English Español Create pma.com account LOG IN CENTERFORGROWINGTALENT.ORG ADVERTISE INSIGHTS GLOBAL EVENTS MEMBERSHIP ABOUT PMA Takes on Tech Podcast Every day, technology transforms the way our food is grown, harvested, packaged, delivered, and consumed. But it can be hard to navigate this emerging new world. The PMA Takes On Tech podcast provides a look at how technology and innovation are supporting the fresh produce and floral industries. Hosted by Vonnie Estes, vice president of technology at the Produce Marketing Association (PMA), this podcast examines how technology supports the professionals and businesses in the fresh produce chain that are shaping the future of the produce industry to bring the Joy of Fresh™ to consumers worldwide. Download and Subscribe Here November 30 Tackling Indoor Ag From Wells Fargo Share Vonnie Estes Description: Hear from two professionals at Wells Fargo discuss this season’s topic: CEA. According to Top 100 Farm Lenders, Wells Fargo has been the nation's leading agricultural lender among commercial banks for 25 consecutive years. They bring farm-to-fork expertise to clients in the agribusiness, food, and beverage industries. I talk to Matt Servatius – Market executive for the Central Region and Karol Flynn Sector Analyst within Food and Agribusiness. They give their perspectives as a bank on financing, technology and where the industry is headed. As we’ve heard in other episodes, indoor Ag is a new industry with an underdeveloped ecosystem. Institutions like Wells Fargo will play a role in the build out and scale up of a successful industry. Speaker: ... View complete transcript November 23 Breakthrough Innovations at AeroFarms Share Vonnie Estes Description: AeroFarms is one of the early, venture funded Indoor Ag companies. In this episode, you will hear the interesting, long version of the origin story of the company. We also discuss the many partnerships and collaborations of AeroFarms and how the culture is built to support that. Roger Buelow, CTO + Stacey Kimmel, VP of R&D expand on AeroFarms innovations and vast R&D programs along with the building of the largest R&D indoor farm in UAE. Speaker: Dr. Stacy Kimmel, VP of R&D Roger Buelow, CTO Vonnie Estes, PMA: Welcome to PMA Takes on Tech, the podcast that explores the problems, solutions, people, and ideas that are shaping the future of the produce industry. I'm your host, Vonnie Estes, vice president of technology for the Produce Marketing Association. And I've... View complete transcript November 16 A Journey in CEA Share Vonnie Estes Description: Sonia Lo is an indoor farmer, a chef, an angel investor and a mother of two who speaks seven languages and holds a third-degree black-belt in Tae-Kwon Do. Sonia has over 32 years of combined agriculture, technology and business experience. In the industry, Sonia was CEO of Crop One Holdings, Inc., a vertical farming company that owns FreshBox Farms and a joint venture with Emirates Flight Catering in Dubai. Most recently, Sonia was the CEO of Sensei Ag, an AgTech company focusing on CEA founded by Larry Ellison in Hawaii. This conversation goes where most do not in indoor Ag with Sonia’s unique experience and view of the industry. We spend time on business models and financing which are daunting issues in CEA right now. But we also talk about the political... View complete transcript November 09 Plenty’s Secret Sauce for Production: Vertical Towers and More Share Vonnie Estes Description: This is the first episode in the last season of 2021 and is focused on Controlled Environment Ag. Nate starts off explaining CEA; it’s benefits and challenges. We talk about how Plenty improves food security, safety and availability. Unlike most vertical farms, Plenty grows on vertical towers instead of flatbeds. Nate has a great description on how this came about and the advantages. We also have an enlightening conversation on breeding for vertical farms. Whether you are a practitioner or are new to vertical farming, you will learn something from this engaging discussion. Speaker: Nate Storey, CSO - Plenty Vonnie Estes, PMA: Welcome to PMA Takes On Tech, the podcast that explores the problems, solutions, people, and ideas that are shaping the future of the... View complete transcript November 02 PMA Takes on Tech Podcast Bonus Episode - Carbon Share Vonnie Estes Description: As the federal government invests into carbon sequestration and as entrepreneurs explore "green financing," "negative foods," and carbon credit trading, what are the potential opportunities for producers of specialty crops? Are producers sitting on a gold mine, or is this fool's gold? We will explore these and other questions during this week’s Virtual Town Hall. Panelists: Ben Gordon, Carbon and Ecosystems Services