021 11:00 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MBPMA Takes on Tech hits the virtual road to explore what is happening in other regions. Agriculture is an important and growing industry in Australia. The country has thriving agtech clusters and world-class life sciences institutions that support industry, investment, academia and government to commercialize new products and processes. However like most regions, global warming and diminishing natural resources present challenges to agriculture along with the rising cost of energy, labor, fer...
PMA Takes On Tech, Episode 12: Water conservation in Controlled Environment Agriculture
January 26, 2021 11:55 - 43 minutes - 39.9 MBControlled Environment Agriculture, including indoor and greenhouse production, is a small but high-potential, rapidly growing part of the food system. CEA can play a role to ensure food security and supply chain resilience. And also meet consumer demands around transparency, traceability, and sustainability while supplying nutritious, high-quality products that taste good. CEA requires a fraction of the water of other types of production, often up to 90-95% less. In this episode we talk to ...
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 11: What Is The Consumer's Role In The Food, Ag & Health Story?
December 15, 2020 11:30 - 27 minutes - 24.8 MBJoin this conversation originally recorded at Crusonia on the Delta: Food is Health Digital Forum in November. We dig into three areas: the consumer, the modern food system and action for progress. We come at these topics from different perspectives and experiences but all with an eye to make food healthier and more accessible for a healthier planet.
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 11: What Are Consumers’ Role In The Food, Ag & Health Story?
December 15, 2020 11:30 - 27 minutesJoin this conversation originally recorded at Crusonia on the Delta: Food is Health Digital Forum in November. We dig into three areas: the consumer, the modern food system and action for progress. We come at these topics from different perspectives and experiences but all with an eye to make food healthier and more accessible for a healthier planet.
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 10: Regenerative Agriculture: Where’s the Data?
December 08, 2020 11:30 - 43 minutes - 73.3 MBRegenerative Agriculture is one of the most talked about trends in the food supply chain – from producers to consumers and large food brands. In some circles it has a emotional following based on strong beliefs, not science. Having to adapt has become the norm for many farmers across the world. Changes to weather patterns, climate unpredictability and the need to protect our natural environment means that producers are now looking for new ways to enhance the resiliency of farms, boosting sus...
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 9: Bee Buzz: The importance of pollination to the produce industry
December 01, 2020 11:30 - 47 minutes - 78.4 MBPollinators are essential to the production of many of the micronutrient rich fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and oils we eat. In fact, 5-8% of global crop production depends on animal pollination for sustained production, yield and quality. In this episode we will talk to 3 experts in the field. We will first hear from Dr. Christian Maus- Entomology & Pollination Science Lead at Bayer Crop Science. He has been studying pollination globally for over 20 years and will talk to us about the im...
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 8: The Last Mile
November 24, 2020 10:30 - 54 minutes - 94.4 MBThis episode is a rebroadcast of a live PMA Virtual Town Hall held in September. In this episode we talk about the Last Mile for fresh produce and meal delivery. It is a truism in the on-demand industry today that the very last step of the supply chain is the most crucial, as well as the most problematic. Owing to its place in the end of the chain, it is often referred to as the ‘Last-Mile Delivery’. Distributing produce and prepared food direct to consumer was gaining traction prior to the ...
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 7: The First Mile
November 17, 2020 14:30 - 43 minutes - 77 MBWe start Season 2 of PMA Takes On taking on the “first mile.” The first mile in the produce industry is from harvest through packing and shipping and on into the supply chain. This includes the technology used for harvesting, shipping, packaging, storing, transportation and tracking. It is the first part of the “messy middle” and is very messy. We talk to Seana Day Partner at Better Food Ventures about defining the first mile and the challenges in making our industry run. We then talk to Gar...
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 6: How COVID is changing technology and technology companies
August 12, 2020 14:50 - 38 minutes - 48.2 MBThe COVID-19 pandemic is having a seismic effect on businesses in the produce industry, but there are lessons that can be learned. This is an opportunity to fine tune business continuity and contingency plans, and also a chance to define what is truly important and find new ways in which to grow. Join our conversation with three innovators who are responding with new solutions when challenges demand them. Discover how all along the fresh produce supply chain, technology formed in response to...
PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 5: Solving for the Sixth Food System
July 28, 2020 18:00 - 46 minutes - 41.4 MBThe history of the world’s food systems has had major shifts - from hunting, gathering, fishing, and foraging through the current industrial food system. The 5th and current food system has exhausted its growth trajectory and the world is, once again, staged for a major transformation in the way that food is grown, distributed and produced. There is a movement away from an industrialized, monoculture system built to provide calories and yield to one based on healthy people and sustainable, e...