Tip of the Iceberg Podcast

LeAnne Ruzzamenti, director of marketing and communications with the Equitable Food Initiative, highlights this year's award, and shares the critical role farmworkers play in the fresh produce industry and why it's important to recognize them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Ross, IGA CEO, shares his company's strategy to transition to 2D barcodes and the benefits the barcodes hold for the fresh produce industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matthew Aronson, chief revenue officer at Verdant Technologies, shares how his company deploys 1-MCP (1-methylcyclopropene) in a new and innovative way to offer better produce to retailers and cut down on the use of ice in shipping.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lucelena Angarita, director of food supply chain visibility at GS1 US shares why it's never too early to start preparing your fresh produce business for the Food Traceability Final Rule, which goes into effect on Jan. 20, 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Mike Hemman, senior vice president of the North America Division of the drip irrigation solutions provider Netafilm, highlights some of the innovative ways his company integrates recycling into its drip irrigation products.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brianna Shales, marketing director for Stemilt Growers joins LeAnne Ruzzamenti, the director of marketing and communication for the Equitable Food Initiative to share ways to celebrate the vital role of farmworkers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shay Myers, CEO of Owyhee Produce, is a third-generation farmer and also known as @shayfarmkid. Myers shares how he uses his social media platforms to talk about agriculture, why getting in front of the camera is important and how to connect with thoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leslie Gordon, president and CEO of the Food Bank for New York City discusses how the fresh produce industry contributes to feeding those in need.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Darren Seifer, industry advisor for consumer goods and foodservice insights for Circana gives us a sneak peek of his GOPEX 2025 presentation, focusing on today's organic produce shopper and what drives their loyalty.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeana Cadby, director of environment and climate for Western Growers talks about a working group with the Canadian Produce Marketing Association to address the changing produce packaging requirements imposed by governments and retailers and just how far the fresh produce industry has come in its use of sustainable packaging.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Santiago, CEO of FloraPulse, shares how his company's easy-to-install water sensor can help specialty crop growers better recognize what's happening to the plant during the growing season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Statler, chief marketing officer and head of food safety with Wiliot, shares the benefits that artificial intelligence and machine learning can provide the produce industry, especially in traceability.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cristie Mather, vice president of food at Curious Plot shares some insights learned of the company's 2024 Consumer Curiosity Report and how retailers can use that intel to tap into new opportunities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Nichols, a third-generation pistachio grower and president of HotSpot Ag, shares how data and innovative technology can help deploy water where its most needed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The CEO of Zag Technical Services joins the podcast to discuss why ag is one of the most vulnerable business segments to cyber attacks and what business owners can do to be better prepared.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephanie Teclaw, quality program manager with RPE joins LeAnne Ruzzamenti, director of marketing and communications with the Equitable Food Initiative, to talk about how a sustainability course from EFI provided the resources and framework to analyze the company's current sustainability state and ensure a supportive culture and vision were in place. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Pawelski, a fourth-generation farmer, returns to the podcast to discuss the importance of advocacy, how growers can get started and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amalia Zimmerman-Lommel, director of social responsibility with GoodFarms joins LeAnne Ruzzamenti, the Director of Marketing and Communications for Equitable Food Initiative to share how her understanding of social responsibility has evolved in the 10 years since GoodFarms became EFI certified and the benefits of certification.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joelle Mosso, associate vice president of science programs for Western Growers, sits down with host Christina Herrick, produce editor of The Packer, to talk about the conflicting needs of sustainability and food safety in fresh produce.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom Adams, co-founder and CEO of Pairwise, a food and agriculture company that utilizes gene editing and CRISPR technology to transform plants and production systems, joins host Christina Herrick, produce editor for The Packer on this latest episode of “Tip of the Iceberg” to talk about gene editing and its potential role in the future of the produce industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Delbert Bland, founder of Glennville, Ga.-based Bland Farms and recent inductee into the Vidalia Onion Hall of Fame, sits down with Christina Herrick, produce editor for The Packer, to share his favorite way to eat Vidalia onions, the importance of a federal marketing order and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin Moffitt, president and CEO of Pear Bureau Northwest, who is set to retire this year after 35 years with the organization, joins Christina Herrick, produce editor for The Packer, to share memorable moments, his favorite pears and the challenges to marketing the fruit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How to connect with The Packer and PMG magazine: Websites: thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com. Email: news@thepacker.com LinkedIn: Produce Market Guide and The Packer Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews Twitter/X: @produceretailer and @thepacker See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A.G. Kawamura, former secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, joins Christina Herrick, The Packer's produce editor, at the Sustainable Produce Summit to talk about where agriculture is headed in the state and the changes he's seen during his career in farming.