The Produce Industry Podcast w/ Patrick Kelly

What happens when exploration gives way to administration - and adventure turns into power? How did a royal garden become the beating heart of a global botanical empire? And how did Joseph Banks, without leaving London, reshape landscapes, economies, and diets across the world?In this episode, John and Patrick move from the drama of ocean voyages to the quieter - but far more consequential - world of Kew Gardens, where Banks transforms botany into infrastructure, plants into policy, and seeds into instruments of empire. From globe-spanning networks of plant hunters to glasshouses, diplomacy, and even Britain's first brush with cannabis, this is where Banks stops collecting plants - and starts running the system.----------In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review-----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

In this episode of The Produce Industry Podcast with Patrick Kelly, we break down the biggest takeaways from Fruit Logistica 2026 in Berlin — from data‑driven transformation and sustainability to global trade standards and the rise of storytelling in fresh produce. Patrick also shares his personal journey across Spain, Morocco, Turkey, Egypt, South Africa, Chile, and beyond on a mission to uncover the top citrus making its way around the world.Plus, we feature exclusive on‑site interviews with Jaime Bustamante of the DRC on trade standards and financial protection, and Hannes Taubert of VOG – Home of Apples on strategy, branding, and global communication.If you want to understand where the fresh produce industry is heading — and what's driving the next decade of growth — this episode delivers the insights you need.

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, we're talking earthquakes, snowy weather, and the real-world challenges facing the produce industry right now. On the fresh side, we dive into Gold Nugget mandarins, Cuties in bags, Enchanted cider, cello radishes, the sweetest batch blueberries, blood orange varieties, and pineberries. We also cover bringing healthier produce options to a kids' dance competition, Super Bowl produce ideas including crudités and snackable fruit and veg, plant-based options, and a little Valentine's Day inspiration too.It's all right here on Fresh from the Field Fridays with Dan the Produce Man and Ross the Produce Boss, brought to you by the Produce Industry Network, powered by AgLife Media.Check out aglifemedia.com today.

This week on The Global Fresh Series, we're coming to you from Fruit Logistica in Berlin, where the global fresh produce industry gathers to shape the future of trade, innovation, and market access.In this special episode, we share insights from the show floor and introduce a guest with years of hands-on experience doing business in the China fresh produce market. As China continues to play an outsized role in global pricing, demand, and premium fruit trends, understanding how to navigate this market has never been more critical.Our conversation explores what it really takes to succeed in China—from market access and consumer expectations to branding, logistics, and relationship-driven business culture—while connecting those lessons to the broader global themes emerging at Fruit Logistica.Whether you're a grower, exporter, importer, or marketer, this episode offers timely perspective on how global trade shows like Fruit Logistica intersect with one of the world's most influential fresh produce markets.

How did a gentleman botanist turn a vague imperial idea into a functioning colony on the far side of the world? Why did Joseph Banks's quiet influence matter as much as any act of Parliament or naval broadside? And how did food, plants, and fragile supply lines decide whether Britain's most audacious colonial experiment would live or die…?Join John and Patrick as Parliament finally commits to Botany Bay, Arthur Phillip sails with the First Fleet, and a penal colony teeters on the edge of starvation. From floating prisons and travelling greenhouses to shipwrecks, rum empires, and botanical lifelines, this is the moment when Banks's vision collides with reality - on scorched soil, among hostile factions, and under the brutal pressure of survival.This is not just the founding of Australia.It's the story of how empire is fed - or fails - one seed at a time.----------In Sponsorship with J&K Fresh.The customs broker who is your fruit and veggies' personal bodyguard. Learn more here!-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review-----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

A powerful cold spell is sweeping across the United States — from snow flurries in Florida to citrus growers on alert in California and Texas. In this episode, we break down how the freeze is affecting produce supply, harvest timing, transportation, and pricing, all while recapping recent travels from Tucson and the SWIPE Conference. Weather volatility is shaping the market in real time, and we explore what buyers, shippers, and retailers should expect in the coming weeks.Then we shift gears as the show heads to Berlin, Germany, for Fruit Logistica — one of the world's largest fresh‑produce trade events. We look at Berlin's unique history in global food logistics, what to expect at the show, and the innovations likely to shape the year ahead. Special thanks to our international marketers DRC, VOG, and Global Women Fresh. Join us for a global look at produce as we get ready to head across the pond.www.aglifemedia.com

