From Questions to Connections: Building Markets, Knowledge and Community

Join host JC Rodriguez for an inspiring conversation with Kyndra Love, SE TOPP Project Manager, about Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program (SE TOPP) and the real opportunities it creates for farmers looking to strengthen their operations, access new markets, and navigate the path to organic production with confidence.

We also share a preview of two upcoming free Jacksonville events that bring together growers, buyers, researchers, students, and community leaders to share resources, address challenges, and create opportunities for success!

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How SETOPP helps farmers transition to organic production
• Ways to reduce uncertainty and gain expert guidance on organic certification and compliance
• What to expect at the upcoming Town Hall, including policy updates and opportunities to voice local agricultural concerns
• Key Symposium sessions covering produce safety, marketing strategies, and telling your farm's story to attract customers
• What buyers are looking for right now and how to position your products for new sales opportunities
• Why networking with farmers, researchers, students, and industry professionals can open doors to partnerships and growth
• Resources available to help your farm become more resilient, profitable, and connected

Don't miss these free opportunities to learn, connect, and grow. Register today for both the Town Hall and Symposium at: EVENTS – Florida Organic Growers

Whether you're just getting started or looking to take your farm to the next level, these events are designed to help you turn questions into actionable next steps.

Transcript

Welcome And Sponsorship Support

SPEAKER_01 0:02

Welcome to Fresh Take, where we at Florida Organic Growers speak to food systems experts about topics related to organic and sustainable agriculture, healthy lifestyles, and the environment. To help us continue our programs at Fog, including our podcast, consider becoming a sponsor. For more information on sponsorship, check out our Get Involved page on our website, www.foginfo.org.

Meet SETOP And The Two Events

SPEAKER_00 0:29

Welcome to Fresh Steak. Today we're joined by my colleague, Kendra Love. Kendra is the program manager for the Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program. We have some really exciting upcoming events that are part of that program, which is close and near to our hearts. It's uh and we all know it as TOP. Once again, that's the Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program. Um, thank you for joining us today, Kendra.

SPEAKER_02 1:00

Hi, JC. It's wonderful to be here.

SPEAKER_00 1:03

So I think maybe we can just uh for those people that are not all that familiar with that particular program, uh, TOP, once again, maybe we can start by just you know talking a little bit about what SE TOP is. Um during today's episode, we're gonna be talking uh about how that is helping farmers just not just in Florida but throughout the Southeast region transition to organic farming practices. Uh we're also gonna be talking about some upcoming events. We have two events coming up. Can you remind me what those two events are, Kendra?

SPEAKER_02 1:40

Yes. Uh, and so we're going to be hosting a town hall. This will be on August 19th. And then on August 20th, we're going to be hosting a symposium Bolthar taking place in Jacksonville, Florida. Uh, and I'm really excited to be able to talk with you about some of the details and those upcoming events.

SPEAKER_00 2:04

That's great. So you just heard it. Uh, these events are coming up rather quickly. So we hope that those of you who happen to tune in to this episode can join us in Jacksonville. Because I think that you're gonna really gain a lot of new information and knowledge about some of the work that we're doing and how we're hoping to be able to continue to help farmers and just the community at large. So, with that, Kendra, can you maybe tell us a little bit about how SETOP got started and maybe some information that you think listeners might want to find out?

How SETOP Helps Farmers Transition

SPEAKER_02 2:40

Of course. Uh so SE Top, or the Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program, uh, was a brand new initiative that was launched in 2022. So we are currently uh in our last year of the program, as uh JC mentioned. Uh originally it was a five-year program, and um this year, uh, however, it it is the end. So it was shortened a little bit. Uh, but in the time that we've had this program, we've had the opportunity to do quite a lot of things. Um, and for those of you who have uh been following us, you've probably heard uh about some of those key areas that we've been able to assist growers in the region, our Southeast region under mentorship, uh technical assistance, uh community building, and then market development are some of those initiatives that we've been really excited to be able to uh participate in. And not just with markets, but also with uh workforce too. And so at these two upcoming events, we're gonna be continuing to provide some of that assistance. And um although the program is coming to an end, even going forward, Fog is always happy to be able to support farmers and continue supporting farmers through our through our events and uh different types of assistance.

