February 17, 2025 • 26 mins
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, including dates and location
• Significance of hosting at Florida A&M University
• Historical context and evolution of the summit
• Role of summits in driving change and building networks
• Focus on innovation and collaboration in organic practices
• Sessions addressing key topics like certification and financial planning
• Opportunities for participation from various community members
• Importance of student involvement and education
• Sponsorship benefits and opportunities for businesses
Don't miss out! Join us at the Organic Food and Farming Summit on April 8-9 at Florida A&M University. Register now to secure your spot before tickets run out.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:05):
Welcome to Fresh Take , where Florida Organic Growers
brings you the latest insightsin organic and sustainable
agriculture, healthy lifestylesand the environment.
Whether you're a seasonedorganic farmer, health
enthusiast or simply curiousabout sustainable practices,
this podcast is your go-tosource for inspiration and
knowledge.
In today's episode, we arehighlighting a very unique and
(00:32):
inspiring event that Floridaorganic growers and consumers
has held over the last severalyears the Organic Food and
Farming Summit, and I have thepleasure of speaking on this
topic with our very own JuanCarlos Rodriguez, who is
currently the Education andOutreach Specialist at FOG.
Jc and I work very closelytogether and, with over 20 years
(00:53):
of working experience inorganic and sustainable farming
systems, he serves in a verycritical role of providing
guidance and answers to farmersand agricultural service
providers regarding therequirements and characteristics
of organic and sustainableproduction systems.
Over the years, he has reviewedand approved organic system
plans for operations thatproduce crops, livestock,
(01:15):
aquaculture and processedproducts in the United States,
latin America, asia and Africa.
In recent years, he has begunhelping farmers in Florida and
the Southeast region transitiontheir farms to organic
agricultural practices.
Jc, welcome to our show.
Thank you, lana, it's always apleasure to be back.
It's always a pleasure to haveyou back and have the
(01:37):
opportunity to speak with you,especially about this really
exciting event that we havecoming up in April of this year.
So before we get into that, I'djust love to talk to you really
quickly about your ownexperience coming to Fog, and
you know how you stumbled uponthis very role.
Speaker 2 (01:59):
So and it's actually now been.
I mean, when I think about it.
Of course, you know time flieson and off.
It's probably about 12 years ormore, fog and from time to time
(02:27):
she would ask me if I wouldenjoy coming and speaking to
farmers or, in some of thoseparticular cases, students,
middle school and high schoolstudents, because Fog has always
been involved in you know, thelocal community and trying to
teach kids about you know wherefood comes from, and so I would
volunteer and do that, reallyreally enjoyed it.
Kids about you know where foodcomes from, and so I would
volunteer and do that, reallyreally enjoyed it.
(02:51):
And after graduating from UF, Iwas working at an organic farm
here in town and she, I guess,also knew of Fog and the people
who at the time were workinghere and knew of an opportunity
that opened up for a job, and soshe was the one who told me
about it, that open up for a joband so she was the one who told
me about it.
I applied and so that's how Iended up from volunteering to
(03:12):
being part of theircertification branch, eventually
moving on to Fog and workingwith the education and outreach
team.
And so it's been really for mebecause I'm always been very
passionate about, you know,teaching and finding ways to
answer questions.
(03:32):
You know farmers questions and,of course, consumers, about
organic foods and the benefitsof organic agriculture.
So to me, that's, you know, oneof the most, you know,
enjoyable you know, parts of myjob.
That's one of the mostenjoyable parts of my job.
It was then, when again I firststarted, that we would do
workshops and field days andeven sort of a smaller event
(03:54):
similar to the summit.
But the summit and, in someways, conferences have always
been something that Fogg hasdone and as part of, you know,
the mission, which is to supportand promote organic,
sustainable and regenerative ag.
And, you know, for people, bothfarmers and consumers, who you
(04:18):
know want to learn more aboutthat, that is something that we
still continue to do.
Speaker 1 (04:23):
Absolutely, and you know you are a seasoned veteran,
I would say, when it comes tothis work, and it's something
that I look up to you for andfeel very lucky to be able to
work with you and have you onthe team.
So I'm really just ecstatic.
To dive a bit deeper into theimportance of this type of event
(04:46):
, the Organic Food and FarmingSummit.
It's back again this year.
Let's talk about when exactlyand where this event is
happening and really why we areputting it together again.
Speaker 2 (04:59):
So this year last year it was in Tampa- yes.
But this year the event is goingto be held in Tallahassee.
It is April 8th and 9th and weare going to have and we'll talk
about it here in a minute a lotof very interesting sessions.
Many of them actually have beenput together based on the
(05:23):
recommendations that we receivedfrom those people who attended,
you know, in 2024.
