Fresh Take
Fresh Take is your roundup of all things related to organic and sustainable living. Join Florida Organic Growers staff and guest experts as we discuss everything you need to know about sustainable living, organic agriculture, and how to make the best lifestyle choices that benefit you and the environment. So if you’re an eco-warrior, a dedicated farmer, or just someone looking to make more conscious decisions, tune in to get your Fresh Take.
Episodes
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 sp...
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 agriculture
- How it differs from organic and sustainable practic...
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 tip...
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 gam...
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...
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:
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 sobr...
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 o...
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 esta...
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 intere...
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...
The Organic Food and Farming Summit, taking place in April 8-9 at Florida A&M University, invites farmers and consumers to explore sustainable practices and innovations within the organic agriculture sphere. The event highlights networking opportunities, expert insights, and hands-on experiences to inspire positive change in local food systems.
• Introduction to the Organic Food and Farming Summit
• Event details,...
Sheila Gutierrez from Vizcaya Museum and Gardens shares her journey of connecting mental health and community engagement through urban agriculture. The episode highlights how food sustains us socially and physically, emphasizing Vizcaya's unique role in preserving agricultural legacy and fostering sustainable practices for a healthier community.
- Sheila discusses her background in healthcare and the link to mental health
- Ove...
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Hillary Miller, a passionate educator and advocate for sustainable agriculture. Raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, Hillary shares her transformative journey into the world of seed saving, offering insights into how it can preserve biodiversity and empower communities by making food more accessible and affordable.
Explore the often-overlooked significance of seeds and their foundational ...
Podcast Description:
In this episode, we’re joined by Mandi Garcia, a Clinical Nutritionist, Master Health Coach, and Performance Specialist with over 20 years of experience in the allied health industry. Mandi’s passion for nutrition began with a deeply personal journey—her dog’s lymphoma diagnosis—which ignited her dedication to holistic eating and sparked a profound connection between food, health, and agriculture.
Mandi shares he...
La Dra. Michelle Danyluk Brinda información sobre las 7 reglas principals de FSMA que los agricultores deben conocer.
La Dra. Michelle Danyluk aclara la relación entre FDA Y La Ley de Modernización de Inocuidad de Alimentos (FSMA), destacando la legislación propuesta que aún no ha sido finalizada y Brinda información sobre las 7 reglas principals de FSMA incluyendo:
- La Regla de inocuiad de frutas y verduras
- Programa de Verific...
Dr. Michelle Danyluk, Professor and Extension Specialist in the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department at University of Florida, provides insight into 7 major FSMA rules that farmers need to know.
Dr. Michelle Danyluk clarifies the relationship between the Food and Drug Administration and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), highlights proposed legislation yet to be finalized, and provides insight into 7 major FSMA rules ...
Ever wonder how a love for gardening and a background in marketing can lead to a thriving sustainable farm? Join us as we chat with Jonathan Way, the visionary co-founder of Calusa Farms and CEO of Topiary Creations, who turned his passion into a movement supporting small farmers across America.
Jonathan's journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability. When the pandemic forced his farm to temporarily close, l...
Join us for an enlightening episode of Fresh Take, offering invaluable insights into disaster relief and resilience within the farming community. Our special guests, Lisa Misch and Jaimie McGirt from RAFI, share their vast experience in guiding farmers through the challenges posed by natural disasters. From hurricanes to droughts, we discuss the essential support systems that enable farmers to recover and thrive, highlighting the i...
In this episode, we sit down with Ali Cox, a visionary in agriculture and food ingredient marketing and the founder of Noble West, an award-winning consultancy that serves the entire agricultural ecosystem—from fresh produce to agTech. As a fifth-generation farmer, Ali returned to California’s Central Valley in 2007 with a mission: to provide world-class marketing to farmers and growers in her community.
Ali shares her journey of k...
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