SPEAKER_00 4:18

One of the things that um SATOP from the beginning, and as Kendra was saying, you know, this is a USDA funded project, originally meant for five years, but now, you know, um we will be ending in year four. But the work that we've been able to accomplish, not just here in the South region, but throughout the country, there are six different lead organizations uh throughout the different regions. Uh, Florida Organic Growers is the lead in the Southeast region uh with seven states: the North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, of course, Florida, and the two territories, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, that the way that it was set up was that we could, by um, addressing five needs, able to assist farmers. And you know, through mentorship, which is one of the uh you know big pieces of fog, farmer-to-farmer, peer-to-peer mentorship, we've increased the acreage uh throughout the region. So, you know, we were just talking about the upcoming events and how, as part of the work that SE TAC has been doing, um what are some of the things that people who come to our town hall and our symposium can look forward to really learning and and maybe gaining some you know new information, new knowledge, or even things that they could put into practice?

SPEAKER_02 5:54

So

Town Hall Goals And Policy Updates

SPEAKER_02 5:55

for the town hall specifically, uh, this is going to be a great opportunity for farmers or agricultural uh participants and enthusiasts in the region to come together to talk about some of the challenges or opportunities that are facing agriculture in our state and the surrounding area today. The town hall is not exclusive to Florida farmers. Um, because it's Jacksonville, of course, anybody who uh is in Georgia or South Carolina or nearby, or uh even in town, if you'd like to come and stop by, that event would, as I said, will be a great opportunity to meet some of those people who are in the community and who are um understanding of those challenges and um how we can work together to support and and and better some of our systems. So uh the town hall should be a great opportunity to get together, voice your opinion, and uh learn how you can get involved, as well as even getting some resources. So we we will also be providing a bit of a policy update and give you a chance to voice some of the policy and or uh local concerns that you would like to discuss with uh with other attendees.

SPEAKER_00 7:21

And I think one of the things that you just mentioned in terms of um information about policy, because uh fog you know regularly and constantly is trying to affect policy that benefits uh, of course, farmers in Florida, but even you know, throughout the you know, the country with things like you know the organic certification cost share. Uh, we've been doing work for many, many, many, many years to make sure that that is part of the farm bills throughout the years and just other types of funding opportunities. So, yes, please join us because there's gonna be a lot of information regarding some of those efforts and how uh hopefully uh, you know, if you come, also you can get involved in uh, as you were saying, Kendra, you know, have your voices heard, which is really what we're all about. We're really in many ways also uh doing this regularly through town halls and other ways. Um wanted to engage with farmers and consumers in how we can better assist you. Uh, I think that's important. And then right after the town hall, the next day, we have our symposium, right?

SPEAKER_02 8:37

Yes. So on the 20th, we're going to be hosting our symposium uh Growing Stronger Together. It's an opportunity uh, again, for the local community and those uh in the nearby areas. Um and even at some of our recent events, we have had people come from you know a few hours away. So uh it's really open to anybody. But at the uh symposium, this is actually gonna be a really good opportunity not only to learn about different types of topics, which I'll share some in a minute, but uh after lunch, we're going to be hosting a panel, a buyer panel. Um, and that panel is gonna focus on some of the trends, some of the demands, some of the opportunities, things that buyers are really looking for. And then after that, we're gonna have a bit of a networking mixer. So in the morning, some of the sessions will be featuring information on produce safety, uh, storytelling, how to tell your farm story, how to reach new markets, um,

Symposium Agenda And Buyer Panel

SPEAKER_02 9:50

how to understand your community and create value as you are trying to connect and market and sell those products. Uh, we're also gonna have a session on how organic farming helps conserve natural resources. Um, I'm also really excited to hear about that because so often there's a lot of programs related to conservation that some of our farmers aren't aware of. And so those types of resources and those types of programs can also get you a little bit of money sometimes.