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays with Dan the Produce Man and Ross the Produce Boss, Ross is fresh back from the SWIPE show and brings us a brand-new item called Zucchiolo. We also talk frozen grapes and why they're such a great snack.On the produce table: Gold Nugget mandarins, Valentine pomelo, and a full lineup of cauliflower – white, green, purple, orange, plus the wild looking Romanesco. What's the difference between them all? We break it down.We also get into waxy potatoes versus starchy potatoes, and why Idaho isn't the only state growing great spuds. And we wrap it up with Proprietor burger leaf lettuce, a perfect fit for keto and low-carb lifestyles.It's all right here on Fresh from the Field Fridays, from The Produce Industry Network and powered by AgLife Media.Check out AgLifeMedia.com today!

We begin with a deep dive into France's recent decree banning five active substances on a range of fresh produce, regardless of country of origin, and explore what this unilateral move means for growers, exporters, and global supply chains operating within and beyond the European Union.Next, we're excited to introduce a new segment, Consumer Insights, featuring Nicole MacDonald, who joins us to unpack how today's consumers are thinking about food choices, trust, transparency, and value in an increasingly complex marketplace.We close the episode by addressing dynamic pricing — a growing concern for consumers and a powerful, and sometimes controversial, tool for perishable products. As technology and pricing algorithms evolve, we discuss where opportunity meets consumer perception, and why balance will be critical moving forward.From regulatory shifts to consumer expectations and the economics of perishables, this episode connects the dots on the pressures — and possibilities — shaping the future of fresh.

Fresh from fame and flush with ambition, Joseph Banks sets out to remake the world in his own image. But what happens when celebrity curdles into entitlement, when science collides with the Navy, and when one man's colossal ego derails an imperial voyage before it even leaves port?Join John and Patrick as Banks plans a second South Seas expedition, throws one of the great tantrums of the eighteenth century, and quietly begins his transformation from globe-trotting naturalist into the most powerful scientific fixer in Britain.----------In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review-----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

Patrick Kelly and co‑host Ross Nelson take you straight to Tucson, Arizona for their very first Southwest International Produce Expo experience. From teeing off at the golf tournament to diving into education sessions, shaking hands at networking events, and walking the buzzing expo floor, this episode captures the energy and discovery of seeing the show through fresh eyes.Join the recap as Patrick and Ross sit down with industry leaders from Albertsons, Wegmans, HEB, and more to unpack trends, standout innovations, and the relationships shaping the future of produce. It's a week of learning, laughter, and lively conversations you won't want to miss.

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Ross “The Produce Boss” and Dan the Produce Man share some great finds from the market. Ross talks about the Juicy Crunch tangerine, some air-fryer-ready frozen produce from PictSweet Farms, and a sweet treat — chocolate-covered pistachios. Dan dives into more microgreen varieties and shows off those beautiful bunched, multi-colored watermelon radishes.It's all right here on Fresh from the Field Fridays from the Produce Industry Network, powered by AgLife Media.

This week on The Global Fresh Series, we take a wide-angle look at the forces reshaping the global fresh produce industry—from avocado boardroom power, with the blockbuster acquisition of Calavo Growers by Mission Produce, a deal that signals a new era of scale, vertical integration, and expansion into prepared foods. moves to unexpected environmental challenges influencing what ends up on our plates. Followed with exploring record avocado demand and how Avocados From Mexico is looking far beyond Super Bowl Sunday—forecasting billions of avocados moving through global markets and investing in year-round demand, new regions, and next-generation consumers. We look at microfibers in clothes stunting tomato growth and finally, we end on a sweet note with the surging global popularity of mangoes, as consumer demand, improved supply chains, and expanding markets continue to fuel one of the fastest-growing fruit categories worldwide.

