The Fresh And Safe Podcast

In this episode of the Fresh and Safe Podcast, Livia Esterhazy from A Lighter Touch highlights how agroecology is helping growers reduce reliance on synthetic agrichemicals while maintaining commercial yields and food safety standards.Our guest explains how biological pest control, biodiversity planting, resistance management, and smarter decision-making are being trialled and adopted across New Zealand’s horticulture sector. From lettuce and brassicas to tomatoes and vineyards, this conversation shows what’s possible when farming systems work with nature instead of against it.What You’ll Learn:What agroecology actually means (in plain English)Why pesticide resistance is forcing change in farmingHow growers reduced pesticide use by up to two-thirdsThe role of beneficial insects and biodiversity plantingWhy behaviour change, not technology is the real challengeHow food safety improves when chemical use is reducedFor more information about the FPSC visit https://www.fpsc-anz.comFollow us here: https://www.instagram.com/fpsc_anzhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-produce-safety-centre-australia-new-zealandhttps://www.facebook.com/FPSCANZhttps://x.com/FPSC_ANZFollow Lighter Touch here:https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz00:00:00 - Introduction00:00:45 - Guest Introduction00:01:05 - Guest Background00:01:56 - A Lighter Touch program00:06:57 - Agroecology00:08:10 - Commercialisation of Agroecology00:09:28 - Successful Trials00:13:17 - Co-benefits of Agroecology00:14:07 - Food Safety Outcomes00:15:31 - Biggest Wins from the program00:17:40 - Bridging the Gap: Theory to Adoption00:18:03 - Supporting Behavioural Change in Farming00:22:39 - How to Start Implementing Agroecology00:23:22 - Resources and Communication Channels00:24:42 - Concluding RemarksPrimary keywordsagroecology farminglighter touch agriculturereducing pesticide use in farmingsustainable crop protectionbiological pest controlfood safety in fresh produceagroecological farming systemsspray free farmingsustainable horticulture practiceshow to reduce pesticides on farmsagroecology explained for growersbiological control in horticultureresistance management in agriculturesustainable food safety practicesbiodiversity planting in orchardsintegrated pest management farmingconsumer demand for low pesticide foodcommercial scale agroecology

In this two-part episode recorded live from the International Fresh Produce Safety Symposium, the Fresh and Safe Podcast dives into the people and processes shaping the future of produce safety in Australia and New Zealand.In Part One, Former FPSC CEO Farzana Adams sits down with Meegan George, CEO of Freshmark, to explore:Why the independent fresh produce sector thrives on passion, relationships, and generational prideThe urgent need to attract young people into the industryHow AI and data could streamline compliance for small businessesThe balance between commercial realities and food safety frameworksIn Part Two, FPSC Technical Advisor Susannah Roelofsz speaks with Gail Woods from Fresh Markets Australia, discussing how the Guidelines for Fresh Produce Food Safety are used across the industry to support growers, interpret microbial testing, and build trust through science-based standards.Whether you’re a grower, wholesaler, QA manager, or regulator, this episode offers actionable insights into building the next generation of safe, sustainable, and trusted produce supply chains.For more information about the FPSC visit www.fpsc-anz.comJoin us at the International Fresh Produce Safety Symposium: https://www.ifpss.com.auFollow us here:https://www.instagram.com/fpsc_anzhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-produce-safety-centre-australia-new-zealandhttps://www.facebook.com/FPSCANZhttps://x.com/FPSC_ANZ00:00:00 - Introduction00:01:48 - Discussion on Meegan George's Background in Fresh Produce00:03:31 - Challenges in the Fresh Produce Industry00:04:14 - Addressing Labour Issues and Education Pathways00:08:10 - Compliance in the Fresh Produce Industry00:11:32 - Consolidation in the Independent Sector00:14:11 - Conclusion: Looking to the Future00:15:16 - Adapting to Industry Changes and the Importance of Industry Associations00:16:33 - Role of Fresh Produce Safety Centre00:17:18 - Interview with Gail from Fresh Markets Australia00:17:40 - Use of Fresh Produce Safety Guidelines in Daily Work00:19:20 - Trust in the Guidelines and Interpretation of Results00:19:20 - Cost of Compliance and Importance of Testing00:22:26 - Closing Remarks