SPEAKER_00 10:23

Yeah, yeah. Yeah, and you mentioned a couple of things that I just want to say, because perhaps, and we'll uh make sure to also remind you at the end, these are free events. You mention lunch, you don't have to pay for your lunch. You will have a great, we usually have you know, really uh uh great meals together, which is part of that community building and development. So uh we'll provide a link to register for the event. We'd love to see you there, but you know, at no cost to you, these are free events, so we love to see you there. Um, and you've already mentioned some of the things that those that uh come can expect to see, uh, the benefits uh and and many of the other things. And so I'm excited. I I always enjoy coming to these events and meeting the people, farmers, consumers who are supporting us. Um, and so hopefully you everyone here will get a chance to uh listen and maybe at least consider it. You know, we'd love to see you there. You mentioned a minute ago, just now, uh one of the sessions is gonna about um telling stories and success stories. I'd like to talk a little bit about that right now. What are some of the feedbacks that you maybe have heard from previous events in terms of some of the successes or some of the things that they have gained from attending those events?

SPEAKER_02 11:49

Yes, so that session, I think we're really excited about. Marketing is one of those pieces that we've heard often from farmers can be a bit of a challenge. Is how do I tell my story? Um, how do I understand who my audience is? How do I find them? And when I do start to reach that audience, how can I continue to keep their interest? And so that session in particular will go over some of those impacts. And at some of our previous events, we've actually gotten some really encouraging feedback from previous attendees. One example, a farmer who attended one of our previous events was able to meet some buyers who he wouldn't have been able to meet or wouldn't have thought to meet uh if he didn't attend the event. So it's really encouraging when we hear that at events people are able to meet those new connections, whether they be a new uh, for example, if you're a farmer and then you meet um, you know, someone who uh is a restaurant owner and they're looking to buy a certain type of produce, seeing that happen in real time at these events is is always really encouraging. Um, also, we see a lot of people kind of bounce ideas off of one another at these events. So we had uh a few other participants at our last symposium in Eustace. They were saying that uh they were able to meet some other farmers, although they're in different parts of the state. They were hearing about one another's experience and not only just being farmers, but also in this organic space, being certified or being a transitioning to certification uh farmer. Um, some sometimes you need that support and you want to be able to have a community and others that you can can call on and ask them questions. And um, there's always something new to learn. And so I think one of the greatest things about these events is being able to connect with others who are kind of in your similar situation, um, getting to know those names and um learning about some of those new opportunities, whether it be storytelling related or or otherwise.

SPEAKER_00 14:27

Yeah, no, it's certainly in, you know, uh as I

Real Wins From Past Attendees

SPEAKER_00 14:30

was, you know, listening to you talk a little bit about some of those things that we've seen. I I was, you know, thinking of people, specific people who've attended our events. There was one particular um blueberry grower who has been part of SE Top, the mentorship program. And I believe that maybe the first event that we saw her at, she then, you know, every time we have an event, she's there and she's really enjoyed and gained so much as she tells us, not just, you know, by listening and coming to the sessions, but as I think you were also indicating, meeting with other farmers such as herself, uh, just opportunities in general. And I mean, for me, also, uh, it's always really rewarding to be connecting, not just with farmers, because this is not just for farmers and consumers, but sometimes, you know, extension. Um, University of Florida Extension Services has always been very supportive of our work and seeing faculty and other people, other service providers, it's also really, you know, very important. And I hope that some of those of you who listen to Fresh State can can join us. Um and so, and I think maybe Kendra, now is the time to give them a little bit um of information how to register and remind everyone what the dates of the town hall and the symposium are.

SPEAKER_02 16:00

Yes, yes.