What happens when discovery turns to disaster — and survival hangs on a sliver of luck? How close did Joseph Banks come to losing everything he had collected, and his life with it? And how did coral, disease, and chance shape one of the most important scientific voyages in history?Join John and Patrick as the Endeavour smashes onto the Great Barrier Reef, limps into Batavia, and is transformed from a ship of discovery into a floating hospital - a brutal reminder that Banks's botanical triumphs were forged on the very edge of catastrophe.----------In Sponsorship with J&K Fresh.The customs broker who is your fruit and veggies' personal bodyguard. Learn more here!-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review-----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

In this episode of the Produce Industry Podcast, Patrick Kelly sits down with Jeff Cady, Vice President of Procurement for Tops, to discuss retail sourcing, supplier relationships, and today's produce market challenges. Jeff shares insights on procurement strategy, leadership, and what it takes to succeed as a retail partner in an evolving industry.

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, we're talking dandelion greens, Cara Cara red navels, and those rare Chocolate Navel oranges — all showing up in stores right now.Dan also breaks down a timely AgLife Media article on California pear growers and the impact of heavy imported pear volume still in the pipeline just as fresh Lake County pears are hitting the market.And we wrap it up with a look at some really cool, nutrient-packed broccoli microgreens.It's all right here on Fresh from the Field Fridays, from the Produce Industry Network, powered by AgLife Media.

This week on The Global Fresh Series, we take a wide-angle look at how rapidly shifting environmental conditions, global demand, and innovation are reshaping the fresh produce landscape.We begin in California, where the state has officially been declared drought-free, marking a major turning point for growers, water policy, and long-term agricultural planning.From there, we travel to Southeast Asia, where surging demand for durian—driven by the Chinese market—is transforming the small rural village of Raub, in Malaysia. Once a quiet agricultural area, Raub is now positioning itself as a global supplier, expanding durian production and opening new export channels to India.We close the episode with a look at innovation closer to home, as four new potato varieties are introduced to the market—highlighting how plant breeding, consumer preferences, and adaptability continue to drive opportunity in staple crops.From climate resilience to exotic fruit demand and varietal innovation, this episode captures the interconnected forces shaping the future of global fresh produce.

This week on The Global Fresh Series, we take a wide-angle look at how rapidly shifting environmental conditions, global demand, and innovation are reshaping the fresh produce landscape.We begin in California, where the state has officially been declared drought-free, marking a major turning point for growers, water policy, and long-term agricultural planning.From there, we travel to Southeast Asia, where surging demand for durian—driven by the Chinese market—is transforming the small rural village of Raub, in Malaysia. Once a quiet agricultural area, Raub is now positioning itself as a global supplier, expanding durian production and opening new export channels to India.We close the episode with a look at innovation closer to home, as four new potato varieties are introduced to the market—highlighting how plant breeding, consumer preferences, and adaptability continue to drive opportunity in staple crops.From climate resilience to exotic fruit demand and varietal innovation, this episode captures the interconnected forces shaping the future of global fresh produce.

What happened when Joseph Banks finally put to sea - and discovery left the comfort of gardens behind? How would a voyage meant to advance science collide with storms, suspicion, imperial rivalries, and human tragedy? And what would it cost to catalogue the natural world at the far edges of the globe?Join John and Patrick as they follow Banks aboard HMS Endeavour, from vineyards in Madeira and standoffs in Rio de Janeiro to catastrophe in Tierra del Fuego and the intoxicating promise of Tahiti. This is science under sail: plants collected at gunpoint, lives lost to ice and overconfidence, and the birth of a vision that would bind botany, empire, and exploration together - whether the world was ready for it or not.----------In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review-----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

In this episode of The Produce Industry Podcast, Patrick Kelly welcomes Wiggs Civitillo, Founder and CEO of Starfish, for a conversation. Wiggs shares his background, experiences, and perspective, offering insight into his journey and the path that led him to where he is today. Through the discussion, listeners get to know Wiggs both personally and professionally, and hear his story in a natural, conversational way.

