Today we sit down with Steven Cardoza, Owner of Cardoza & Cardoza Farming Company, as he shares his family's remarkable transition to organic and regenerative ag. Discover why they made the switch to organic farming back in 1998 and how embracing regenerative practices has revolutionized their approach to agriculture. From enhanced soil health to increased yield and quality, Steven explains the impact on their farm's ecosystem, highlighting the importance of holistic perspectives in addressing agricultural challenges.

Listen in as we explore the biggest hurdles faced during the transition, advice for engaging with organic growers, and the benefit of learning from experienced practitioners to navigate potential pitfalls. Whether you're a seasoned regenerative farmer or considering switching to regenerative practices, this episode offers guidance for cultivating sustainable agricultural systems.

• Why the Cardoza family transitioned their business to organic.
• What got Steven started on the regenerative agriculture journey.
• How their transition to regenerative agriculture has impacted the farm soil health.
• The biggest challenges they faced when switching over.
• The importance of looking at the entire ecosystem not just each individual problem.
• How to engage with an organic grower if you want to work with them.
• Advice for those wanting to start in regenerative agriculture.

• Steven Cardoza: LinkedIn

International Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/

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

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What is the future of crop protection? Join us as we sit down with Ben Cicora, Senior VP of Sales and Marketing at Vestaron, to explore the game-changing innovations in agriculture. Discover how Vestaron is leading the charge with peptide-based technologies, addressing pest issues and resistance problems while prioritizing safety and sustainability in the face of climate change. In this conversation, we explore the transformative potential of peptide-based crop protection, from understanding its differences from traditional insecticides to navigating pricing strategies and engaging with growers to meet their evolving needs.

Listen in to hear about the trials, testing procedures, and challenges of acceptance, and learn how Vestaron's products contribute to biodiversity and climate resilience in agriculture. Join us as we uncover the future of sustainable crop protection and its profound impact on the agricultural landscape.

• How peptide technologies differ from traditional synthetic insecticides.
• Why peptides are safer for the environment.
• The trials and testing procedures to test for effectiveness.
• How the pricing is worked out for these newer technologies.
• The biggest challenge of acceptance.
• How Vestaron engages with the growers to understand their needs.
• Who their main competitors are.
• How their products help with biodiversity and climate change.

• Ben Cicora: LinkedIn

International Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/

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

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

How crucial is it for businesses to integrate sustainability practices into their operations? Today, we're joined by Nikki Cossio, Kyle Cosgrove, and Gabe Worthington from Measure to Improve to explore the significance of their partnership with IFPA on the climate-smart commodities grant. As pioneers in building successful sustainability programs, they shed light on why sustainability has become imperative, especially in the fresh produce industry. With new regulations emerging and buyers increasingly demanding sustainability metrics, staying ahead in sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity for remaining competitive.

In this episode, we discuss the origins of climate-smart agriculture and the essential practices that businesses need to adopt. From understanding how the risks are removed to measuring inputs and yields, Nikki, Kyle, and Gabe provide insights to enhance your organization's sustainability efforts. Whether you're just beginning or already have a sustainability team, you'll learn how to navigate the evolving landscape of sustainability and equip yourself with the tools needed to thrive in an increasingly eco-conscious market.

• What Measure to Improve does.
• How Measure to Improve is involved with the IFPA grant.
• Where the term climate-smart agriculture came from.
• The key climate-smart production practices that should be encouraged.
• How these incentives will encourage farmers to change their practices.
• How the risks are removed from the growers.
• The importance of measuring the inputs, outputs, and yields.

• Gabe Worthington: LinkedIn
• Nikki Cossio: LinkedIn
• Kyle Cosgrove: LinkedIn

International Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/

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

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/