Portfolio Leader, Corteva Agriscience Paul Lightfoot, President and Founder, BrightFarms Martin Lowenfish, Branch Chief for Areawide Planning, Natural Resources Conservation Service Radhika Moolgavkar, Head of Supply and Methodology, Nori Vonnie Estes, PMA: Welcome to PMA Takes on Tech, the podcast that explores the problems, solutions... View complete transcript September 28 Conversation with food futurist Jack Bobo on innovation, technology and consumer choice Share Vonnie Estes Description: We speak with Jack Bobo, food futurist and the author of the book "Why Smart People Make Bad Food Choices." Jack talks about how we ended up with giant-sized food portions in the US and what can be done to redesign our food environment to make better food choices for healthier living. We talk about the role of innovation and technology in solving many of our problems and the imperative to get consumers on board. Speaker: Jack Bobo, Futurist and Author Vonnie Estas, PMA: Welcome to PMA takes on tech, the podcast that explores the problems, solutions, people, and ideas that are shaping the future of the produce industry. I'm your host Vonnie Estas, Vice President of Technology for the produce marketing association, and I've spent years in the ag tech sector. So I can... View complete transcript September 21 Spotlight - Future View From the C-Suite: Bolthouse Farms Share Vonnie Estes Description: In this episode, we speak to two executives from Bolthouse Farms about innovation. The Bolthouse Farms story is a great business case on what innovation and collaboration can bring to a company. Innovation is woven through everything they do and think about. There is also an open invitation to reach out to the company with innovative ideas/products/technology at innovation@bolthouse.com Speaker: Zak Karlen - General Manager Farms - Bolthouse Farms Michael Rosenthal - CFO, GM and Chief Innovation Officer - Bolthouse Farms Vonnie Estes, PMA: Welcome to PMA Takes on Tech. The podcast that explores the problems, solutions, people, and ideas that are shaping the future of the produce industry. I'm your host, Vonnie Estes, vice president of technology for the Produce... View complete transcript September 14 From Boots on the Ground: Using Data Management Platforms in the Field Share Vonnie Estes Description: Hear from Randy Pequignot about his journey as a field supervisor for Del Monte AND data management administrator. He uses software to accumulate Ag data from contract of growers through to the processing of snap beans. Randy gives a great view of what is important to him and how data management has helped his operation and his time management. It is always great to hear the voice of the customer of new technology! Speaker: Randy Pequignot, Field Supervisor Del Monte Vonnie Estes, PMA: Welcome to PMA Takes On Tech. The podcast that explores the problems, solutions, people, and ideas that are shaping the future of the produce industry. I'm your host, Vonnie Estes vice president of technology for the Produce Marketing Association. And I've spent years in the Ag-tech... View complete transcript September 07 Tackling the Carbon Challenge: Track, Trace and Transparency Share Vonnie Estes Description: The race to develop systems for carbon capture and reduction is on! We dig deeper into the carbon challenge and talk with two innovators who are working with food companies to ensure transparency across the supply chain. The speakers tie together the importance of ESG, effects of climate change, carbon programs and how technology is the “unlock” to solve these issues. Speaker: Anthony Kingsley, Benson Hill Dave Stangis, founder of 21C IMPACT Vonnie Estes: Welcome to PMA Takes on Tech. The podcast that explores the problems, solutions, people, and ideas that are shaping the future of the produce industry. I'm your host, Vonnie Estes, Vice President of Technology for the Produce Marketing Association. And I've spent years in the AgTech sector. So I... View complete transcript August 31 Cyber Security in Agriculture: What You Need to Know Share Vonnie Estes Description: How safe is your information? How do threat actors get into your company and what do you do if it happens? Hear from the experts about the current state of affairs and how you should protect yourself and mitigate risk. Speaker: Andrew Rose, Senior Advisor at F3Tech Brian Dysktra, CEO - Atlantic Data Forensics, Inc. Bill Danker, Principal Industry Consultant - AgTech SAS Vonnie Estes, PMA: Welcome to PMA Takes on Tech. The podcast that explores the problems, solutions, people, and ideas that are shaping the future of the produce industry. I'm your host, Vonnie Estes vice president of technology for the Produce Marketing Association. And I've spent years in the AgTech sector. So