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Fresh Takes On Tech

Fresh Takes On Tech

Written by: International Fresh Produce Association
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About this listen

Welcome to Fresh Takes on Tech, a podcast from the International Fresh Produce Association. At IFPA, Our trade association represents companies from every segment of the global fresh produce and floral supply chain. We advocate, connect and guide to enhance members’ prosperity. This is a show for people interested in the intersection between technology and the produce and floral industries. Each episode we explore the problems, solutions, people and ideas that are shaping the industry.International Fresh Produce Association © 2025 Art Cooking Food & Wine Hygiene & Healthy Living
Episodes
  • Healthier Diets via Gene Editing: Increasing Produce Consumption
    Jan 13 2026

    Explore the transformative partnership between Sun World International and Pairwise as they redefine the future of produce. Hosted by Vonnie Estes, this engaging discussion features insights from David Marguleas and Tom Adams, who share their journey of pioneering gene editing in fresh produce. Discover how innovations like pitless cherries and seedless mandarins are reshaping consumer experiences, addressing sustainability, and enhancing grower profitability. Unearth the golden age of plant breeding and its potential to increase fresh produce consumption worldwide. Join the conversation on this groundbreaking collaboration advancing the produce industry.

    Key Takeaways
    1. Sun World International and Pairwise have partnered to use CRISPR technology in plant breeding, focusing on consumer-centric traits like pitless cherries and seedless blackberries.
    2. The initiatives aim to boost sustainability, enhance flavor, and provide convenience, thereby increasing fresh produce consumption.
    3. Transparency with consumers about the use of gene editing is crucial to acceptance, although regulatory advancements in regions such as Europe are encouraging.
    4. The podcast underscores the importance of collaboration in innovation, leveraging advantages like Sun World's distribution expertise and Pairwise's technological prowess.
    5. There is an anticipation of significant changes in how breeding and genetic technologies will transform the fresh produce industry over the next decade.

    Guest Resources
    1. Sun World International
    2. Pairwise

    Tune into the full episode to explore how these innovative minds are reshaping the future of fresh produce. Don't miss upcoming episodes for more on the cutting edge of agricultural technology and innovation!

    Show Links

    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/

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    31 mins
  • Fresh Intelligence: How Data, Biology, and AI are Reshaping Agriculture
    Jan 6 2026

    Fresh Takes on Tech, hosted by Vonnie Estes, explores innovations in the food and agriculture sector. Guests Daniel Knauer, Katherine Sizov, and Blake Wilbur discuss their pioneering roles in the produce industry. Daniel highlights Copeland's temperature monitoring solutions for refrigerated transport, while Katherine explains Strella's predictive technology for extending produce shelf life. Blake introduces Kula Bio's nitrogen-fixing bacteria as a sustainable solution for reducing synthetic fertilizer use. Tune in to discover how these technologies aim to tackle critical challenges and drive transformation in the supply chain.

    Key Takeaways
    • In-Transit Monitoring Importance: Daniel Knauer discusses how monitoring truck temperature and humidity protects produce quality during transport, ultimately extending shelf life and reducing waste.
    • Predictive Technology in Agriculture: Katherine Sizov of Strella leverages AI and sensor technologies to predict the shelf life of produce, aiming to reduce food waste.
    • Banana Ripening Revolutionized: Sizov explains how automating banana ripening through integrated sensors improves quality control and efficiency.
    • Sustainable Farming Advances: Blake Wilbur highlights Kula Bio's nitrogen-fixing bacteria innovation, which reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, promoting greener agriculture.
    • Emerging Data and AI Applications: All guests underscore the rising importance of data and AI in refining agricultural practices and workflows

    Guest Resources
    • Copeland: Website
    • Strela: Website
    • Kula Bio: Website

    In this enlightening episode, gain insights into the ways technology is reshaping agriculture through real conversations with industry innovators. Be sure to listen to the full episode for a deeper understanding of how these advancements are paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient food supply chain. Stay tuned for more fascinating discussions on Fresh Takes on Tech.

    Show Links

    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/

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    36 mins
  • Revolutionizing Resilience: How Tech is Transforming Ag with Danny Bernstein
    Dec 30 2025

    In this engaging episode of "Fresh Takes on Tech," host Vonnie Estes welcomes Danny Bernstein, the CEO of Reservoir, to explore the intersection of deep technology and agriculture. The conversation highlights Reservoir's mission to accelerate the integration of robotics and digital tools in the farming industry by making it easier for technologists to access agricultural fields for testing their innovations. Bernstein shares his journey from Silicon Valley to agriculture and emphasizes the value of technological resilience in improving food production practices.

    Bernstein reflects on the existing challenges faced by agtech startups, such as long timelines in field testing, and how Reservoir is revolutionizing this space. With plans to launch three deep tech incubators in California, Reservoir aims to provide early-stage startups with critical resources, including field access and precision labs. Bernstein also discusses Reservoir's venture capital initiative, "Reservoir VC," which provides pre-seed funding to support startups from ideation to market readiness, bringing attention to the significance of services and innovations like humanoid robots in the agtech landscape.

    Key TakeawaysKey Takeaways:
    • Reservoir is addressing the gap between Silicon Valley's tech innovation and the practical needs of the agriculture sector by establishing deep tech incubators for accessible field testing.
    • The introduction of Reservoir VC is set to provide crucial early-stage funding, helping agtech startups speed up their development process and innovate sustainably.
    • Danny Bernstein highlights the importance of resilience in agriculture, drawing parallels between agtech and global diplomacy in sharing resources and building partnerships.
    • Matthew Hoffman's transition to Reservoir as General Partner embodies a strategic move towards fostering more extensive startup collaborations and innovation support in the agtech industry.
    • The episode foresees the role of humanoid robots and robotics as a service in transforming agriculture, emphasizing the need for adaptive business models to keep pace with technological advancements.

    Guest Resources
    • Reservoir: https://reservoir.co/
    • International Fresh Produce Association: https://www.freshproduce.com/

    Embark on a journey with Reservoir as they reshape the agtech landscape! Listen to the full episode of "Fresh Takes on Tech" for more insights and stay tuned for future episodes.

    Show Links

    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/

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    23 mins
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