The rise of the organic movement is often remembered as a peaceful revolution - a return to the earth, to purity, to harmony with nature. But its true origins tell a far darker tale. Born not in the flower-strewn fields of 1960s counterculture, but in the grim laboratories of fascist ideology, the organic movement was shaped by the poisonous ideal of Blut und Boden - blood and soil - Hitler’s vision of racial purity rooted in sacred, cultivated land.

In the shadow of the First World War, as modernity fractured Europe, a coalition of aristocrats, ideologues, and agrarian radicals began to turn away from industrial farming and toward a mystical belief in soil as the lifeblood of the nation. Sir Albert Howard’s composting theories were seized upon by those who dreamed not of sustainability, but of supremacy. Lord Lymington, a British peer and passionate fascist, declared modern agriculture a threat to the racial soul of Britain. And Lady Eve Balfour, often lauded as a pioneering environmentalist, helped found the Soil Association not just to heal the earth but to preserve a vanishing, hierarchical vision of Englishness under threat.

As fascism spread through Europe in the 1920s and 30s, so too did the organic ideal - not as liberation, but as control. And even after Hitler’s fall, those same roots crept into post-war Britain’s environmental movements, disguised under new names.

So how did a movement forged in the crucible of authoritarianism become the darling of the left? How did fascist soil science transform into the ideology of hippies, Whole Foods, and farmer’s markets?

Join John and Patrick as they descend into the murky, forgotten history of the organic movement and discover that the soil is far darker than it first appears.

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In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

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In this episode of The Produce Industry Podcast, host Patrick Kelly is joined by Ross Nelson, known as “The Produce Boss.” The conversation delves into the upcoming OPS Show in Monterey, California, offering insights into what attendees can anticipate. Additionally, the episode touches on Stemilt's dark-sweet cherries, highlighting their appeal in the fresh produce market with a small taste test. We also dive into a brief lesson with Ross sharing his perspective on what it takes to be a "Produce Boss," reflecting on leadership and passion in the industry.

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays from The Produce Industry Network and AgLife Media, it’s summertime—and that means stone fruit is on fire!

Ross and Dan welcome Kevin Steiner from Mountain View Fruit to talk all things peaches, nectarines, peachcots, plumcots, and plums—yellow, white, and everything in between. The season’s hitting its stride, and the fruit is everywhere.

It’s the time of year when warm weather and fresh fruit come together to revitalize us.

Plus, we’ve got a garden update from Ross’s backyard and Dan’s backyard—because you know we’ve got our hands in the dirt too.

It’s all happening this week on Fresh from the Field Fridays—so tune in and turn on!

Join host Patrick Kelly and guest Manuel Michel, Managing Director of the Colombia Avocado Board, to explore how Avocados from Colombia is redefining consumer perception and building a standout brand in the global produce aisle. They dive into how the nation’s powerful country-branding—highlighting Colombia’s lush biodiversity, sustainability ethos, and rich cultural story—is fueling awareness and retail momentum

This episode offers a compelling story for growers, marketers, and avocado lovers alike—a behind-the-scenes look at how Colombia is leveraging brand strategy, consumer education, and retail partnerships to position its avocados as a premium, sustainable choice on shelves worldwide.

From the sun-soaked pineapple fields of Puerto Rico to the grapevines that shaped Puritan Connecticut, from Madrid’s legendary El Oso y el Madroño to Grenada’s fragrant nutmeg empire, symbols of fresh produce have found their way onto flags, seals, and coats of arms across the world. But behind these charming emblems lie stories of indigenous resilience, colonial ambition, revolutionary struggle, and ecological peril.

Join John and Patrick in this month's livestream episode as they reveal how fruits, trees, and spices became powerful icons of identity, survival, and national pride. What seems quaint today was once fiercely contested and in some cases, remains precariously at risk.

----------

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 friends
• Give a 5-star rating
• Write 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.

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This week on The Produce Industry Podcast, we’re recapping all the energy, insights, and fresh ideas from the NGA Fresh Summit in Milwaukee, Wisconsin — and who better to join us than Mary Heslepp, the official MC of the event!

Mary shares her behind-the-scenes perspective, favorite moments, and the meaningful conversations that made this year’s show stand out. From panels that challenged the status quo to unforgettable networking moments and produce showcases that wowed the crowd, we break it all down for you.

Tune in as we discuss:

• Standout sessions and speakers
• Fun takeaways and backstage stories
• Actionable follow-ups to keep your business momentum going
• The power of community and connection in the independent grocery space

Whether you were in Milwaukee or missed the show, this episode will catch you up and fire you up for what’s next. Let’s keep the conversation—and the industry—moving forward.

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Ross the Produce Boss and Dan the Produce Man welcome Joel Hewitt from CMI Orchards.

We’re diving deep into the Northwest Cherry season—talking timing, trends, and taste. Joel gives us the lowdown on the American Dream label—what it stands for, what’s behind it, and why it matters. We’ll also dig into some exciting newer varieties, like the Skylar Rae and the Strawberry Cherry, plus what’s happening in the world of organic cherries and the unique challenges of cherry packaging and presentation.

So tune in, turn on!

Join us for a dynamic session hosted by Global Women Fresh, where we shine a spotlight on bold beginnings, fearless leadership, and the power of community.

In this episode features with Julie Escobar and Carmell Clark brings an inspiring Powercircle conversation with trailblazing women across the global fresh produce industry—and a special spotlight on Casey Kio, a leader whose story exemplifies resilience, innovation, and transformation.

Visit Global Women Fresh: www.globalwomenfresh.com