I can attest, it's hard to navigate this ever-changing world in developing... View complete transcript August 24 Technology Transforming Business Operations – Why It Matters Share Vonnie Estes Description: Listen to a real life example of Lipman Family Farms and their supply chain management technology adoption journey. We hear about the value of a good partner, constant iteration and finding the right pace of adoption. Speaker: Aaron Hutchinson, CEO, CropTrak Justin Roberson, Chief Administrative Officer, Lipman Family Farms Jamie Marin, Production Operations Analyst, Lipman Family Farms Vonnie Estes, PMA: Welcome to PMA Takes on Tech. The podcast that explores the problems, solutions, people and ideas that are shaping the future of the produce industry. I'm your host, Vonnie Estes, Vice President of technology for the Produce Marketing Association. And I've spent years in the Ag Tech sector. So I can attest, it's hard to navigate this ever changing world in... View complete transcript August 17 Gene Editing: The Future of the Produce Industry? Share Vonnie Estes Description: What is gene editing? How is it different from GMOs? Today, experts will discuss real world examples of gene editing. The ability to develop climate-resistant crops with higher nutrition and less food loss are a couple of benefits of gene editing. Could this be the path forward for our industry to develop improved foods with lower environmental impact? Panelists: Dr. Haven Baker, Co-founder and Chief Business Officer, Pairwise Gilad Gershon, CEO, Tropic Biosciences Dr. Fayaz Khazi, CEO, Elo Life Systems Vonnie Estes, PMA: Welcome to PMA Takes on Tech, the podcast that explores the problems, solutions, people and ideas that are shaping the future of the produce industry. I'm your host, Vonnie Estes, vice president of technology for the Produce Marketing... View complete transcript July 20 Food safety: A fireside chat with Nate Storey, CSO of Plenty Share Vonnie Estes Description: A conversation with Nate Storey about how Plenty thinks about and deals with food safety issues. Listen to this candid discussion about the challenges and types of solutions the produce industry (indoor and out) faces with food safety and traceability. Speaker: Nate Storey Vonnie Estes, PMA: Welcome to PMA Takes on Tech, the podcast that explores the problems, solutions, people, and ideas that are shaping the future of the produce industry. I'm your host, Vonnie Estes, vice president of technology for the Produce Marketing Association. And I've spent years in the ag-tech sector. So I can attest, it's hard to navigate this ever-changing world in developing and adopting new solutions to industry problems. Thanks for joining us and for allowing us to serve as... View complete transcript July 13 Bringing the public with you…. Lessons in social license and plant genetics Share Vonnie Estes Description: I sit on the other side of the microphone with Sarah Nolet from the agtech….so what podcast. We discuss a wide range of topics from genetics to clean tech. Speaker: Sarah Nolet Founder & CEO, AgThentic Co-Founder, Tenacious Ventures Host, AgTech...So What? Podcast Vonnie Estes, PMA: Welcome to PMA Takes on Tech, the podcast that explores the problems, solutions, people, and ideas that are shaping the future of the produce industry. I'm your host, Vonnie Estes, Vice President of Technology for the Produce Marketing Association. And I've spent years in the ag-tech sector. So I can attest, it's hard to navigate this ever-changing world in developing and adopting new solutions to industry problems. Thanks for joining us and for allowing us to serve as your guide... View complete transcript July 06 Who is Kalera and what is their secret weapon for genetics? Share Vonnie Estes Description: Kalera is one of the fastest-growing and largest vertical farming companies. It has high-yield, automated, data-driven hydroponic production facilities designed for rapid rollout with two operating facilities in Orlando, one in St Paul, MN and one in Atlanta. It plans to open five additional large-scale facilities across the US by early 2022, including locations in Houston, Denver, Hawaii, Columbus, and Seattle. Kalera has had a very busy year with the acquisition of Vindara, an indoor ag breeding company and building an impressive team and board. Hear from Daniel Malechuck the CEO of Kalera about their journey and also from Jade Stinson, co-founder and CEO of Vindara about the importance of breeding to indoor ag. Speakers: Daniel Malechuck the CEO of Kalera... View complete transcript June 29 What are biologicals and are they a viable alternative to conventional inputs? Share Vonnie Estes Description: The development of agricultural biologicals - biostimulants, biopesticides and