The Produce Industry Podcast w/ Patrick Kelly

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.

Join host Patrick Kelly as he dives into the vital role propane plays in American agriculture with special guests NASCAR driver and eighth-generation watermelon farmer Ross Chastain and Suburban Propane CEO Michael Stivala. Together they talk partnership, fueling American agriculture and partnership that complement each other.
Discover how propane fuels farms, supports rural communities, and even connects the worlds of motorsports and farming, highlighting innovations that keep food moving and farmers resilient.
Visit us @ www.aglifemedia.com
Visit Suburban Propane @: https://www.suburbanpropane.com/nascar/
Visit Ross Chastain @: https://melon1.com/about/ and https://rosschastain.com/

Join host Patrick Kelly as he takes you behind the scenes at the New England Produce Show 2026, sharing exclusive interviews with industry leaders from JOH and top vendors.
Discover the latest product innovations, partnership stories, and how collaboration is shaping the future of the produce supply chain.
Don't miss this deep dive into the vibrant world of fresh produce and supply chain connections!
Visit JOH @: https://joh.com
New England Produce Council @: https://newenglandproducecouncil.com
Visit Aglife Media @: https://aglifemedia.com

Join host Patrick Kelly as he sits down with Brendan A. Niemira, PhD from the Institute of Food Technologists to explore the science behind food innovation, the evolving FDA rules on Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) ingredients, and the debated definition of ultra processed foods.
Whether you’re in produce, product development, or just a curious consumer, this episode clears up misconceptions and highlights how science shapes the foods we eat every day.
To learn more about IFT, go to www.ift.org. and www.aglifemedia.com
About Institute of Food Technologists
Since 1939, the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has served as the voice of the global food science community. IFT advocates for science, technology, and research to address the world’s greatest food challenges, guiding our community of more than 200,000. IFT convenes professionals from around the world – from producers and product developers to innovators and researchers across food, nutrition, and public health – with a shared mission to help create a global food supply that is sustainable, safe, nutritious, and accessible to all. IFT provides its growing community spanning academia, industry, and government with the resources, connections, and opportunities necessary to stay ahead of a rapidly evolving food system as IFT helps feed the minds that feed the world. For more information, please visit ift.org.