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Dan the Produce Man and Ross the Produce Boss dive into the biggest fresh produce and food trends of 2025—and look ahead to what's coming in 2026.From fresh-cut vs. bulk on the produce stand to mushrooms, berries, and the ever-growing wall of salads, we break down what's hot, what's changing, and what shoppers are actually buying.We also tackle the age-old question: how many servings of fruits and vegetables should you really be eating? Remember “five a day”? What exactly counts as a serving—and how much is enough?Plus, salad talk: how to dress your greens without drowning them in heavy, fatty dressings.It's all right here on Fresh from the Field Fridays, from the Produce Industry Network, powered by AgLife Media.

In this timely episode of the Global Fresh Series, we sit down with Ron Lemaire, President of the Canadian Fresh Produce Association, for a candid conversation on one of the most challenging years the global fresh produce industry has faced in recent memory.Ron reflects on the realities of 2025—marked by shifting tariffs, trade uncertainty, and geopolitical pressures—and how these forces reshaped supply chains and business strategies across borders. He also shares how new partnerships were forged, existing relationships strengthened, and innovative approaches adopted to keep fresh produce moving despite the headwinds.

Who was Joseph Banks before he became the most powerful botanist in the British Empire? How did a wealthy, restless young man turn a childhood fascination with weeds into a scientific obsession that would reshape global agriculture? And why did one cold, miserable voyage to Newfoundland prove to be the spark that launched a world-changing career?Join John and Patrick as they begin a brand-new multi-part series on Joseph Banks, tracing his early life from privileged English estates to the edge of the North Atlantic - and setting the stage for the voyages that would transform science, empire, and the history of fresh produce.----------In Sponsorship with J&K Fresh.The customs broker who is your fruit and veggies' personal bodyguard. Learn more here!-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review-----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

In today's episode of The Produce Industry Podcast, host Patrick Kelly breaks down one of the most pressing issues facing California citrus growers this season: the unexpected surge in mandarin fruit drop.With a lighter crop already forecasted, above‑average rain, persistent fog, and rising fungal pressure have created a perfect storm in the groves — and growers across the Northern Central Valley are feeling the impact. Patrick unpacks the science, the weather patterns, the market implications, and the real‑world decisions growers are making right now to protect their operations.From Fungal stress to delayed harvest windows, from packout concerns to pricing shifts, this episode gives you a clear, grounded look at what's happening, why it's happening, and what the industry needs to prepare for as the 2025–26 season unfolds.Website: www.aglifemedia.comMobile App: app.theproduceindustrypodcast.com

It's a new year on Fresh-from-the-Field Fridays, and Dan the Produce Man brings you four in-season favorites.We kick things off with broccolini, also known as sweet baby broccoli, where it came from, why it goes by so many different names, and why the stems matter.With all the rain in Northern California, chanterelle mushrooms are abundant right now, and they remain a true favorite among chefs.A brief field update from strawberry fields in Watsonville.We also get into sunchokes. Are these sunny artichokes? Well, not really. Find out what this tasty tuber is all about.And we wrap things up with a quick blurb on the Sumo Mandarin, including which three citrus varieties contributed to its development.It's all right here on Fresh-from-the-Field Fridays, on the Produce Industry Network and AgLife Media.

The final Global Fresh Series episode of 2025 is all about celebration. We're highlighting the people, ideas, and breakthroughs that shaped the year across the global fresh produce industry. From farm fields to global markets, this episode captures the energy, resilience, and innovation that defined 2025—and sets the stage for an exciting year ahead. Join us as we close the season with gratitude, insight, and a fresh outlook for 2026.Peak of the Market: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://peakofthemarket.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Premium Zag Technological Services, Inc.: https://www.zagtech.com/Global Women Fresh: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://globalwomenfresh.com

Once, Switzerland was a land of pears.When we picture the Swiss countryside today, we imagine tidy fields, precision farming, and alpine order. But not so long ago, vast stretches of eastern Switzerland were covered in towering pear trees - ancient giants that fed communities, sustained wildlife, and produced perry renowned across Europe.So how did a nation famed for care, balance, and cultivation come to destroy eleven million fruit trees in the space of a generation?Join John and Patrick as they unravel one of the strangest and most unsettling episodes in modern agricultural history: the deliberate, state-sponsored destruction of Switzerland's perry orchards. From temperance panics and alcohol laws to bureaucrats with axes, propaganda films, and the cult of “modern” efficiency, this is a story of progress turned destructive - and of a drink, a landscape, and a culture quietly erased.Was this modernization… or cultural vandalism? And what was lost when the last great pear trees fell?----------In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review -----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

