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 farming
How growers reduced pesticide use by up to two-thirds
The role of beneficial insects and biodiversity planting
Why behaviour change, not technology is the real challenge
How food safety improves when chemical use is reduced

For more information about the FPSC visit https://www.fpsc-anz.com

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Follow Lighter Touch here:
https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz

00:00:00 - Introduction
00:00:45 - Guest Introduction
00:01:05 - Guest Background
00:01:56 - A Lighter Touch program
00:06:57 - Agroecology
00:08:10 - Commercialisation of Agroecology
00:09:28 - Successful Trials
00:13:17 - Co-benefits of Agroecology
00:14:07 - Food Safety Outcomes
00:15:31 - Biggest Wins from the program
00:17:40 - Bridging the Gap: Theory to Adoption
00:18:03 - Supporting Behavioural Change in Farming
00:22:39 - How to Start Implementing Agroecology
00:23:22 - Resources and Communication Channels
00:24:42 - Concluding Remarks

Primary keywords
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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 pride
The urgent need to attract young people into the industry
How AI and data could streamline compliance for small businesses
The balance between commercial realities and food safety frameworks

In 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.com
Join us at the International Fresh Produce Safety Symposium: 
https://www.ifpss.com.au

Follow us here:
https://www.instagram.com/fpsc_anz
https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-produce-safety-centre-australia-new-zealand
https://www.facebook.com/FPSCANZ
https://x.com/FPSC_ANZ

00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:48 - Discussion on Meegan George's Background in Fresh Produce
00:03:31 - Challenges in the Fresh Produce Industry
00:04:14 - Addressing Labour Issues and Education Pathways
00:08:10 - Compliance in the Fresh Produce Industry
00:11:32 - Consolidation in the Independent Sector
00:14:11 - Conclusion: Looking to the Future
00:15:16 - Adapting to Industry Changes and the Importance of Industry Associations
00:16:33 - Role of Fresh Produce Safety Centre
00:17:18 - Interview with Gail from Fresh Markets Australia
00:17:40 - Use of Fresh Produce Safety Guidelines in Daily Work
00:19:20 - Trust in the Guidelines and Interpretation of Results
00:19:20 - Cost of Compliance and Importance of Testing
00:22:26 - 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 climate
How AI and automation will shape the next decade of food safety
The crucial balance between hazard vs risk
Why data collection and genome sequencing are the new frontiers of traceability
The importance of industry collaboration and shared responsibility across supply chains

This 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 - Introduction
00:00:45 - Panel Discussion Introduction
00:02:12 - Jim Monaghan's Reflections
00:06:40 - Dr Phil Bremer's Reflections
00:10:33 - Ben Hoodless's Reflections
00:13:40 - Q&A Session
00:15:45 - Ben Hoodless's Additional Comments
00:16:26 - Audience Questions
00:16:45 - Panel's Future Predictions
00:19:35 - Discussion on New Innovations
00:22:35 - Insights on Shared Responsibility
00:25:06 - 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.com
Join us at the International Fresh Produce Safety Symposium: 
https://www.ifpss.com.au

Follow us here:
https://www.instagram.com/fpsc_anz
https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-produce-safety-centre-australia-new-zealand
https://www.facebook.com/FPSCANZ
https://x.com/FPSC_ANZ

00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:43 - Mathew Bannister's Journey in Horticulture
00:04:03 - Differences Between Manufacturing and Fresh Produce
00:06:08 - The Diversity in Horticulture
00:07:46 - Guidelines for Fresh Produce Food Safety
00:09:20 - Continuous Improvement in Agriculture
00:12:56 - Climate Disruption and Its Risks to Production Systems
00:15:05 - Managing Risks and Building Relationships in Agriculture
00:16:45 - Incident Management in Agriculture
00:17:12 - The Importance of Planning and Communication in Crisis Management
00:19:06 - Shifting the Narrative: Compliance and Everyday Practice
00:19:58 - Being Audit Ready and Leveraging Technology
00:23:46 - Regenerative Agriculture: Risks and Food Safety Expectations
00:26:09 - Resources for Understanding Regenerative Agriculture
00:28:19 - Key Takeaways from the Discussion

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food safety in horticulture
regenerative agriculture and food safety
fresh produce safety guidelines
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New Zealand regenerative farming
agriculture compliance and sustainability
how to pass food safety audits
climate resilience in farming
consumer trust in food production

In Episode 3 of the Fresh and Safe Podcast, we go beyond the audit with New Zealand’s Matthew 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.com
Join us at the International Fresh Produce Safety Symposium: 
https://www.ifpss.com.au

Follow us here:
https://www.instagram.com/fpsc_anz
https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-produce-safety-centre-australia-new-zealand
https://www.facebook.com/FPSCANZ
https://x.com/FPSC_ANZ
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:00:56 - Meet Matthew 
00:01:43 - Matthew's Journey in Horticulture
00:06:01 - Discussion on Audit and Compliance
00:08:05 - Understanding the Diversity in Horticulture
00:09:45 - Guidelines for Fresh Produce Food Safety
00:11:12 - Continuous Improvement in Agriculture
00:15:29 - Climate Disruption and Risks
00:15:39 - Impact of Climate Disruptions on Food Safety
00:19:14 - Importance of Incident Management and Emergency Preparedness
00:22:09 - Practical Tips for Compliance and Audit Readiness
00:26:04 - Encouragement for Collaboration and Community Support
00:26:49 - Discussion on Regenerative Agriculture and Food Safety
00:31:27 - Resources for Regenerative Agriculture
00:32:24 - Future of Regenerative Agriculture
00:33:40 - Closing Remarks and Takeaways
00:34:01 - Importance of Planning and Record Keeping
00:36:32 - End of Discussion and Podcast

fresh produce food safety
Australia New Zealand produce safety
fresh produce safety guidelines
produce industry research Australia
how to engage with FPSC
fresh & safe podcast 
food safety in horticulture
regenerative agriculture and food safety
fresh produce safety guidelines
farming climate change impact
food safety audit tips
New Zealand regenerative farming
agriculture compliance and sustainability
how to pass food safety audits
climate resilience in farming
consumer trust in food production