So that's another thing thatwe're constantly doing is
wanting to hear from our, youknow, constituents, the people
that we are serving, the farmersand the consumers, about what
it is that they interest in,what are the things that they
want to sort of learn more about.
(05:44):
So this year, once again, we'rereally looking forward to
providing all of that valuableinformation to anyone who is
wanting to attend.
Speaker 1 (05:56):
Yes, and I want to mention, too, that this is the
first summit that is going to beheld at Florida A&M University,
and that's a big deal.
As an agricultural universityand one in the capital of
Florida, we have the opportunityto really highlight policy and
legislature and the role thatthat plays in some of these
(06:17):
topics.
So that's something that Ithink is we're really looking
forward to, and I believe Foghas been now wanting to really
touch more people by moving thesummit to different areas each
year.
Is that correct?
Speaker 2 (06:38):
That is correct.
Famu, florida Agricultural andMechanical University, who has
been a partner in other projectswith us over the years, is
where we'll be hosting thesummit this year.
That gives us an opportunitynot only to as you were also
mentioning maybe have it closerto some who live in northern
(07:00):
part of the state, but workingwith FAMU is going to be
something that we're obviouslyreally looking forward to.
We're going to have, you know,lots of events and speakers
there.
So you know, I invite everyonelistening to go to our website
to learn more about what aresome of those sessions that you
(07:22):
know we're going to bepresenting, how to register for
it now, make your reservation toattend, and just all the
information that you want tofind out about the summit.
Speaker 1 (07:31):
Absolutely, and I want to just quickly mention
that for folks listening thatmight have a business in
agriculture or something relatedto that.
There is also the opportunityto not only attend but to also
sponsor the summit and alsodifferent parts of the
programmings that we have at Fog.
So we'll get into that in alittle bit, but first I want to
(07:54):
really shine the light on thesignificance of the summit.
What is the reason that theOrganic Food and Farming Summit
came about and what did thatfirst summit look like?
Do you have a recollection ofthat?
Speaker 2 (08:08):
I have a recollection of some of the yes, I do.
I do have a recollection ofthat that first summit.
But also, you know, past events, conferences and other similar
meetings from the beginning,from you know, I think the early
days, and some of the peoplelistening might know, started in
1987 by farmers, like many ofthem at the time around the
(08:35):
country, interested in growingorganic foods, really changing
the way that farming was done.
Because, as we know, theconventional farming systems and
food systems, even though theyhave allowed for farmers to
produce food, there's been a lotof questions around is this
(08:58):
really the best way to grow food?
And some of the problems thatyou know we currently still face
soil health, for example, theenvironment, water quality and
some of these other you knowchallenges that farmers have.
Organic systems, organic farmingsystems allow to really, you
(09:20):
know, try to address thoseproblems in a way that what
we're trying to do is is to beable to bring to farmers and,
(09:49):
once again, consumers in variousgroups.
Is the new information.
We work closely with theUniversity of Florida, FAMU, of
course, and some of the otherresearchers and groups, that
together we're trying to findsolutions to many of these
problems, and so this gives usan opportunity to bring the
(10:11):
latest information, latesttechnology, give recommendations
, make connections, a lot ofnetworking.
It's so interesting.
Hopefully we'll hear some ofthese stories in the future.
Interesting, hopefully we'llhear some of these stories in
the future.
But in our involvement withvarious groups over the years, a
lot of people that come tothese events make connections
(10:34):
with people that they, eitheryou know, after that event
continue to be in contact with,remain friends and in some cases
in fact I was just havingdinner with some friends of mine
met at a similar event.
It wasn't necessarily a fogevent, but they met there, they
(10:54):
started dating and then they gotmarried.
So that's some of the otherthings that sometimes I think
happens.
And it's like I was saying,making those connections, the
networking piece of it, isextremely important because I
think, in so many ways, all ofus share a passion for, you know
, organic farming, organic foods, sustainable agricultural
(11:15):
systems, and so this is just acelebration in so many ways for
us to come together and, youknow, continue the work that
we're doing.
Speaker 1 (11:25):
So you mentioned a lot of great things that are the
big highlights of this kind ofevent and I think event allows
us to have a more updated andrecent application of some of
(11:56):
the topics that we've beendiscussing for years, and I
think a lot of that falls intothe research component and just
different innovations that havecome out as time has gone on.
That have come out as time hasgone on.
So what are some of the othertypes of, you know, innovations
(12:17):
or collaborations that you haveseen from the summit that have
really inspired change?
Speaker 2 (12:21):
So, going back to the early days and some of the
things that Fog, over the years,has been involved in, you know,
these types of summits andevents allow us even to be able
to effect change and in waysthat by representing which is
(12:42):
what we do organic farmers andbe the voice for farmers, can
allow us to speak to theuniversities, the researchers
often, and even sometimes, youknow the Department of
Agriculture, for example, andother organizations that can
(13:03):
provide even perhaps even moretools, resources and information
.