Registration Links And Who Should Come

SPEAKER_02 16:01

Well, and JC, just before I do that, I do want to also add on because you brought up one more thought, is at our last event, we did have a researcher from University of Florida, and she mentioned exactly what you just said that one of the reasons why she was excited to come was that after she was able to recruit a few more people to do research with her in the future. And oftentimes that research can can be a way of getting some more funding too for your farm. Um, so there's a lot of opportunities like that that you might not know about or that might come to fruition uh when you're attending this. Um, and one other thing that you had had mentioned, you know, just with those farmer connections that we heard is oftentimes, you know, when you're selling to local markets, you'll have farmers will want to buy and trade and resell with other growers. And so, you know, if you have a CFSA and you're missing a product and you know, you need to supplement that, um, having some more farmers in your network who are able to provide those different products is really helpful. So I just as you were saying, that kind of made me think of those two other uh things that had been mentioned from our past event and previous events that I think are really helpful for farmers, but also for others outside the community. Um, you know, you don't have to be a farmer to attend these or even affiliated with you know any kind of organization or research. We've had plenty of people who uh are agricultural enthusiasts attend our events or aspiring farmers or those who are, you know, students who one day might want to be part of these events. So um, you know, we're happy for anybody who would like to come to attend. And we do currently have these events up on our website, foginfo.org. Under the events section of the website, you can find the links to access uh the registration. And then the registration itself is on Eventbrite. So uh you can go to Eventbrite and find us, our fog account, uh, or you can just go to our website. I believe we have this posted on social media as well. So if you're on Facebook or Instagram or even LinkedIn, I think you can access a link to the registration for both of these events.

SPEAKER_00 18:38

Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. So was there anything else, uh, Kendra, that you can think of that we have not mentioned?

Support, Resources, And Ways To Reach Us

SPEAKER_00 18:47

Um, you know, well, we want to continue to inform all of you about, you know, what we're doing. Your support, even just by you know, listening to Fresh Steak, is important to us. We really appreciate um you supporting Fog over the years and you know um listening to the Fresh Steak podcast, coming to the events. It's it means a world to us. And I think it's uh something that we just really, really, you know, are grateful to all of you for that. Uh but with that, is there anything else that you maybe want to uh remind us of, Kendra, before we close?

SPEAKER_02 19:27

Well, for these uh two events, I know that spots are filling up fast. So uh if anybody is interested, we recommend you register as soon as possible. Um, although both events are completely free. And uh as you mentioned, lunch is also free. We may sell out. So uh the sooner you can register, the better. Outside of these events, if you have any questions about any of uh the things that we mentioned, whether it be technical assistance, resources, please feel free to reach out to us. At fog here, we have the two emails that you can reach out to us at uh the SETOP at foginfo.org, uh, that goes directly to my team. Um, and then we also have our info at foginfo.org email, which uh is our general email in case you have any general questions. But JC, as you were saying, um I think one of the great things that have come out of this program is the ability for us to put on different types of events like this. And the reason we do it is really for all of you who are listening and who are in this space, you know, we we want to be able to provide opportunities to learn from each other, to gain new information, build our networks. And um, our team, our staff who's gonna be there in person, is also uh able to provide technical assistance. So, you know, if you have a farm or if uh you have any questions about certification or practices that can be implemented, we will have that technical staff on site who's able to provide information to you, or you can sign up for technical assistance outside. We're always happy to have you know a phone call or a Zoom call. Um, really, we're here to help. So uh at any time, if if there's any questions, we always welcome calls, emails, um, and not just with these events, but you know, in the future, uh, we always post new events on our website page as well as the top website. And the top website is the organic transition.org. So if you haven't been to that website, highly recommend visiting um on the Southeast page since we're the Southeast region. We have a ton of uh resources, events, news. And then, of course, if you're outside of our region, there's still resources and other other tools for you to use, as this is a national program. So um yeah, with that, I think I think I'll leave it there.

SPEAKER_00 22:11

And if you have not done done it already, uh please follow us on Facebook where we post uh updates and information about everything that you've heard today, including, of course, upcoming events. Uh so you know, certainly we love to see you on our social media. Once again, we appreciate all the support that you're giving Florida Organic Growers. Uh, hopefully, we'll see you uh at these two upcoming events, the Town Hall and the Symposium. And Kendra, you know, thank you so much for joining us today.

SPEAKER_02 22:45

Thank you for having me.

SPEAKER_00 22:47

All right, we'll see you at the next episode. Thank you.

Subscribe, Donate, Or Become A Sponsor

SPEAKER_01 22:51

We hope you enjoyed today's episode. Photo Organic Growers is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. So to keep our content available and free to the public, we need your help. Please subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen. And consider making a tax deductible donation or become a sponsor. Learn more about our work and how you can become a sponsor from our website, www.boginfo.org.