Explore the invisible threats in our food with Vonnie Estes and Wendalyn Jones, CEO of the Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences. Delve into the world of microplastics, PFAS, and heavy metals, their presence in produce, and implications for health and agriculture. Wendlyn separates science from hype, discusses regulatory perspectives, and emphasizes transparency and collaboration in tackling these challenges. Gain insights on the future of food safety and sustainability, highlighting the roles of innovation and industry in navigating these complex issues.

• Microplastics and Risk: Present scientific evidence suggests a need for further research to confirm the potential health risks of microplastics in food, despite improvements in detection technologies.
• PFAS in Focus: Known as forever chemicals for their resistance to degradation, PFAS face strong regulatory scrutiny due to their extensive industrial use and potential contamination of soil and water systems.
• Heavy Metals Compliance: The Closer to Zero initiative is an essential FDA strategy aimed at reducing the levels of heavy metals in the food system, promoting collaboration across various agencies.
• Industry Challenges and Opportunities: Transparency and consumer education are crucial for producers aiming to address contaminants in the food industry. Firms must also engage in collaborative efforts for a wider industry impact.
• Research and Technological Solutions: New initiatives by IAFNS and USDA are targeting the understanding of soil contamination impacts on crops, potentially guiding future agricultural practices.

• Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences (IAFNS): Iafns.org
• FDA Closer to Zero Initiative: Information available at FDA.gov
• University of Nebraska Research on Microplastics: Explore university publications for more insights.

For full context and a more in-depth understanding of these crucial topics, be sure to listen to the entire episode of “Fresh Takes on Tech.” Stay tuned for more episodes that delve into the scientific and policy landscapes reshaping the future of our food system.

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Explore the pivotal intersection of science, agriculture, and policy with Vonnie Estes and policy expert Rebeckah F. Adcock as they discuss the produce industry’s future. Delve into how science influences policy, technological advancements, and climate change impacts. Understand the challenges of agricultural labor and the importance of civic engagement. Rebeckah offers insights on leveraging science-driven policies to benefit growers, shippers, and retailers. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, this episode provides a comprehensive look into the evolving landscape of agriculture policy and its real-world implications.

• Understanding Government Dynamics: It is crucial for the produce industry to comprehend the interplay between the branches of government to effectively navigate policy changes.
• Science vs. Opinion: While scientific evidence is fundamental, varying interpretations and external influences significantly impact how policies are crafted.
• Innovation Opportunities: The current administration may provide more flexibility for tech advancements in gene editing and biotechnology, presenting new opportunities for industry growth.
• Policy Influence: Public perception heavily influences policy development, particularly in areas like GMOs and nutrition.
• Labor Challenges: Addressing labor shortages through policy reforms remains a critical issue for the agriculture sector, affecting production and economic stability.

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Description:

Vonnie Estes sits down with three innovators transforming how agriculture manages energy, water, and disease detection. Michael Salvador, co-founder and CEO of Mirai Solar, discusses how photovoltaic shading systems generate clean energy while protecting crops from excessive sunlight. Sarah Placella, founder and CEO of Root Applied Sciences, shares how their airborne pathogen detection system helps growers optimize pesticide use and improve scouting precision. Bryce Buesing, Manager of Client Relations at Responsive Drip Irrigation (RDI), explains their plant-responsive irrigation system that delivers water only when plants need it, improving efficiency and conservation.

Each of these technologies is shaping a more sustainable and data-driven future for farming, offering solutions that enhance productivity, reduce waste, and support climate resilience.

Key Points from the Conversation:

•​Mirai Solar: Photovoltaic shading replaces traditional greenhouse and field shading, providing crops with optimal light exposure while generating electricity.

•​Root Applied Sciences: DNA-based airborne pathogen detection helps farmers reduce pesticide use by identifying disease presence before visible symptoms appear.

•​Responsive Drip Irrigation (RDI): A sensor-free, plant-responsive irrigation system that releases water based on root signals, optimizing water use for a variety of crops.

•​The increasing need for precision agriculture solutions in response to climate change and resource limitations.

•​Insights from the Fresh Field Catalyst Accelerator, including the value of industry mentorship and collaboration in bringing new ag-tech innovations to market.

Guest Information:

•​Michael Salvador – Co-founder & CEO of Mirai Solar, leading innovation in solar-powered shading for agriculture.

•​Sarah Placella – Founder & CEO of Root Applied Sciences, pioneering DNA-based pathogen detection to optimize crop protection.

•​Bryce Buesing – Manager of Client Relations at Responsive Drip Irrigation, specializing in plant-responsive irrigation solutions for water conservation.

Description:

Vonnie Estes explores how data, financing, and AI-driven solutions are transforming the fresh produce industry with insights from three pioneering companies. David Kat of Neolithics discusses how hyperspectral imaging is enabling non-destructive analysis of fruits and vegetables, reducing food waste, and improving quality control. Pat McCullough from ProducePay shares how technology-driven financing is providing growers with access to capital, stabilizing supply chains, and increasing transparency from farm to retailer. Steve Mantle of Innov8.ag explains how geospatial data is helping farmers optimize resources, improve sustainability, and make informed decisions at scale. Learn how these innovations are shaping a more efficient and resilient produce industry.

Key Points from the Conversation:

• Neolithics’ use of hyperspectral imaging to assess internal fruit quality and prevent food waste.

• ProducePay’s technology-driven financing solutions that improve supply chain stability.