For example, the SustainableAgriculture Research and
Education, saer, was created outof a meeting that happened many
, many years ago, but thatfarmers came together similarly
(13:24):
and realized that there was aneed for a group like SAER to
try to provide opportunities,and FOG was part of those you
know farmers that were attendingthat particular meeting.
So, in my opinion, once again,you know, summits and similar to
the Organic Food and FarmingSummit provide an opportunity
(13:46):
for us to get together to listento our constituents, to try to
address some of those concernsand, as I was mentioning early
on, many of the sessions thatyou know people who come will be
able to listen to came fromrecommendations that we received
(14:07):
in last year's summit, so thisyear we're talking about organic
certification and, of course,that's always a very popular
topic.
We want to talk about marketingyour business or farmers that
are growing their products andwanting to find new markets.
(14:27):
This is a session for them.
There's also discussions aboutdigital tools and, especially in
this day and age, what are someof the other ways that people
can market their products.
We'll be talking about organicproduction research.
We'll bring in researchers fromthe University of Florida and
FAMU once again and talkingabout the latest research.
(14:50):
There'll be conversations aboutfinancial planning and risk
management.
So another piece that is very,very, I think, important in this
day and age, especially inFlorida, is land access.
So just a lot of differentsessions and opportunities based
(15:10):
on recommendations and seeingsome of the things that, over
the years, we've found arecritical for for the agriculture
is what we're hoping to be ableto provide to to anyone who
comes and joins us at the summitthis year joins us at the
summit this year Definitely, andI think you know you mentioned
(15:31):
that we're taking people'sfeedback from prior summits to
incorporate new topics, newsessions.
Speaker 1 (15:36):
So it is, you know, going to be constantly changing
depending on what people arelooking for, and this year
there's several new topics thatpeople can expect.
But we also just going back fora second and talking about
collaboration, the summit, in myexperience, has been a great
place for people to just reallyconnect, and, for instance, I
(16:00):
know we met last year someonethat was part of a startup that
was trying to create food hubsacross the state, and we
connected with them for one ofour grants the Backyard Market
and so that created a veryfruitful connection, and I
imagine, several others, and sothat is something that I want to
(16:21):
highlight as one of the keybenefits for attendees is this
ability to network with leadingprofessionals, farmers and
advocates who are really justworking on really new and
innovative ideas.
And so what are some of theother benefits that you think
attendees can really get out ofthis event?
Speaker 2 (16:42):
So and you mentioned it in last year's summit, that
particular person was able tolearn about our projects.
Summit, that particular personwas able to learn about our
projects.
Often we here at Fog are sobusy every day and what we're
hoping that we're able to dothrough, you know, this podcast
and these types of events andsummits is inform the general
(17:05):
public about what it is thatwe're doing and how it is
perhaps benefiting them.
So the opportunity to learnabout not only what Fog is doing
but, you know, I mentioned theUniversity of Florida, famu, and
even some of the exhibitors andsome of the people that are
going to be there, is extremely,extremely important.
So that networking piece that Imentioned earlier I think that
(17:29):
we're both really talking aboutis something that I certainly
always feel is, you know, very,very, very valuable.
Again, the information thatwe're providing, hopefully
bringing to people awareness andnew information about how to
grow maybe you know particularcrops sometimes or how to
(17:51):
address problems with pests,weeds or diseases, is another
thing that we often do throughthese, through these summits and
educational events.
There's going to be a farm tour.
Last year there was the farmtour, was one of the highlights,
as I think you might rememberthat we got a lot of really
(18:13):
positive feedback this year.
Same thing we're hoping to beable to provide, you know, a
farm tour that's going to beexciting and enjoyable to anyone
who signs up for it.
So to me, you know, those arethe sort of things that you know
I can highlight.
We're hoping also that when youlisten to this particular
(18:37):
episode, that we are talking tonot just the farmers and the
people who listen and thegardeners and the hobbyists, but
also, perhaps, you know, thepolicymakers and the researchers
and students.
Even I was just at theUniversity of Florida this week
talking to some students therewho are taking an organic and
(18:59):
sustainable class, and they alsowere very interested because
this brings you know or providesmaybe an opportunity for them
to make connections, especiallythose students who may be very
soon going to be looking forjobs.
So that networking piece isalso one that I believe you
really can get from attendingthe summit.