biofertilizers - is growing as global agriculture looks to move towards more sustainable ways to boost yields and new methods of crop protection. Growers are increasingly looking to agricultural inputs based on microbes to both reduce and complement the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers in their fields. Biological controls have been around for years, but represent only 10% of fungicide and sales and have not yet made a dent in nutritional inputs and skepticism still remains. Speakers: James Pearce, Chief Scientific Officer – Boost Biomes Karsten Temme, CEO — Pivot Bio Dr. Brynne Stanton, Head of Strategic Innovation — Joyn Bio Vonnie... View complete transcript June 22 Bright Farms, Oysters and Beer with Paul Lightfoot Share Vonnie Estes Description: Join a lively discussion with Paul Lightfoot, founder and president at Bright Farms. We talk about his journey with Bright Farms over the last 10 years and the strengths he sees with indoor growing around supply chain and water. Paul has also started a newsletter called Negative Foods and is on a mission to eat and promote foods based on regenerative farming practices that draw carbon from the atmosphere. Paul believes if we eat foods that draw down carbon on a net basis, our food system will be a lever to reverse climate change. We cover climate change, carbon negative foods, a challenge to organic crop systems and oysters and beer. Speakers: Paul Lightfoot President & Founder BrightFarms Vonnie Estes, PMA: Welcome to PMA Takes On Tech. The... View complete transcript June 15 Chile: A private / public sector success story Share Vonnie Estes Description: This episode focuses on the success story of fruit production in Chile. The public and private sectors have worked together to expand production of fruit using all types of technology and innovation. In 2019, the fruit-growing sector in Chile achieved record exports, of over $6.5 B US dollars with an increase of 3.6% compared to 2018. This is a reflection of Chile's strategy of expanding into new markets which has led to a significant increase in the number of export destinations, up from 78 markets in 2003 to 129 in 2019. Hear about the work being done in both sectors. And enjoy your winter blueberries. Speakers: Andres Rodriguez, Agricultural Attaché to the United States & Canada, Embassy of Chile Stanley Best, Director Nacional de Agricultura de... View complete transcript May 11 Big happenings in Israel in AgTech (Part 2) Share Vonnie Estes Description: I had so much interest in being on the podcast in Israel that we are doing Part 2! As a global innovation hub, Israel uses novel technologies to lead the AgTech and FoodTech industry towards a more efficient and sustainable future; it serves as a global laboratory for producing more food using fewer resources. Israeli start-ups are improving traditional agriculture by introducing new, groundbreaking technologies in the field. The country has a strong ecosystem with universities, a long history in food production with multinational VC’s and Corporates involved in financing and strong government support. In Part 2 of our episodes on Israel, we hear from experts and industry veterans on what is happening in Israel and why it is a good place to start a company. The... View complete transcript May 04 The Latest in AgTech SPAC’s, Carbon Markets, Indoor Farming & More with Vonnie Estes & The Modern Acre Share Vonnie Estes Description: I turn the microphone around with Tim and Tyler Nuss from The Modern Acre. We hit updates and insights in some hot topics in agriculture. We talk through the recent coming together of PMA and United Fresh, the latest in carbon markets, agtech exits including SPAC’s, indoor farming, and seeing a Rivian in the wild! This episode has it all. Speakers: Vonnie Estes, Vice President, Technology, PMA Tim Nuss, Senior Manager, Customer Success at Apeel Sciences, Co-Founder at The Modern Acre, Partner of Nuss Farms Tyler Nuss, Group Manager, Commercial Purchasing at Rivian, Co-Founder of The Modern Acre, Strategy & Marketing for Nuss Farms Vonnie Estes, PMA: Welcome to PMA takes on tech. The podcast that explores the problems, solutions, people, and ideas... View complete transcript April 27 Big happenings in Israel in AgTech (Part 1) Share Vonnie Estes Description: As a global innovation hub, Israel uses novel technologies to lead the AgTech and FoodTech industry towards a more efficient and sustainable future; it serves as a global laboratory for producing more food using fewer resources. Israeli start-ups are improving traditional agriculture by introducing new, groundbreaking technologies in the field. The country has a strong ecosystem with universities, a long history in food production with multinational VC’s and