Georgia's $83 Billion Agricultural Crisis: Kashi Sehgal on Saving Farms, Fighting Waste

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⭐ Featured Guest: Kashi Sehgal is the founder of Retaaza, a hyperlocal food distributor working with Georgia farmers to reduce food waste and increase access to fresh, local food. With a background in technology, Kashi applies innovative approaches to solve systemic issues in our food system, connecting farmers directly with businesses and communities while operating as a B Corp committed to social impact.Connect with Kashi:Instagram: @kashisehgalYouTube: @retaazaTwitter/X: @kashisehgalFacebook: @retaazacoLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/retaazaWebsite: retaaza.com🎙️ Host: Brent MaconBrent Macon is an Atlanta-based entrepreneur, investor, and podcast host. As a dad and spiritual seeker, he's passionate about exploring how technology can help us live better, more connected lives. Through his podcast Macon Atlanta, Brent talks with interesting people about big ideas, personal growth, and building a thriving community. He believes in balancing ambition with wellbeing, and using business as a force for good.Connect With Brent:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maconatlanta/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyBo_7H2OpMjJ2m3mRBDng/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Macon-Atlanta-61560549557983/?_rdr/📺 About the Show:Macon Atlanta is a podcast exploring big questions, bold ideas, and better living with inspiring Atlantans. Host Brent Macon sits down with innovators and thought leaders from diverse fields to delve into their stories, insights, and visions for creating a better world with more thriving.If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a 5-star review / like & comment to help others discover the show. You can also tweet @MaconAtlanta with your feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes, and we'll personally thank you for tuning in 🙏.Chapters:0:00 - Introduction to Macon Atlanta Podcast0:54 - Current challenges facing Georgia farmers1:31 - Understanding food waste and tariff impacts3:00 - Funding cuts affecting the food system4:12 - How bad is the current situation for farmers?5:11 - How Retaaza started during the pandemic7:11 - The economic impact of 40% food waste7:58 - Retaaza's three-part mission8:52 - Community markets and food access programs9:58 - Paying farmers fair prices for "rescue" produce11:26 - Being the sales and marketing arm for farmers12:47 - Working with Georgia's farming community13:16 - Seasonal eating versus year-round expectations15:21 - Root causes of food waste16:17 - The five truckloads citrus example17:55 - Weather, labor, and other causes of food waste19:20 - Market failures and contract enforcement challenges20:40 - Is the farming industry naturally consolidating?21:34 - Programs to help farmers improve their skills22:24 - What motivates Kashi to work in food systems24:09 - Parallels between farming and education systems25:33 - How technology can help reduce food waste27:03 - Strategic focus through partnerships29:24 - Corporate wellness and "Produce as a Benefit" program31:02 - Innovative pricing models for farmers32:06 - The farmers market rescue program34:32 - Connecting consumers back to their food sources35:32 - Procurement policy reform as the key solution36:45 - Hope for Atlanta's food ecosystem37:52 - Favorite Atlanta restaurants for local food39:05 - Closing thoughts and call to action#MaconAtlanta #Podcast #FoodWaste #GeorgiaAgriculture #LocalFood #Sustainability