Speaker 1 (19:21):
Yeah, and I want to just make sure that we address
that this event is quite uniquein the sense that it is open to
really all sorts of people, likeyou mentioned farmers,
gardeners, educators, studentsbut really it's anyone that's
passionate about sustainableagriculture can come and learn
(19:41):
about what's going on and justbe more fluent in some of these
topics, in some of these topics,especially if they are someone
that just resonates withpractices that are better for
the environment and for ourbodies, and so there's just a
lot to take away from thisexperience, and I can recall
(20:02):
from last year's farm tour alive chicken processing demo
that was really impactful, Ithink, for a lot of people, and
just being able to see some ofthose steps that take place
before the food lands on ourplates and understanding the
work, the effort, the love thatgoes behind all of those
(20:23):
processes, and so that to me, Ithink, can be life-changing for
some people.
And on our team, kathy and I, wealways talk about how there is
that one moment, I think, forpeople that can trigger them to
change their thinking aroundfood.
For some people it's pulling acarrot out of the ground, for
(20:43):
others it might be, you know,witnessing this chicken
processing demo.
So there's a lot of things thatI think can impact folks that
are attending this event in areally positive way, and
especially for folks that aresmall scale farmers, urban
gardeners and just generaladvocates of environmental
(21:03):
sustainability.
So, for the folks listening,what are the next steps for them
to take, to get involved and tosign up?
Speaker 2 (21:12):
Well, so certainly, I invite everyone listening to
visit our website, wwwfoginfoorg.
When you go to that page, onthe main page, you will see on
the top of the banner, theOrganic 2025 Summit.
(21:35):
If you click on that, you willbe able to find information
about this year's summit, how toregister, of course, but if
anyone is also who's listeningand who wants to find out more,
they can email us.
It's also who's listening andwho wants to find out more?
They can email us.
(21:55):
My email is jc at foginfoorg.
If you have questions about thesummit, if you have questions
about the sessions, if you havequestions about maybe even just
learning more about how tosponsor, if you want to be a
sponsor.
It's something that I think wecertainly would want to talk to
more sponsors how to getinvolved, but there's a lot of
information on our website.
So, once again, you know, Iinvite people to visit our
(22:19):
website and find more about thesummit.
Speaker 1 (22:22):
Yes, and I agree with that.
There's a ton of information onthe website, and we have a
third party platform that we'reutilizing this year for
registrations.
It's through a website calledCvent, so that includes all the
information for folks to be ableto sign up and obtain their
ticket, and including the agendafor the day one and day two.
(22:43):
So all of that is going to beupdated as we get more and more
details, and so we want to justtake a moment really quickly to
highlight why you might want toconsider sponsoring the summit
and what that might give for youand your business.
So, jc, do you have anyknowledge or insight as to
(23:07):
sponsors from the past summitsand what they've gained out of
this event?
Speaker 2 (23:13):
Certainly so.
I think one of the things thatis important for all of us to
recognize is that without thosesponsors, without the support of
companies who are manufacturingand providing whether it be
tools or materials or some ofthe things that farmers need to
(23:39):
grow their crops or to raisetheir livestock none of this
would be possible.
It is extremely, extremelyimportant for all of us to be
involved and to work together.
So I think for those sponsors,for those companies and for the
people, it's one way for them toobviously support something
that I think is very, veryimportant but, at the same time,
(24:01):
is to also inform farmers andthe general public that they
exist and let them know aboutthe work that they do and what
it is that they can also providethem, know about the work that
they do and what it is that theycan also provide to them in
terms of services and tools tocontinue to support this mission
of supporting and promotingorganic agriculture.
Speaker 1 (24:22):
Right, and so if anyone listening feels that you
know you are definitely inalignment with that mission,
(24:49):
this opportunity is really foryou to gain visibility among
highly engaged and irrelevantaudience and an pages and our
website and just be able topurely access and connect with
event attendees and network withkey players.
I think is a will get at thisevent, and so for folks that are
interested in learning moreabout that JC, where can they go
(25:13):
to find out how to become asponsor?
Speaker 2 (25:16):
Absolutely so.
Once again, you can go to ourwebsite and once you're on the
website you can click on thesection that says sponsors.
So here's the link.
It is foginfoorg slash sponsorand there you can find
information on how to become asponsor of this event.
Speaker 1 (25:39):
Perfect.
Well, I think we just touchedon about everything.
So we are really lookingforward to you know, seeing you,
hopefully to our listeners, atthis upcoming Organic Food and
Farming Summit.
Again, it'll be in Tallahassee,florida, at FAMU on April 8th
(26:00):
and 9th.
So we are really lookingforward to a brand new set of
faces and speakers and all thosethings that will inspire and
invigorate the next set of foodleaders.
So thank you so much, jc, forshining a light on this event
and helping us, you know, spreadour efforts.
Speaker 2 (26:22):
And thank you so much for having me.
It's always a pleasure to comeback and talk to everyone.
Thank you, Lana.
Speaker 1 (26:30):
Thank you, JC.
Thank you for tuning in toFresh Take.