Corporates involved in financing and strong government support. In Part 1 of the a 2 part series on Israel, we hear from experts and industry veterans on what is happening in Israel and why it is a good place to start a company. The conversation ranges from plant genetics to hyperspectral machine vision... View complete transcript April 20 Singapore’s well-designed AgTech ecosystem Share Vonnie Estes Description:With little farming land, Singapore imports 90% of the food it consumes. Coupled with the recent supply chain shocks, the government has set up a number of programs and incentives for local food production and innovation. In this episode, we hear from there different companies in the well-functioning AgTech ecosystem in Singapore. Benny Chng from SGInnovate discusses the companies they are investing in at this time and why food and ag are important. We also hear from Foong Yoke Oon who with her husband is building Ubertas Agritech, a vertical farm to serve Singapore. And Adrian Teo from DiMuto a global commerce solution company for the produce market. These three conversations illustrate what a good ecosystem can bring to a sector with government support, private sector... View complete transcript April 13 Why it’s time to invest in the Food Supply Chain and where to look Share Vonnie Estes Description: Be ready to take notes! This episode covers the needs of the food supply chain which was pushed into the spotlight by COVID-19. As we saw shortages on the shelf, and supply disruption and dislocations in production and distribution, this complicated question arose: What does it take to get data flowing from farm to plate to resiliently manage the supply chain? Brita and Seana have previously covered the well-funded ends of the supply chain. Seana in AgTech and Brita in Foodtech. They believe there is tremendous, untapped opportunity for vertical-specific technology companies which are focused on serving the unique needs of the food supply chain. After listening to this episode, you will to! Moderator: Vonnie Estes, Vice President of Technology, Produce Marketing... View complete transcript April 06 AgTech in South Africa Share Vonnie Estes Description: Chief Economist Wandile Sihlobo talks about what technology is important in boosting productivity in Africa along with how growing more produce can help address unemployment on the Continent. We also hear from two entrepreneurial companies from South Africa who have developed solutions to problems Wandile discusses and have gone global. Greg Whitaker from AgrigateOne discusses how their produce supply chain data systems supply insights to growers and buyers. Vic van den Berg from Aerobotics talks about their intelligent tools for orchards. Moderator: Vonnie Estes, Vice President of Technology, Produce Marketing Association Panelists: Vic van den Berg – VP of Grower Relations, Aerobotics Wandile Sihlobo Chief Economist, Agricultural Business... View complete transcript March 09 SBIR grants: A way to grow early-stage innovation without dilution Share Vonnie Estes Description: You have a great innovative idea that will have revolutionary impact on the produce industry. You have tapped out friends and family but you aren’t ready to go to a VC and give up equity in your business yet. What can you do? Government funding is a great way to help advance your small business's technology. One of the most popular government funding avenues is the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program. SBIR is a United States government program, coordinated by the Small Business Administration, intended to help small businesses conduct R&D. The funding is a grant that requires no equity. In this episode, hear from experts about how the program works and examples grants and their benefits. Moderator: Vonnie Estes, Vice President of Technology, Produce... View complete transcript March 02 AgTech Investing: Where is Smart Money Going? Share Vonnie Estes Description: Understanding where investors put their money in 2020 will help guide predictions for 2021. In this session Ingrid Fung, an Investment Director with Finistere Ventures, will discuss what areas of agricultural technology venture capitalists invested in in 2020. We will also hear from AgTech companies about what it took to weather COVID-19 and fundraise during such a difficult year. Panelists: Ingrid Fung, Investment Director, Finistere Ventures Jacqueline Heard, Founder & CEO, Enko Chem, Inc. Han Chen, Co-founder and CEO, ZeaKal, Inc. Vonnie Estes: Welcome to PMA Takes on Tech, the podcast that explores the problems, solutions, people, and ideas that are shaping the future of the produce industry. I'm your host, Vonnie Estes, vice president of technology... View complete transcript February 23 Driscoll’s