In this special year-end episode of The Produce Industry Podcast, host Patrick Kelly reflects on the defining moments, challenges, and wins that shaped the produce industry over the past year. From market shifts and innovation to leadership lessons and industry trends, Patrick breaks down what mattered most—and why. He also looks ahead to the new year, sharing insights on what's coming next and how produce professionals can prepare for the opportunities and changes ahead.

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Ross brings on a special guest, his daughter Alice, to share her preteen fresh produce picks. Ross also digs into some dairy-free alternatives to his traditional Czech heritage cookies, plus brand-new seasoned veggie kits made for the air fryer. They cover New Year's Eve produce picks, from black-eyed peas and collard greens to grapes, and even tackle the question of whether New Year's resolutions are actually a good idea.It's all right here on Fresh from the Field Fridays, from the Produce Industry Network and AgLife Media.

Twas the price before Christmas, and all through the supply chain, avocados were falling while citrus felt the strain. In this festive episode of the Global Fresh Series, we unwrap the latest market moves—avocado prices hitting multi-year lows thanks to booming imports, while California citrus climbs to holiday-high territory. With a nod to a classic Christmas tale (reimagined with fresh produce), this episode blends market insight with a little seasonal cheer.Peak of the Market: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://peakofthemarket.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Premium Zag Technological Services, Inc.: https://www.zagtech.com/ Global Women Fresh: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://globalwomenfresh.com

As 2025 draws to a close, we also reach the midpoint of the decade. Looking back on an eventful first half of the 2020s, we're left with a big question: what will history remember about this era in the world of fresh produce?In this final livestream of 2025, John and Patrick will revisit the defining moments of the past five years, unpack their historical significance, and ask whether these events will endure as true turning points - or fade into the background as intriguing but fleeting milestones.----------In Sponsorship with J&K Fresh.The customs broker who is your fruit and veggies' personal bodyguard. Learn more here!-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review-----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

In this episode of the Produce Industry Podcast, Patrick Kelly recaps AgLife Media's 2025, highlighting key projects, industry conversations, and how the company supported produce professionals through a year of change. Patrick shares what AgLife Media learned from the field, the topics that resonated most with the industry, and how those insights are shaping the year ahead.

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays,Dan the Produce Man and Ross the Produce Boss aretalking Christmas cookie traditions, with Ross sharing family-favorite Czechrecipesand why he still uses an old-school, hand-turned grinder to make walnut flourthe traditional way. That technique also opens the door to gluten-free anddairy-free holiday cookie options.On the table this week: Oro Blancos, Kishu mandarins, sweetlimes, imported Bing cherries, white strawberries, chestnuts, Davison apples,late-season Fuyu persimmons, and how to use them, even when they start tosoften so nothing goes to waste.It's festive, it's flavorful, and it's all right here onthis holiday episode of Fresh from the Field Fridays, from the ProduceIndustry Network, powered by AgLife Media.

In this episode of the Global Fresh Series, we begin with a lighthearted (and honest) reflection on holiday travel, how flying has changed over the years, and why a cup of fresh fruit might be the best carry-on you can bring. But quickly, the conversation turns serious as we examine how timing, weather, and global trade pressures are reshaping fresh produce supply chains. Shifting to the U.S. Pacific Northwest, where torrential rainfall in Northwest Washington is creating real-time challenges for growers of berries, seed crops, specialty vegetables, forage, and dairy feed.Peak of the Market: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://peakofthemarket.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Premium Zag Technological Services, Inc.: https://www.zagtech.com/ Global Women Fresh: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://globalwomenfresh.com