If you found value in ourdiscussions and want to support
our mission of promoting organicand sustainable agriculture,
consider becoming a sponsor.
Your sponsorship enables us tocontinue offering vital programs
, including this podcast.
Visit the sponsor page of ourwebsite to learn more and join
(26:50):
our community of supporters.
Together, we can make adifference.
Welcome to Fresh Take , where Florida Organic Growers
brings you the latest insightsin organic and sustainable
agriculture, healthy lifestylesand the environment.
Whether you're a seasonedorganic farmer, health
enthusiast or simply curiousabout sustainable practices,
this podcast is your go-tosource for inspiration and
knowledge.
In today's episode, we arehighlighting a very unique and
(00:32):
inspiring event that Floridaorganic growers and consumers
has held over the last severalyears the Organic Food and
Farming Summit, and I have thepleasure of speaking on this
topic with our very own JuanCarlos Rodriguez, who is
currently the Education andOutreach Specialist at FOG.
Jc and I work very closelytogether and, with over 20 years
(00:53):
of working experience inorganic and sustainable farming
systems, he serves in a verycritical role of providing
guidance and answers to farmersand agricultural service
providers regarding therequirements and characteristics
of organic and sustainableproduction systems.
Over the years, he has reviewedand approved organic system
plans for operations thatproduce crops, livestock,
(01:15):
aquaculture and processedproducts in the United States,
latin America, asia and Africa.
In recent years, he has begunhelping farmers in Florida and
the Southeast region transitiontheir farms to organic
agricultural practices.
Jc, welcome to our show.
Thank you, lana, it's always apleasure to be back.
It's always a pleasure to haveyou back and have the
(01:37):
opportunity to speak with you,especially about this really
exciting event that we havecoming up in April of this year.
So before we get into that, I'djust love to talk to you really
quickly about your ownexperience coming to Fog, and
you know how you stumbled uponthis very role.
Speaker 2 (01:59):
So and it's actually now been.
I mean, when I think about it.
Of course, you know time flieson and off.
It's probably about 12 years ormore, fog and from time to time
(02:27):
she would ask me if I wouldenjoy coming and speaking to
farmers or, in some of thoseparticular cases, students,
middle school and high schoolstudents, because Fog has always
been involved in you know, thelocal community and trying to
teach kids about you know wherefood comes from, and so I would
volunteer and do that, reallyreally enjoyed it.
Kids about you know where foodcomes from, and so I would
volunteer and do that, reallyreally enjoyed it.
(02:51):
And after graduating from UF, Iwas working at an organic farm
here in town and she, I guess,also knew of Fog and the people
who at the time were workinghere and knew of an opportunity
that opened up for a job, and soshe was the one who told me
about it, that open up for a joband so she was the one who told
me about it.
I applied and so that's how Iended up from volunteering to
(03:12):
being part of theircertification branch, eventually
moving on to Fog and workingwith the education and outreach
team.
And so it's been really for mebecause I'm always been very
passionate about, you know,teaching and finding ways to
answer questions.
(03:32):
You know farmers questions and,of course, consumers, about
organic foods and the benefitsof organic agriculture.
So to me, that's, you know, oneof the most, you know,
enjoyable you know, parts of myjob.
That's one of the mostenjoyable parts of my job.
It was then, when again I firststarted, that we would do
workshops and field days andeven sort of a smaller event
(03:54):
similar to the summit.
But the summit and, in someways, conferences have always
been something that Fogg hasdone and as part of, you know,
the mission, which is to supportand promote organic,
sustainable and regenerative ag.
And, you know, for people, bothfarmers and consumers, who you
(04:18):
know want to learn more aboutthat, that is something that we
still continue to do.
Speaker 1 (04:23):
Absolutely, and you know you are a seasoned veteran,
I would say, when it comes tothis work, and it's something
that I look up to you for andfeel very lucky to be able to
work with you and have you onthe team.
So I'm really just ecstatic.
To dive a bit deeper into theimportance of this type of event
(04:46):
, the Organic Food and FarmingSummit.
It's back again this year.
Let's talk about when exactlyand where this event is
happening and really why we areputting it together again.
Speaker 2 (04:59):
So this year last year it was in Tampa- yes.
But this year the event is goingto be held in Tallahassee.
It is April 8th and 9th and weare going to have and we'll talk
about it here in a minute a lotof very interesting sessions.
Many of them actually have beenput together based on the
(05:23):
recommendations that we receivedfrom those people who attended,
you know, in 2024.
So that's another thing thatwe're constantly doing is
wanting to hear from our, youknow, constituents, the people
that we are serving, the farmersand the consumers, about what
it is that they interest in,what are the things that they
want to sort of learn more about.
(05:44):
So this year, once again, we'rereally looking forward to
providing all of that valuableinformation to anyone who is
wanting to attend.