and Plenty: The best of GxE and beyond! Share Vonnie Estes Description: Join the conversation with Nate Storey of Plenty and Scott Komar of Driscoll’s about their R&D collaboration. Driscoll’s and Plenty are partnering to bring berries with superior flavor to all regions of the world. Plenty will incorporate Driscoll’s proprietary genetics and berry expertise into its advanced, indoor farming technology using its plant science, data science, and robotics expertise. Through this controlled environment, Plenty can consistently deliver great flavors from Driscoll’s varieties, while also optimizing for texture and size. The indoor environment allows companies to meet the future needs of consumers worldwide, including geographical locations that are not hospitable to growing strawberries. Speakers: ... View complete transcript February 16 Brazil: A Booming AgTech Ecosystem Share Vonnie Estes Description: In this episode, we continue our virtual tour to Brazil to explore the AgTech explosion. We discuss the flourishing tech and innovation ecosystem developing in the country. Startups in Brazil have access to a market with one of the highest levels of mobile saturation, a wide range of investment options from local and international Brazil-centric funds, and support from a government that has made driving business growth one of its key priorities. In agriculture specifically, Brazil has transformed itself from food importer into one of the world’s leading producers in less than 30 years. Brazil is the first tropical country to be among the world’s leading food exporters. It is now the leading producer and exporter of sugar, coffee and orange juice, and the second... View complete transcript February 09 Personalized Nutrition: N-of-1 Share Vonnie Estes Description: We would all like to know what exactly we should eat to make and keep us healthy and to support maximum performance. And some of us would follow the advice! This would require knowing our genetics, immediate environmental factors, and the nutrient make up of the exact food you’re are eating. This requires data from your body and the food. I would love to open an app and have it all there for me. Listen to this episode to find out where we are in the that process. We hear from Dr. Sarah Laskey, a data scientist, Dr. Haven Baker from Pairwise and Greg Shewmaker from Teak Origin talk about what their companies are doing to make and keep us healthy. Guests Dr. Haven Baker Pairwise Greg Shewmaker Teak Origin Dr. Sarah Laskey Vonnie... View complete transcript February 02 AgTech Happenings in Australia Share Vonnie Estes Description: PMA Takes on Tech hits the virtual road to explore what is happening in other regions. Agriculture is an important and growing industry in Australia. The country has thriving agtech clusters and world-class life sciences institutions that support industry, investment, academia and government to commercialize new products and processes. However like most regions, global warming and diminishing natural resources present challenges to agriculture along with the rising cost of energy, labor, fertilizer, seeds and herbicides. Searching for solutions to these challenges with in-country support has created a good environment for Agtech to grow and prosper. We talk to Sarah Nolet and Matthew Pryor who are center stage for this growth. And also two entrepreneurs: Dr. Nancy... View complete transcript January 22 Water conservation in Controlled Environment Agriculture Share Vonnie Estes Description: Controlled Environment Agriculture, including indoor and greenhouse production, is a small but high-potential, rapidly growing part of the food system. CEA can play a role to ensure food security and supply chain resilience. And also meet consumer demands around transparency, traceability, and sustainability while supplying nutritious, high-quality products that taste good. CEA requires a fraction of the water of other types of production, often up to 90-95% less. In this episode we talk to Dr. Alexa Lamm about water conservation technology in CEA and then two giants in CEA: AppHarvest and Plenty about how they manage their water use. Guests Dr. Alexa Lamm, Associate Professor at University of Georgia in the Department of Ag Leadership and Communication... View complete transcript December 15 What is the Consumer's Role In The Food, Ag & Health Story? Share Vonnie Estes Description: Join this conversation originally recorded at Crusonia on the Delta: Food is Health Digital Forum in November. We dig into three areas: the consumer, the modern food system and action for progress. We come at these topics from different perspectives and experiences but all with an eye to make food healthier and more accessible for a healthier planet. Guests Michelle