What do gold, frankincense, and myrrh really tell us about the world into which Jesus was born? Who were the Magi - kings, mystics, scientists, or traders - and why did they travel vast distances carrying some of the most valuable agricultural products on Earth? How do desert trees in Arabia and the Horn of Africa connect a humble birth in Bethlehem to ancient global supply chains, imperial economics, and the earliest luxury produce markets? And what happened when symbolic gifts became engines of demand, reshaping landscapes, trade routes, and even Christian worship for centuries to come?Join John and Patrick as they follow the scent trail of frankincense and myrrh - from wounded bark and caravan routes to temples, churches, and modern medicine - in a fresh-produce retelling of the Nativity that reveals the Three Wise Men not as fairy-tale kings, but as emissaries of the ancient global economy. This is the Christmas story as you've never heard it before: rooted in trees, trade, and the fragile agricultural systems that quietly changed the world.----------In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review -----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

In this episode of the Produce Industry Podcast, Patrick Kelly sits down with Shay Myers, President of Owyhee Produce, for a conversation that happens mid-flight as the two travel together on a plane. With nowhere to be but in the moment, they talk about produce, where to find truly good-quality fruits and vegetables, and what separates the best products from the rest. Along the way, Shay shares insights from a lifetime in farming, touching on leadership, family legacy, and how the produce industry continues to evolve. It's an easygoing, honest conversation rooted in a shared love of great produce.

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Chef Jeffrey Schlissel joins us with smart, time-saving prep tips to make your holiday cooking a whole lot easier. We get into what you can prep ahead so you're not slammed on the big day, the latest trends in the restaurant and food-service world, and a heads-up about ingredients in fresh-prepped foods. Chef Jeffrey brings the heat with practical advice and plenty of industry insight. All this and more from The Produce Industry Network and AgLife Media.

In this week's episode, host Juanita Gaglio takes listeners on a whirlwind tour of the global fresh-produce scene — from bananas mysteriously washing ashore on U.K. beaches to the first shipments of Chilean cherries sparking excitement for the holiday season. We'll also look at why broccolini is having a major moment on menus and market shelves alike.The feature story dives into the USMCA Agreement review, exploring what's at stake for growers, exporters, and retailers across North America. With trade policy, produce trends, and fresh arrivals all on the table, this episode serves up a delicious mix of insight, intrigue, and inspiration — straight from the global produce supply chain.First Class Sponsor: Peak of the Market: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://peakofthemarket.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Premium Zag Technological Services, Inc.: https://www.zagtech.com/ Global Women Fresh: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://globalwomenfresh.com

From incestuous wasps and prehistoric forests to sacred enlightenment, revolutionary resistance, and a certain square-shaped snack aisle icon - what if the fig is the most powerful fruit in human history? Join John and Patrick as they trace the astonishing 80-million-year saga of the fig: its ancient pact with tiny wasps, its role in shaping ecosystems, feeding early humans, inspiring gods and emperors, fueling revolutions in Kenya, and conquering America as the mighty Fig Newton. Was the fig humanity's first domesticated plant? Did it help build civilizations, religions, and even our own hands? And how did one strange fruit manage to bridge myth, medicine, empire, and mass production? This is the epic, unexpected history of the fig - one of the most extraordinary stories nature ever wrote.----------In Sponsorship with J&K Fresh.The customs broker who is your fruit and veggies' personal bodyguard. Learn more here!-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review -----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

In this candid and energizing episode, host Patrick Kelly steps away from the fields and into the doctor's office—literally. Fresh from a recent medical checkup, Patrick shares what he learned, what surprised him, and why the conversation around health and wellness is more important than ever.Patrick opens up about how personal health ties directly into the produce industry, our food system, and the choices consumers make every day. From nutrition trends and preventative care to the pressures of modern life and the importance of listening to your body, this episode serves as both a reminder and a wake-up call: your health is your biggest asset.The future of produce, packaging, and innovation is happening at the SWIPE Expo, and you won't want to miss it. This is your chance to connect with industry leaders, explore groundbreaking technology, and discover what's next for the world of fresh produce.SWIPE Expo Registration: https://web.cvent.com/event/0ac4c457-55e5-4cb8-951e-71c1fb8944af/regProcessStep1Link to episode with Michelle Pearlman mentioned in this episode: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2db66830-74db-45d8-9f4c-393b131e1f87/episodes/ffc1cd72-5b7f-4efb-afb4-b3c84a966b91/the-produce-industry-podcast-w-patrick-kelly-power-of-food-as-medicine-w-dr-michelle-pearlman---ep381?referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fmusic.amazon.com%2F