Speaker 1 (05:56):
Yes, and I want to mention, too, that this is the
first summit that is going to beheld at Florida A&M University,
and that's a big deal.
As an agricultural universityand one in the capital of
Florida, we have the opportunityto really highlight policy and
legislature and the role thatthat plays in some of these
(06:17):
topics.
So that's something that Ithink is we're really looking
forward to, and I believe Foghas been now wanting to really
touch more people by moving thesummit to different areas each
year.
Is that correct?
Speaker 2 (06:38):
That is correct.
Famu, florida Agricultural andMechanical University, who has
been a partner in other projectswith us over the years, is
where we'll be hosting thesummit this year.
That gives us an opportunitynot only to as you were also
mentioning maybe have it closerto some who live in northern
(07:00):
part of the state, but workingwith FAMU is going to be
something that we're obviouslyreally looking forward to.
We're going to have, you know,lots of events and speakers
there.
So you know, I invite everyonelistening to go to our website
to learn more about what aresome of those sessions that you
(07:22):
know we're going to bepresenting, how to register for
it now, make your reservation toattend, and just all the
information that you want tofind out about the summit.
Speaker 1 (07:31):
Absolutely, and I want to just quickly mention
that for folks listening thatmight have a business in
agriculture or something relatedto that.
There is also the opportunityto not only attend but to also
sponsor the summit and alsodifferent parts of the
programmings that we have at Fog.
So we'll get into that in alittle bit, but first I want to
(07:54):
really shine the light on thesignificance of the summit.
What is the reason that theOrganic Food and Farming Summit
came about and what did thatfirst summit look like?
Do you have a recollection ofthat?
Speaker 2 (08:08):
I have a recollection of some of the yes, I do.
I do have a recollection ofthat that first summit.
But also, you know, past events, conferences and other similar
meetings from the beginning,from you know, I think the early
days, and some of the peoplelistening might know, started in
1987 by farmers, like many ofthem at the time around the
(08:35):
country, interested in growingorganic foods, really changing
the way that farming was done.
Because, as we know, theconventional farming systems and
food systems, even though theyhave allowed for farmers to
produce food, there's been a lotof questions around is this
(08:58):
really the best way to grow food?
And some of the problems thatyou know we currently still face
soil health, for example, theenvironment, water quality and
some of these other you knowchallenges that farmers have.
Organic systems, organic farmingsystems allow to really, you
(09:20):
know, try to address thoseproblems in a way that what
we're trying to do is is to beable to bring to farmers and,
(09:49):
once again, consumers in variousgroups.
Is the new information.
We work closely with theUniversity of Florida, FAMU, of
course, and some of the otherresearchers and groups, that
together we're trying to findsolutions to many of these
problems, and so this gives usan opportunity to bring the
(10:11):
latest information, latesttechnology, give recommendations
, make connections, a lot ofnetworking.
It's so interesting.
Hopefully we'll hear some ofthese stories in the future.
Interesting, hopefully we'llhear some of these stories in
the future.
But in our involvement withvarious groups over the years, a
lot of people that come tothese events make connections
(10:34):
with people that they, eitheryou know, after that event
continue to be in contact with,remain friends and in some cases
in fact I was just havingdinner with some friends of mine
met at a similar event.
It wasn't necessarily a fogevent, but they met there, they
(10:54):
started dating and then they gotmarried.
So that's some of the otherthings that sometimes I think
happens.
And it's like I was saying,making those connections, the
networking piece of it, isextremely important because I
think, in so many ways, all ofus share a passion for, you know
, organic farming, organic foods, sustainable agricultural
(11:15):
systems, and so this is just acelebration in so many ways for
us to come together and, youknow, continue the work that
we're doing.
Speaker 1 (11:25):
So you mentioned a lot of great things that are the
big highlights of this kind ofevent and I think event allows
us to have a more updated andrecent application of some of
(11:56):
the topics that we've beendiscussing for years, and I
think a lot of that falls intothe research component and just
different innovations that havecome out as time has gone on.
That have come out as time hasgone on.
So what are some of the othertypes of, you know, innovations
(12:17):
or collaborations that you haveseen from the summit that have
really inspired change?
Speaker 2 (12:21):
So, going back to the early days and some of the
things that Fog, over the years,has been involved in, you know,
these types of summits andevents allow us even to be able
to effect change and in waysthat by representing which is
(12:42):
what we do organic farmers andbe the voice for farmers, can
allow us to speak to theuniversities, the researchers
often, and even sometimes, youknow the Department of
Agriculture, for example, andother organizations that can
(13:03):
provide even perhaps even moretools, resources and information
.
For example, the SustainableAgriculture Research and
Education, saer, was created outof a meeting that happened many
, many years ago, but thatfarmers came together similarly
(13:24):
and realized that there was aneed for a group like SAER to
try to provide opportunities,and FOG was part of those you
know farmers that were attendingthat particular meeting.
