The Produce Industry Podcast w/ Patrick Kelly

Join host Patrick Kelly as he sits down with Mary Mooney, CEO of Mooney Farms, to explore the inspiring family story behind one of California's most iconic produce companies.
Discover how a struggling kiwi orchard blossomed into the world's largest sun-dried tomato processor and learn about the grit, innovation, and dedication to quality that drives their success.
Don't miss this deep dive into industry passion, tradition, and the future of fresh produce.
Visit Mooney Farms here: https://bellasunluci.com
Visit Aglife Media for more stories here: https://aglifemedia.com

In this insightful second part of our conversation with industry veteran Dino Cardelli, we dive into the future of produce procurement education through his innovative Juice Knowledge platform.
Discover how this comprehensive course equips the next generation of procurement and sales professionals with essential industry vocabulary, real-world insights, and technical know-how to navigate the evolving global fresh supply chain.
Whether you're new to the industry or looking to deepen your expertise, this episode offers invaluable guidance and inspiration.
Visit Dino here: https://www.juiceknowledge.com
Visit us @: www.aglifemedia.com

Join Patrick Kelly as he kicks off a two-part series with industry veteran Dino Cardelli, a global procurement powerhouse with over 40 years in juice, ingredients, and the fresh produce supply chain experience.
Dive deep into the evolving citrus market, supply chain innovations, and insider stories from major brands like Coca-Cola and Tropicana. Perfect for anyone looking to understand the rapid changes and complexities shaping fruit procurement today.
Visit Dino @: https://juiceknowledge.com/
Visit More Stories @: https://aglifemedia.com/

The Super El Niño is officially here — and scientists say it may be the strongest ever recorded. In this episode, Patrick Kelly breaks down what a “very strong” El Niño means for fall and winter weather, global agriculture, and the future of fresh produce.
We dive into the science behind El Niño — how NOAA defines it, why the Walker Circulation matters, and why the World Meteorological Organization is forecasting a near 100% chance that this event will persist through February 2027. You’ll hear expert insights from UC San Diego, USF, and global climate researchers on what makes this El Niño different.
After the break, we explore how extreme weather, drought, flooding, and shifting ocean temperatures are already disrupting global agriculture. From rising rice prices to volatile grain markets, food insecurity risks, and supply chain pressure, Patrick unpacks how this climate event will reshape fresh produce markets worldwide.
References:
TIME – How El Niño Will Impact Fall and Winter Weather in the U.S.
https://time.com/article/2026/09/11/el-nino-fall-winter-weather-us/
NOAA – El Niño Forms, Expected to Strengthen
https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/el-nino-forms-expected-to-strengthen-say-noaa-forecasters
WMO – El Niño Set to Become Very Strong, Raising Risks of Extreme Weather into 2027
https://wmo.int/news/media-centre/el-nino-set-become-very-strong-raising-risks-of-extreme-weather-2027
The Conference Board – El Niño Reshapes Global Agricultural Markets
https://www.conference-board.org/research/policy-backgrounders/el-nino-reshapes-global-agricultural-markets
Newsweek – How El Niño Could Spark Global Crisis in 2027
https://www.newsweek.com/how-el-nino-could-spark-global-crisis-2027-12331811 (newsweek.com in Bing)

Join host Patrick Kelly as he reconnects with industry veteran Tony Stackhurski, now leading a major mushroom farm, to dive deep into the evolving mushroom market.
Discover the challenges of mushroom farming, supply shifts, and why the category needs a fresh perspective and renewed advocacy.
This episode offers valuable insights for retailers, growers, and produce enthusiasts aiming to understand and support the future of mushrooms.