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays:Ross is on the East Coast at the New York Produce Show, and Dan is in Monterey at the Organic Grower Summit. We kick things off with the latest on the strawberry situation, then roll right into our picks of the week: crisp Iceberg lettuce, sweet Ambrosia apples, classic Rome Beauties, those gorgeous red Dianju pears, and creamy Bacon avocados. And believe it or not, Dan's garden is still pumping out tomatoes here in December.It's all right here on Fresh from the Field Fridays from The Produce Industry Network, powered by AgLife Media!

In this episode of The Global Fresh Series, we take a deep dive into the numbers shaping what's on our plates — comparing the staggering $3.23 trillion global ultra-processed foods market with the $1.27 trillion fresh-produce sector projected by 2034. Host Juanita Gaglio unpacks where the real opportunities lie for fruits and vegetables to innovate, inspire, and add value — from blending fresh ingredients into convenient foods to leveraging consumer love for healthy, ready-to-eat options. We also listen in on what consumers are saying about fresh produce — how presentation, freshness, and even festive holiday packaging are giving sales a noticeable lift.First Class Sponsor: Peak of the Market: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://peakofthemarket.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Premium Zag Technological Services, Inc.: https://www.zagtech.com/ Global Women Fresh: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://globalwomenfresh.com

"They say once you grow crops somewhere, you have officially colonized it. So technically, I colonized Mars. In your face , Neil Armstrong!"As Mark Watney's line from the book and film The Martian suggests, fruits and vegetables have long played a starring role in our visions of space. Sometimes they're subtle symbols of home; other times, they're humanity's only hope for survival.But how realistic are these space gardens? Could these crops truly grow beyond Earth - and if they could, would they be enough to sustain life? And what lessons can we draw from history, when explorers relied on produce to survive their own journeys into the unknown?Join John and Patrick on this month's livestream as they pull out the popcorn to talk space films, produce and history!-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review -----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

In this reflective episode with, Patrick Kelly he shares how the Water for All Hike with BLUE Missions and Continental Fresh reshaped his perspective on something most of us never think twice about: water. After walking the same paths families in the Dominican Republic travel daily to access clean water, Patrick describes the weight of their stories, the resilience of the communities he met, and the realization that water isn't a convenience — it's life, opportunity, and the foundation for a thriving future.Patrick then connects this experience back to the produce industry, reminding his listeners that water is the starting point of everything we grow, ship, and serve. Clean water doesn't just hydrate people — it activates communities, powering local agriculture, entrepreneurship, and economic stability. This episode is both a thank-you and a call to action for industry leaders to step up, get involved, and recognize the shared responsibility we have to support the communities that make our work possible.www.bluemissions.org and www.continentalfresh.com

In this episode of The Global Fresh Series, we explore three dynamic stories shaping the produce world and beyond. First, we dive into the innovative trend of packing premium avocados in festive Christmas gift boxes—what it means for growers, exporters, retailers and the seasonal consumer mindset. Next, we examine the latest global public-health push around ultra-processed foods: how policy, research and consumer behavior are changing, and why this matters for fresh produce marketers. Finally, we take a delightful detour into the world of agritourism with a UK farmer who invites visitors to cuddle cows—exploring diversification, consumer experience, and how farm storytelling can reshape perceptions of agriculture. Tune in for a wide-angle view of freshness, health, and the unexpected sweet spots in the produce ecosystem.

In this episode of The Produce Industry Podcast, Ross “The Produce Boss” Nelson steps in as guest host while Patrick participates in the Blue Missions Water For All Hike in the Dominican Republic.Ross provides listeners with an overview of the purpose and scope of the Water For All initiative—an effort focused on expanding access to clean and reliable water for communities in need. He also shares updates from Patrick's journey, highlighting key aspects of the hike, the impact of the initiative, and why this mission holds significant importance within and beyond the produce industry.