Gloeckler, 30-year Retail and Consumer Goods C-level Executive; Walmart, Hershey’s Matt Crisp, CEO, Benson Hill Vonnie Estes, VP of Technology, Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Vonnie Estes: The second season of PMA Takes On Tech, the podcast that explores the problems, solutions, people, and ideas that are changing the future of the produce industry. I'm your host, Vonnie Estes, Vice... View complete transcript December 08 Regenerative Agriculture: Where’s the Data? Share Vonnie Estes Description: Regenerative Agriculture is one of the most talked about trends in the food supply chain – from producers to consumers and large food brands. In some circles it has a emotional following based on strong beliefs, not science. Having to adapt has become the norm for many farmers across the world. Changes to weather patterns, climate unpredictability and the need to protect our natural environment means that producers are now looking for new ways to enhance the resiliency of farms, boosting sustainability and biodiversity in the process. Regen Ag is farming for outcomes in a specific location considering the entire ecosystem, not using the same playbook across all systems. In this episode, we talk to two brothers working with their family farm to transition to... View complete transcript December 01 Bee Buzz: The importance of pollination to the produce industry Share Vonnie Estes Description: Pollinators are essential to the production of many of the micronutrient rich fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and oils we eat. In fact, 5-8% of global crop production depends on animal pollination for sustained production, yield and quality. In this episode we will talk to 3 experts in the field. We will first hear from Dr. Christian Maus- Entomology & Pollination Science Lead at Bayer Crop Science. He has been studying pollination globally for over 20 years and will talk to us about the importance of pollination and some of the challenges. We will also hear from two startups, Omer Davidi, CEO & Co-Founder of BeeHero https://www.beehero.io/ and Ellie Symes CEO of Bee Corp https://www.thebeecorp.com/ about their two different high tech solutions to monitor and... View complete transcript November 24 Exploring the “Last Mile” of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Share Vonnie Estes Description: This episode is a rebroadcast of a live PMA Virtual Town Hall held in September. In this episode we talk about the Last Mile for fresh produce and meal delivery. It is a truism in the on-demand industry today that the very last step of the supply chain is the most crucial, as well as the most problematic. Owing to its place in the end of the chain, it is often referred to as the ‘Last-Mile Delivery’. Distributing produce and prepared food direct to consumer was gaining traction prior to the pandemic and we have seen more mainstream acceptance as a result of it. We hear from Ashley Tyrner CEO and founder of FarmBox Direct, Manoel Coelho CEO and founder of Speedbird Aero and Bobby Healy CEO and founder of Manna Drone Delivery. Here are the videos mentioned in... View complete transcript November 17 Exploring the “First Mile” of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Share Vonnie Estes Description: We start Season 2 of PMA Takes On taking on the "first mile." The first mile in the produce industry is from harvest through packing and shipping and on into the supply chain. This includes the technology used for harvesting, shipping, packaging, storing, transportation and tracking. It is the first part of the “messy middle” and is very messy. We talk to Seana Day Partner at Better Food Ventures about defining the first mile and the challenges in making our industry run. We then talk to Gary Loh Founder and CEO of Dimuto and Ken Bui Global Head, FreshCloud Infrastructure and Analytics at AgroFresh about how their companies are helping the produce industry globally with these challenges. Guests Seana Day, Partner, Better Food Ventures Gary Loh, Founder... View complete transcript August 12 How COVID-19 is changing technology and technology companies Share Vonnie Estes Description: The COVID-19 pandemic is having a seismic effect on businesses in the produce industry, but there are lessons that can be learned. This is an opportunity to fine tune business continuity and contingency plans, and also a chance to define what is truly important and find new ways in which to grow. Join our conversation with three innovators who are responding with new solutions when challenges demand them. Discover how all along the fresh produce supply chain, technology formed in response to COVID is producing safer, more efficient tools for our industry. Guests Boaz Bachar, CEO and Co-Founder, FieldIn