In this episode of The Produce Industry Podcast, Patrick Kelly chats with Michael Chavez live from the NEPC Trade Show in Boston. They discuss key topics in the produce industry, including business relationships, current trends, and the value of face-to-face connections at trade shows.

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Anthony Totta from FreshXperts joins us. FreshXperts is a powerhouse team of produce industry consultants, advisors, and mentors.

Anthony walks us through the group’s broad spectrum of expertise—everything from retail-level merchandising, product handling, and worker training, all the way back through the supply chain. That includes warehousing, ERP software solutions, grant writing, business development strategies, procurement training, and even helping companies secure the financing they need to reach their goals.

From growing up in his grandfather’s and father’s grocery stores, to creating brands, to building a successful ERP platform for independent grocers—Anthony shares highlights from his journey and plenty of insights along the way.

It’s all right here on Fresh From The Field Fridays from The Produce Industry Network and AgLife Media!

Food price volatility touches everyone—from farmers and retailers to families at the dinner table. In this episode, we sit down with Professor David L. Ortega, a leading voice in agricultural and food sector economics. With a track record that includes testimony before the U.S. Senate and House Agriculture Committees, and insights featured in top outlets like The New York Times, NPR, and Forbes, Professor Ortega breaks down the economic forces shaping our food system. From global events to domestic policy shifts, he offers a clear-eyed look at the trends driving costs—and what they mean for the future of our plates.

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