In this special episode, recorded live at the 2025 International Fresh Produce Safety Symposium, host Damien Farrelly brings together a powerhouse panel of global food safety experts:Professor Jim Monaghan (Harper Adams University, UK)Distinguished Professor Phil Bremer of the University of Otago & New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre (NZFFSRC)Ben Hoodless (ElementAG Consulting, Australia)Together, they unpack the evolving landscape of fresh produce safety — from global trends to practical farm-level insights.Expect a candid discussion on:The biggest challenges facing growers in a changing climateHow AI and automation will shape the next decade of food safetyThe crucial balance between hazard vs riskWhy data collection and genome sequencing are the new frontiers of traceabilityThe importance of industry collaboration and shared responsibility across supply chainsThis episode is a must-listen for growers, QA professionals, auditors, and anyone working to elevate standards in fresh produce safety across Australia and New Zealand.00:00:00 - Introduction00:00:45 - Panel Discussion Introduction00:02:12 - Jim Monaghan's Reflections00:06:40 - Dr Phil Bremer's Reflections00:10:33 - Ben Hoodless's Reflections00:13:40 - Q&A Session00:15:45 - Ben Hoodless's Additional Comments00:16:26 - Audience Questions00:16:45 - Panel's Future Predictions00:19:35 - Discussion on New Innovations00:22:35 - Insights on Shared Responsibility00:25:06 - Closing Remarks

In Episode 3 of the Fresh and Safe Podcast, we go beyond the audit with New Zealand’s Mathew Bannister - a regenerative farming advocate who brings a provocative and practical lens to food safety. This episode dives deep into the evolving role of food safety in the context of climate change, regenerative agriculture, compliance culture, and the shifting expectations of both retailers and consumers.For more information about the FPSC visit www.fpsc-anz.comJoin us at the International Fresh Produce Safety Symposium: https://www.ifpss.com.auFollow us here:https://www.instagram.com/fpsc_anzhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-produce-safety-centre-australia-new-zealandhttps://www.facebook.com/FPSCANZhttps://x.com/FPSC_ANZ00:00:00 - Introduction00:01:43 - Mathew Bannister's Journey in Horticulture00:04:03 - Differences Between Manufacturing and Fresh Produce00:06:08 - The Diversity in Horticulture00:07:46 - Guidelines for Fresh Produce Food Safety00:09:20 - Continuous Improvement in Agriculture00:12:56 - Climate Disruption and Its Risks to Production Systems00:15:05 - Managing Risks and Building Relationships in Agriculture00:16:45 - Incident Management in Agriculture00:17:12 - The Importance of Planning and Communication in Crisis Management00:19:06 - Shifting the Narrative: Compliance and Everyday Practice00:19:58 - Being Audit Ready and Leveraging Technology00:23:46 - Regenerative Agriculture: Risks and Food Safety Expectations00:26:09 - Resources for Understanding Regenerative Agriculture00:28:19 - Key Takeaways from the Discussionfresh produce food safetyAustralia New Zealand produce safetyfresh produce safety guidelinesproduce industry research Australiahow to engage with FPSCfresh & safe podcast food safety in horticultureregenerative agriculture and food safetyfresh produce safety guidelinesfarming climate change impactfood safety audit tipsNew Zealand regenerative farmingagriculture compliance and sustainabilityhow to pass food safety auditsclimate resilience in farmingconsumer trust in food production

Welcome to Episode 2 of the Fresh and Safe Podcast! In this episode, we're unpacking the Fresh Produce Food Safety Guidelines with industry experts to help elevate food safety standards across Australia and New Zealand.Join us as we explore the 2022 updates and upcoming 2025 revisions, featuring critical insights from Dr. Sharon Horton, Richard Bennet, and Elizabeth.Perfect for growers, service providers, and food safety stakeholders, this episode is a must-listen to ensure compliance, enhance consumer safety, and implement best practices in your operations.For more information about the FPSC visit www.fpsc-anz.comJoin us at the International Fresh Produce Safety Symposium: https://www.ifpss.com.auFollow us here:https://www.instagram.com/fpsc_anzhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-produce-safety-centre-australia-new-zealandhttps://www.facebook.com/FPSCANZhttps://x.com/FPSC_ANZfresh produce food safetyFPSC ANZ origin storyAustralia New Zealand produce safetypathogen persistence paddock to platefresh produce safety guidelinesproduce industry research AustraliaFPSC postgraduate programHFSI sustainable food safety modelhow to engage with FPSCfresh & safe podcast episode 2

In this inaugural episode, CEO Farzana Adams sits down with FPSC-ANZ leaders Robyn McConchie, Andreas Klieber, Damien Farrelly and Technical Officer for FPSC, Susannah Roelofsz to trace the journey of the Fresh Produce Safety Centre.  Discover the organisation’s origin, key milestones over its first decade, the research and industry collaborations that have shaped Australia and New Zealand’s approach to fresh produce food safety — and hear the bold vision for where FPSC is headed next.For more information about the FPSC visit www.fpsc-anz.comJoin us at the International Fresh Produce Safety Symposium: https://www.ifpss.com.auFollow us here:https://www.instagram.com/fpsc_anzhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-produce-safety-centre-australia-new-zealandhttps://www.facebook.com/FPSCANZhttps://x.com/FPSC_ANZfresh produce food safetyFPSC ANZ origin storyAustralia New Zealand produce safetypathogen persistence paddock to platefresh produce safety guidelinesproduce industry research AustraliaFPSC postgraduate programHFSI sustainable food safety modelhow to engage with FPSCfresh & safe podcast episode