So, in my opinion, once again,you know, summits and similar to
the Organic Food and FarmingSummit provide an opportunity
(13:46):
for us to get together to listento our constituents, to try to
address some of those concernsand, as I was mentioning early
on, many of the sessions thatyou know people who come will be
able to listen to came fromrecommendations that we received
(14:07):
in last year's summit, so thisyear we're talking about organic
certification and, of course,that's always a very popular
topic.
We want to talk about marketingyour business or farmers that
are growing their products andwanting to find new markets.
(14:27):
This is a session for them.
There's also discussions aboutdigital tools and, especially in
this day and age, what are someof the other ways that people
can market their products.
We'll be talking about organicproduction research.
We'll bring in researchers fromthe University of Florida and
FAMU once again and talkingabout the latest research.
(14:50):
There'll be conversations aboutfinancial planning and risk
management.
So another piece that is very,very, I think, important in this
day and age, especially inFlorida, is land access.
So just a lot of differentsessions and opportunities based
(15:10):
on recommendations and seeingsome of the things that, over
the years, we've found arecritical for for the agriculture
is what we're hoping to be ableto provide to to anyone who
comes and joins us at the summitthis year joins us at the
summit this year Definitely, andI think you know you mentioned
(15:31):
that we're taking people'sfeedback from prior summits to
incorporate new topics, newsessions.
Speaker 1 (15:36):
So it is, you know, going to be constantly changing
depending on what people arelooking for, and this year
there's several new topics thatpeople can expect.
But we also just going back fora second and talking about
collaboration, the summit, in myexperience, has been a great
place for people to just reallyconnect, and, for instance, I
(16:00):
know we met last year someonethat was part of a startup that
was trying to create food hubsacross the state, and we
connected with them for one ofour grants the Backyard Market
and so that created a veryfruitful connection, and I
imagine, several others, and sothat is something that I want to
(16:21):
highlight as one of the keybenefits for attendees is this
ability to network with leadingprofessionals, farmers and
advocates who are really justworking on really new and
innovative ideas.
And so what are some of theother benefits that you think
attendees can really get out ofthis event?
Speaker 2 (16:42):
So and you mentioned it in last year's summit, that
particular person was able tolearn about our projects.
Summit, that particular personwas able to learn about our
projects.
Often we here at Fog are sobusy every day and what we're
hoping that we're able to dothrough, you know, this podcast
and these types of events andsummits is inform the general
(17:05):
public about what it is thatwe're doing and how it is
perhaps benefiting them.
So the opportunity to learnabout not only what Fog is doing
but, you know, I mentioned theUniversity of Florida, famu, and
even some of the exhibitors andsome of the people that are
going to be there, is extremely,extremely important.
So that networking piece that Imentioned earlier I think that
(17:29):
we're both really talking aboutis something that I certainly
always feel is, you know, very,very, very valuable.
Again, the information thatwe're providing, hopefully
bringing to people awareness andnew information about how to
grow maybe you know particularcrops sometimes or how to
(17:51):
address problems with pests,weeds or diseases, is another
thing that we often do throughthese, through these summits and
educational events.
There's going to be a farm tour.
Last year there was the farmtour, was one of the highlights,
as I think you might rememberthat we got a lot of really
(18:13):
positive feedback this year.
Same thing we're hoping to beable to provide, you know, a
farm tour that's going to beexciting and enjoyable to anyone
who signs up for it.
So to me, you know, those arethe sort of things that you know
I can highlight.
We're hoping also that when youlisten to this particular
(18:37):
episode, that we are talking tonot just the farmers and the
people who listen and thegardeners and the hobbyists, but
also, perhaps, you know, thepolicymakers and the researchers
and students.
Even I was just at theUniversity of Florida this week
talking to some students therewho are taking an organic and
(18:59):
sustainable class, and they alsowere very interested because
this brings you know or providesmaybe an opportunity for them
to make connections, especiallythose students who may be very
soon going to be looking forjobs.
So that networking piece isalso one that I believe you
really can get from attendingthe summit.
Speaker 1 (19:21):
Yeah, and I want to just make sure that we address
that this event is quite uniquein the sense that it is open to
really all sorts of people, likeyou mentioned farmers,
gardeners, educators, studentsbut really it's anyone that's
passionate about sustainableagriculture can come and learn
(19:41):
about what's going on and justbe more fluent in some of these
topics, in some of these topics,especially if they are someone
that just resonates withpractices that are better for
the environment and for ourbodies, and so there's just a
lot to take away from thisexperience, and I can recall
(20:02):
from last year's farm tour alive chicken processing demo
that was really impactful, Ithink, for a lot of people, and
just being able to see some ofthose steps that take place
before the food lands on ourplates and understanding the
work, the effort, the love thatgoes behind all of those
(20:23):
processes, and so that to me, Ithink, can be life-changing for
some people.