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the produce industry prepares for the Food Traceability Final Rule, Frank Yiannas, the former FDA Deputy Commissioner of Food Policy and Response and Steve Statler, chief marketing officer and head of food safety with Wiliot share how technology can help those in the produce industry become more efficient in this “Tip of the Iceberg” episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Sandwick, director of marketing with Hess Bros. Fruit, talks about the introduction of Wild Twist and the challenges of marketing new apple varieties in a competitive market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Summary: Chris Pawelski, a fourth-generation farmer, grassroots public policy advocate and the subject of a recent documentary titled “Muckville” joins Christina Herrick, produce editor of The Packer, to talk about the challenges modern farmers face and the intersection of farming and mental health.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Todd Fryhover, president of the Washington Apple Commission who will retire this year after 18 years leading the organization, joins Christina Herrick, produce editor of The Packer, to talk about where the apple industry is headed and his career highlights.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maisie Ganzler, author and strategic advisor for Bon Appetit Management Company, joins LeAnne Ruzzamenti, director of marketing and communications with the Equitable Food Initiative, to discuss how companies can get started on creating a sustainability plan. Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com. Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Get the inside scoop of the educational sessions, activities and events for The Packer's upcoming West Coast Produce Summit and Sustainable Produce Summit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elizabeth Mitcham, Ph.D., professor of cooperative extension and the emeritus director of the Postharvest Technology Center, joins Christina Herrick, produce editor for The Packer to talk about the innovations in postharvest technology, the challenges to delivering fresh fruits and vegetables and the future of postharvest research in this podcast sponsored by AgroFresh.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ali Cox, CEO and founder of Noble West, an agriculture marketing consultancy sits down with Christina Herrick, produce editor of The Packer, to look at how specialty crop growers utilize regenerative ag currently, its benefits and its potential for the future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ray Hatch, CEO of Quest Resource Management joins Christina Herrick, produce editor for The Packer to talk about the importance of reducing food waste and the solutions his company provides to help reduce the amount of produce in landfills. How to connect with The Packer and PMG magazine: Websites:com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com. Email:news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com LinkedIn: PMG:Produce Market Guide and The Packer Instagram:@packernews and @producemktguide Facebook:@ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews TX:@produceretailer and @thepacker See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Mikesell, founder and CEO of Carbon Robotics, sits down with The Packer's produce editor, Christina Herrick, to talk about the barriers to implementing technology, how his company's LaserWeeder cuts down on sprays and the importance of data in the future of agriculture. How to connect with The Packer and PMG magazine: Websites:com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com. Email:news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com LinkedIn: PMG:Produce Market Guide and The Packer Instagram:@packernews and @producemktguide Facebook:@ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews TX:@produceretailer and @thepacker  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Collin Juurakko, founder of Advanced Agriscience, sits down with Christina Herrick, produce editor for The Packer to share how his research as a doctoral candidate led to some interesting discoveries about how frost crystals form and how he's parlaying what he's learned into a potential solution for tree fruit growers across the globe. How to connect with The Packer and PMG magazine: Websites:com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com. Email:news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com LinkedIn: PMG:Produce Market Guide and The Packer Instagram:@packernews and @producemktguide Facebook:@ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews TX:@produceretailer and @thepacker  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jasna Kovac, Ph.D., associate professor of food science and a professor of food safety at Penn State University, shares insights into her research on foodborne pathogens in packinghouses. Kovac shares actionable items to take to reduce risks in packing facilities. Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com. Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jim Bair, president and CEO of the U.S. Apple Association joins Christina Herrick, produce editor for The Packer, to talk about the conversation surrounding rising food prices, slowing grower returns and the current challenges to maintaining a profitable apple business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kam Quarles, chief executive officer of the National Potato Council, Bob Mattive, president of the National Potato Council and a potato grower from Monte Vista, Colo., and Kelly Turner, manager of the Potato Growers of Michigan, sit down with Christina Herrick, produce editor for The Packer, and talk about the importance of potatoes in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the economic impacts of the potato industry and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sean Sundberg, business integration manager for John Deere, sits down with The Packer's produce editor, Christina Herrick, to talk about the collaboration with Sonoma County Winegrowers and how the technology utilized in the “vineyard of the future” will benefit other specialty crop growers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Omer Davidi, CEO and co-founder of BeeHero, a beehive technology platform talks with The Packer's Produce Editor Christina Herrick about how his company's innovations can help maximize crop yields for the produce industry's most important resource. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jon DeVaney, president of the Washington Tree Fruit Association sits down with Christina Herrick, produce editor of The Packer, to talk about some of the legislation that directly impacts the fresh produce industry in his state and what this could mean for the rest of the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marissa Dake, vice president of brand and people for DNO Produce, joins LeAnne Ruzzamenti, director of marketing and communications with the Equitable Food Initiative, to discuss the age-old adage, if you're not at the table you're on the menu. Dake shares how everyone in the fresh produce industry can be an advocate and outlines the small steps to get started.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kieran Ficken McNeice, director of sustainability programs with Measure to Improve, shares the trends she sees making a big impact on sustainability in the fresh produce industry this year and how to make the most of them. To find us: Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com. Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepackerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You're more vulnerable than you think, says Eric Regnier, vice president of operations at Zag Technical Services on the latest Tip of the Iceberg podcast, who shares ways produce businesses can prepare for threats. To learn more: visit zagtech.com To find us: Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com. Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepackerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During her state of the industry address, Cathy Burns noted that we are experiencing a global human energy crisis and attributed it to a lack of employee engagement. Louisa Clarke from Confidently There coaches individuals and teams around the importance of and skills needed to have difficult conversations. In the podcast, she shares tips for creating workplaces that have the right balance of challenge and kindness and takes us back to our school days to understand what that looks like in practice and the overall impact it has on organizational culture and individual performance. She shares what you can look for to know if you or your organization need to have more difficult conversations and how managers can keep an openness for employees to approach them.  To find us: Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com. Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepackerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How does the industry move from endorsing responsible labor practices to taking action? Peter O'Driscoll, executive director of Equitable Food Initiative, and Kim Combs, supplier verification manager with The Kroger Co., explore the topic, along with EFI Director of Marketing Communications LeAnne Ruzzamenti, in this “Tip of the Iceberg” podcast brought to you by EFI and The Packer. To find us: Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com. Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepackerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To learn more: visit zagtech.com, joeproduce.com, joeproducesearch.com, joejproresumes.com To find us: Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com. Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepackerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn how to make your supermarket a destination for fresh from Rob Nickels, who handles category management, procurement and merchandising of fresh produce and floral for Giant Food. Part of Ahold Delhaize USA, Giant Food has stores in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and the Washington, D.C., area. In our case, it's fresh produce. Nickels covers several areas of focus: variety, quality, value, local, consistency and floral. And he never forgets the taste, which is what it's really all about. To find us: Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com. Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if every college student hated wasting the excess meal credits on their dining card enough to figure out a way to share it? And what if that eventually meant that a major produce wholesale market could cut its organic waste by 50% — while feeding people who can't afford to buy the food they need? Evan Ehlers asked these questions and then tackled the problem — with sustained, practical action. And it's becoming a movement. Learn about Sharing Excess and the latest milestones of this inspiring organization. An outpost could be popping up near you, wherever you are in the U.S. To find us: Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com. Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are AI prompt engineers, besides some of the highest-paid people these days? What tech skills do job seekers need to thrive in their search? Addressing these questions and more is the president of Joe Produce, an online job center for produce, agriculture and related companies and produce people across the entire food chain — from seed to store. In this ZAG Tech-partnered episode, Rex Lawrence of Joe Produce talks about how tech influences his company and how it affects job seekers and recruiters in the produce industry. To learn more: visit zagtech.com, joeproduce.com, joeproducesearch.com, joejproresumes.com To find us: Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com. Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepackerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.