What does a thorny Mediterranean thistle have to do with the American Mafia? How did a humble vegetable — adored by Romans, cultivated by Renaissance queens, and grown lovingly by Italian immigrants — become the centerpiece of one of the strangest criminal rackets in U.S. history? And why did a fiery New York mayor decide that the only way to defeat organized crime… was to ban artichokes altogether?Join John and Patrick as they trace the extraordinary saga of the Artichoke King — Ciro Terranova — the East Harlem mobster who turned produce into power. From the early Italian farmers of California's coast, to the violent “Artichoke Wars” of the 1930s, to Fiorello La Guardia's theatrical crusade against racketeering, this is the bizarre and gripping story of how food, identity, and crime became entangled in the markets of New York.-----------Ever see a shirt that you could just eat it? Well, this New Jersey family-run business may just be it! Visit EatShirts here to order your favorite fruit or veggies shirt!-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review -----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Dan The Produce Man and Ross the Produce Boss welcome Chef Eric Meisel — culinary produce specialist and all-around kitchen wizard. We're diving into everything Thanksgiving… brining tips, roasted veggie magic, the right fruits to brighten your table, and even some fun drinks to bring a little extra groove to your holiday spread.It's all right here on Fresh from the Field Fridays, brought to you by The Produce Industry Network and AgLife Media.

The Global Fresh Series is back with a triple-feature episode bursting with fresh trends and global milestones. We kick things off with the rising “sour grape” sensation taking over taste buds and social media. Then we dive into a historic turning point for British agriculture as the UK embraces precision breeding with a bold new regulatory framework. And finally, we head to Paris, where Natexpo 2025 returns after 17 years, spotlighting fruit, vegetables, and the booming organic sector. Join host Juanita Gaglio for a fast-paced journey through the stories reshaping the produce world.First Class Sponsor: Peak of the Market: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://peakofthemarket.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Premium Zag Technological Services, Inc.: https://www.zagtech.com/ Global Women Fresh: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://globalwomenfresh.com

What if the most valuable substance on Earth wasn't gold, or oil, or diamonds… but bird droppings?In the mid-19th century, guano—yes, seabird excrement—fueled an agricultural and geopolitical revolution. From the sacred islands of the Inca Empire to the docks of Victorian London and the halls of the U.S. Congress, this strange, smelly fertilizer transformed farming, powered economies, and even sparked wars. Nations fought for it, empires expanded because of it, and fortunes were made (and lost) in the race for what Victorians called “white gold.”Join John and Patrick as they dig into the astonishing history of guano: how it sustained the Inca Empire, drove the birth of American imperialism, and even set the stage for modern synthetic fertilizers. It's a tale of science, empire, and excrement — one that changed the world, quite literally, from the ground up.-----------Ever see a shirt that you could just eat it? Well, this New Jersey family-run business may just be it! Visit EatShirts here to order your favorite fruit or veggies shirt!-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review -----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

In this episode of The Produce Industry Podcast, host Patrick Kelly sits down with Evan Ehlers, founder of Sharing Excess, for a powerful conversation about the future of food rescue and the fight against food waste.Patrick and Evan dive into how Sharing Excess is transforming surplus produce—often measured in millions of pounds—into nutritious meals for communities in need. Evan shares the origin story behind the organization, the innovative logistics that make large-scale food recovery possible, and the partnerships within the produce industry that help keep good food out of landfills.

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Ross the Produce Boss and Dan the Produce Man dig into some seasonal gems—fresh Florida citrus, Honey Nut squash, and a few more late-fall goodies hitting produce departments right now. Then the duo welcomes Dustin Robison from Harvest Central, a sweet potato grower out of Livingston, California. Dustin breaks down sweet potatoes the way only a farmer can: organic, conventional, flavor differences, storage and cooking tips, plus a few Thanksgiving prep hacks to make those holiday dishes really pop. It's all happening right here on Fresh from the Field Fridays from The Produce Industry Network and AgLife Media.