• Innov8.ag’s geospatial data analytics for optimizing agricultural inputs and sustainability.

• The role of AI and real-time data in transforming fresh produce operations.

Guest Information:

• David Kat – VP of Business Development at Neolithics, specializing in hyperspectral imaging for produce quality assessment.

• Pat McCullough – CEO of ProducePay, leading advancements in produce financing and supply chain transparency.

• Steve Mantle – Founder of Innov8.ag, focused on geospatial data solutions for improving agricultural efficiency.

Description:

In this episode, Vonnie Estes explores innovations in extending produce shelf life with leaders from three pioneering companies. Rodrigo Cifuentes and Bradford Warner from AgroFresh discuss their SmartFresh and FreshCloud technologies, which use sensing and digital solutions to maintain quality and reduce waste. Agustin Büchert from ClearLeaf introduces a silver-based antimicrobial solution that protects fresh produce from microbial diseases. Originally developed for medical use, this innovative pesticide alternative is non-toxic and safe for both consumers and the environment. Ofir Daube of Sufresca explains how their natural, edible coatings replace synthetic fungicides, offering a sustainable approach to post-harvest management. Learn how these technologies are shaping a more sustainable future for fresh produce.

Key Points from the Conversation:

• AgroFresh’s use of sensing and cloud technologies to improve post-harvest outcomes.

• ClearLeaf’s antimicrobial solution as a non-toxic alternative to synthetic pesticides.

• Sufresca’s natural edible coatings and their applications for vegetables and citrus fruits.

• The global push for sustainable and environmentally safe preservation solutions.

Guest Information:

• Rodrigo Cifuentes and Bradford Warner – Leaders at AgroFresh, specializing in post-harvest technologies for quality preservation.

• Agustin Büchert – Co-Founder and CSO of ClearLeaf, an innovator in silver-based antimicrobial solutions for fresh produce.

• Ofir Daube – VP of Product and Regulation at Sufresca, focused on natural edible coatings for post-harvest management.

Description:

Vonnie Estes welcomes Nathan Dorn, VP of Business Development for Farm-ng, and Alex Gutierrez, Founder of L5 Robotics, to explore the transformative role of robotics in agriculture. Nathan discusses Farm-ng’s development of small electric robotic tractors that support farming tasks such as data collection, weeding, and harvesting, while also empowering students and researchers with hands-on learning opportunities. Alex shares insights into L5 Robotics’ autonomous harvesting systems for strawberries, designed to address labor shortages and improve efficiency. Together, they shed light on how robotics is paving the way for smarter, more sustainable agricultural systems.

Key Points from the Conversation:

• Farm-ng’s open-source robotic tractors and their applications in farming and education.

• L5 Robotics’ approach to autonomous harvesting and labor efficiency in strawberry production.

• Overcoming challenges in scaling robotics and reducing costs for farmers.

• The intersection of robotics, sustainability, and the future of food systems.

Guest Information:

Nathan Dorn – VP of Business Development for Farm-ng, a company focused on small-scale robotics for sustainable farming and education.

Alex Gutierrez – Founder of L5 Robotics, specializing in autonomous harvesting technologies for strawberries and other crops.

Description:

This episode features two innovative companies addressing critical agricultural challenges. Stephanie Gamez, Director of R&D at AgraGene, introduces their gene-editing technology designed to combat Drosophila suzukii, an invasive pest devastating small fruit crops. Using sterile insect techniques, AgraGene offers growers an environmentally friendly, sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides.

Thai Sade, Founder and CEO of BloomX, discusses their biomimicking pollination solutions that enhance the natural pollination process, helping growers overcome labor shortages and optimize yields for crops like avocados and blueberries. Together, these technologies represent groundbreaking solutions for pest control and pollination challenges in the agriculture industry.

Key Points from the Conversation:

• AgraGene’s sterile insect technology and its application in controlling Drosophila suzukii.

• The environmental benefits of reducing chemical pesticide usage.

• BloomX’s data-driven approach to optimizing pollination windows.

• How both companies are addressing challenges like climate change, labor shortages, and sustainable farming practices.

Guest Information:

Stephanie Gamez – Director of R&D at AgraGene, a company using gene-editing technologies to provide sustainable pest control solutions for agriculture.

Thai Sade – Founder and CEO of BloomX, a leader in biomimicking pollination technology that supports growers in enhancing crop yields.

How can the fresh produce industry reduce its environmental footprint through innovative packaging? Jenny Panziera, VP of Operations at Taylor Farms, joins the show to discuss how Taylor Farms is leading the way in redefining sustainable packaging with plant-based solutions. Jenny shares insights into how the company balances operational efficiency with eco-friendly practices, focusing on reducing single-use plastics and improving sustainability across their supply chain.

In this episode, you’ll hear about the strategies behind Taylor Farms’ sustainability initiatives, the role of plant-based packaging in reducing waste, and how companies can adapt to evolving environmental demands. Jenny also offers leadership insights on driving change within large organizations while maintaining product quality and consumer trust.

Key Takeaways:

• How Taylor Farms is innovating with plant-based packaging solutions.

• The environmental impact of sustainable packaging in fresh produce.

• Jenny’s leadership insights for managing sustainable operations.

• Strategies for reducing single-use plastics in large-scale food production.

• The importance of partnerships in advancing sustainability initiatives.

• How consumer demand is shaping the future of eco-friendly packaging.

Guest Resources:

• Jenny Panziera on LinkedIn

• Taylor Farms

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Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/

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