And on our team, kathy and I, wealways talk about how there is
that one moment, I think, forpeople that can trigger them to
change their thinking aroundfood.
For some people it's pulling acarrot out of the ground, for
(20:43):
others it might be, you know,witnessing this chicken
processing demo.
So there's a lot of things thatI think can impact folks that
are attending this event in areally positive way, and
especially for folks that aresmall scale farmers, urban
gardeners and just generaladvocates of environmental
(21:03):
sustainability.
So, for the folks listening,what are the next steps for them
to take, to get involved and tosign up?
Speaker 2 (21:12):
Well, so certainly, I invite everyone listening to
visit our website, wwwfoginfoorg.
When you go to that page, onthe main page, you will see on
the top of the banner, theOrganic 2025 Summit.
(21:35):
If you click on that, you willbe able to find information
about this year's summit, how toregister, of course, but if
anyone is also who's listeningand who wants to find out more,
they can email us.
It's also who's listening andwho wants to find out more?
They can email us.
(21:55):
My email is jc at foginfoorg.
If you have questions about thesummit, if you have questions
about the sessions, if you havequestions about maybe even just
learning more about how tosponsor, if you want to be a
sponsor.
It's something that I think wecertainly would want to talk to
more sponsors how to getinvolved, but there's a lot of
information on our website.
So, once again, you know, Iinvite people to visit our
(22:19):
website and find more about thesummit.
Speaker 1 (22:22):
Yes, and I agree with that.
There's a ton of information onthe website, and we have a
third party platform that we'reutilizing this year for
registrations.
It's through a website calledCvent, so that includes all the
information for folks to be ableto sign up and obtain their
ticket, and including the agendafor the day one and day two.
(22:43):
So all of that is going to beupdated as we get more and more
details, and so we want to justtake a moment really quickly to
highlight why you might want toconsider sponsoring the summit
and what that might give for youand your business.
So, jc, do you have anyknowledge or insight as to
(23:07):
sponsors from the past summitsand what they've gained out of
this event?
Speaker 2 (23:13):
Certainly so.
I think one of the things thatis important for all of us to
recognize is that without thosesponsors, without the support of
companies who are manufacturingand providing whether it be
tools or materials or some ofthe things that farmers need to
(23:39):
grow their crops or to raisetheir livestock none of this
would be possible.
It is extremely, extremelyimportant for all of us to be
involved and to work together.
So I think for those sponsors,for those companies and for the
people, it's one way for them toobviously support something
that I think is very, veryimportant but, at the same time,
(24:01):
is to also inform farmers andthe general public that they
exist and let them know aboutthe work that they do and what
it is that they can also providethem, know about the work that
they do and what it is that theycan also provide to them in
terms of services and tools tocontinue to support this mission
of supporting and promotingorganic agriculture.
Speaker 1 (24:22):
Right, and so if anyone listening feels that you
know you are definitely inalignment with that mission,
(24:49):
this opportunity is really foryou to gain visibility among
highly engaged and irrelevantaudience and an pages and our
website and just be able topurely access and connect with
event attendees and network withkey players.
I think is a will get at thisevent, and so for folks that are
interested in learning moreabout that JC, where can they go
(25:13):
to find out how to become asponsor?
Speaker 2 (25:16):
Absolutely so.
Once again, you can go to ourwebsite and once you're on the
website you can click on thesection that says sponsors.
So here's the link.
It is foginfoorg slash sponsorand there you can find
information on how to become asponsor of this event.
Speaker 1 (25:39):
Perfect.
Well, I think we just touchedon about everything.
So we are really lookingforward to you know, seeing you,
hopefully to our listeners, atthis upcoming Organic Food and
Farming Summit.
Again, it'll be in Tallahassee,florida, at FAMU on April 8th
(26:00):
and 9th.
So we are really lookingforward to a brand new set of
faces and speakers and all thosethings that will inspire and
invigorate the next set of foodleaders.
So thank you so much, jc, forshining a light on this event
and helping us, you know, spreadour efforts.
Speaker 2 (26:22):
And thank you so much for having me.
It's always a pleasure to comeback and talk to everyone.
Thank you, Lana.
Speaker 1 (26:30):
Thank you, JC.
Thank you for tuning in toFresh Take.
If you found value in ourdiscussions and want to support
our mission of promoting organicand sustainable agriculture,
consider becoming a sponsor.
Your sponsorship enables us tocontinue offering vital programs
, including this podcast.
Visit the sponsor page of ourwebsite to learn more and join
(26:50):
our community of supporters.
Together, we can make adifference.
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