Carolyn Mooney, CEO and Founder, nextmv.io; Lou Perez, Co-Founder and VP of Technology, Apeel Sciences Vonnie Estes: Welcome to PMA Takes on Tech, the podcast... View complete transcript July 28 PMA Takes on Tech Episode 5: Solving for the Sixth Food System Share Vonnie Estes Description: The history of the world’s food systems has had major shifts - from hunting, gathering, fishing and foraging through the current industrial food system. The fifth and current food system has exhausted its growth trajectory and the world is, once again, staged for a major transformation in the way that food is grown, distributed and produced. There is a movement away from an industrialized, monoculture system built to provide calories and yield to one based on healthy people and sustainable, equitable ecosystems. In the produce industry we are all about nutrient-dense fresh food for healthy people and a healthy planet. In this episode, we talk to Caesare Assad, CEO of Food System 6 a nonprofit accelerator whose mission is to support impact driven entrepreneurs as they... View complete transcript July 14 PMA Takes on Tech Episode 4: The Realities of Foodservice Share Vonnie Estes Description: COVID-19 has shocked the foodservice industry on all fronts. Restaurants are having to open and close at a moment’s notice. Foodservice operators and suppliers are responding and modifying their business models for the new post-crisis world. How we plan, how supply chains move, and how we collaborate is all going to change. In times of rapid and drastic shocks, those who are quick to adjust will lead the way for the industry to follow. New technology and increased use and reliance on existing technology will help the industry plan for the future. Join the conversation about current state of food service with Vesta Foods and two different types of technical solutions from Avolast and Agtools. Guests: Jin Ju Wilder - Director Of Marketing And Business Development... View complete transcript July 02 PMA Takes on Tech Episode 3: Can technology solve the produce labor shortage? Share Vonnie Estes Description: Vonnie Estes explores the labor shortage in produce production with guests Dr. Phil Martin, John Purcell and James Terry. Dr. Martin discusses labor issues in produce production while John Purcell explores breeding solutions and James Terry talks about integrated hardware and software in-field solutions. Vonnie Estes: Welcome to PMA Tech, the podcast that explores the problems, solutions, people, and ideas that are shaping the future of the produce industry. I'm your host Vonnie Estes, the Vice President of Technology at the Produce Marketing Association. I've spent years in the Agtech sector, so I can attest, it's hard to navigate this ever changing world. Thanks for joining us and allowing us to serve as your guide to the new world of produce and technology. Vonnie... View complete transcript June 15 PMA Takes on Tech Episode 2: What food and agtech venture capitalists are thinking now Share Vonnie Estes PMA Takes on Tech: What food and Agtech venture capitalists are thinking now PMA Vice President, Technology, Vonnie Estes is joined by Sanjeez Krishnan with S2G and Rob Leclerc of AgFunder in a conversation about how the Ag and food tech venture capitalist sectors look today. Among topics discussed are what investors are saying and doing, what are the current needs and solutions, and what is going on with startups. Vonnie Estes: Welcome to PMA Tech, the podcast for fresh produce professionals that explores the people, companies, and technology solutions that are shaping the future of the produce industry. I'm your host, Vonnie Estes, vice president of technology for the Produce Marketing Association, and I've spent years in the Agtech sector, so I can attest it's hard to navigate... View complete transcript June 14 PMA Takes on Tech Episode 1: What do we do with all these onions? Share Vonnie Estes PMA Takes on Tech: What do we do with all these onions? PMA Vice President of Technology, Vonnie Estes introduces PMA Tech, the podcast for fresh produce professionals that explores the people, companies and technology solutions that are shaping the future of the produce industry. Later, Estes sits down with Shay Myers and Michael Helmstetter to discuss the impact that COVID-19 has had on the industry and what solutions have been created and utilized. Vonnie Estes: Welcome to PMA Tech, the podcast for fresh produce professionals that explores the people, companies and technology solutions that are shaping the future of the produce industry. I'm your host, Vonnie Estes, Vice President of Technology for the Produce Marketing Association. I've spent years in the ag tech sector, so I can... 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