“I did not form a very favorable first impression, I must admit. I came here from Jacksonville by way of the river and the Tocoi railway and got here just at night. The accommodation was very bad and most of the visitors here were consumptives. I didn’t like it, and took the first train back to Jacksonville.”

While Henry Flagler’s initial impression of St. Augustine, Florida, was far from glowing, he would go on to be the driving force behind transforming the state into the agricultural and economic powerhouse it is today.

In part one of this new series, John and Patrick dive into the remarkable story of Henry Flagler, the man whose vision and investments helped transform Florida into the state we know today. Discover Flagler’s humble beginnings, his rise to prominence with Standard Oil, and his first encounters with Florida’s untapped potential. As our hosts take you through Flagler’s journey, they also explore the rich agricultural history of 19th-century Florida, including the booming citrus industry that laid the groundwork for his transformative work.

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At its height, the Mongol Empire was the largest contiguous land empire in history, initially forged under the leadership of Genghis Khan. Spanning from 1206 to 1368, it extended across much of Eurasia, fueled by advanced technology and a formidable force of nomadic warriors. The Mongol Empire's influence was profound, leaving a lasting legacy that even reached the world of fresh produce.

In this episode, John is joined by special guest Dr. Marie Favereau, a leading expert on the Mongols and the Golden Horde, to explore the intriguing impact of the Mongol Empire on agriculture and fresh produce.

How did an empire led by pastoralists manage its agricultural territories? What role did the Silk Road play in the exchange of crops and the spread of key agricultural techniques? Did the Mongols even enjoy fresh produce? And what traces of their influence can still be seen in agriculture today?

Tune in to uncover the surprising ways the Mongols shaped the world of fresh produce and agriculture.

Order your copy of Dr. Favereau's book The Horde: How the Mongols Changed the World.

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In this live-stream, John and Patrick follow up the week's earlier episode with a summary of their visit to America's oldest Botanical Garden. Bartram's Garden is a 50-acre public garden and National Historic Landmark in Southwest Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, situated on the banks of the Tidal Schuylkill River. Founded in 1728 by botanist John Bartram (1699–1777), it is the oldest botanical garden to survive in North America. Join us in this episode for a walk through history.

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In this episode, John and Patrick take a trip to the historic Bartram’s Garden, where they are joined by special guest Mandy Katz, Lead Gardener at Bartram’s Garden. Together, they explore the legacy of renowned botanist John Bartram, whose pioneering work in horticulture laid the foundation for America’s botanical heritage.

Mandy shares insights into the fascinating history of the garden, its connection to fresh produce, and how it has evolved since its founding in the 18th century.

Whether you're a history buff, a gardening enthusiast, or simply curious about this historic site, this episode offers a captivating look at one of America's most cherished gardens.

Visit Bartram's Garden: https://www.bartramsgarden.org/

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Join John and Patrick as they dive into the rich, agricultural tapestry of Middle-earth in this episode focused on the symbolic significance of fresh produce and farming in Tolkien’s world.

Explore how the idyllic Shire, with its abundance of gardens and homegrown foods, contrasts with the industrial blight of Isengard and the barren wastelands of Mordor. Through these contrasts, Tolkien reveals deeper themes about the battle between good and evil, and the moral compass of Middle-earth’s inhabitants.

We’ll also uncover how Tolkien’s own life experiences shaped these landscapes and delve into the surprising connections between iconic scenes and simple, everyday vegetables.

Whether you're a fan of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, or The Rings of Power, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how food and farming are central to the moral fabric of Tolkien’s universe.

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In the final episode of this Olympics marathon, John and Patrick share the story of the Delano grape strike. During the early 20th century, Filipino and Mexican immigrants arrived in America seeking better opportunities for themselves and their families. Many found themselves laboring on farms along the Western seaboard, often with little care given to their health and working conditions. However, the actions of two men—one Filipino-American and the other Mexican-American— would lead a movement that would change the agricultural landscape of America forever.

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In today's episode, John and Patrick discuss the disruptive impact of British colonization on Kenya and its agricultural landscape. Kenyan farmers and communities faced immense hardships, from having their lands appropriated to being restricted on what crops they could grow.

As tensions boil over following the Second World War, leading to open rebellion, the big questions emerge: Will Kenyans reclaim their ancestral lands, or will the British manage to suppress the uprising and hold their ground? And how has this historic conflict shaped modern-day Kenya? Tune in to find out!

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Join John and Patrick as they unravel the captivating journey of coffee in Brazil, from its clandestine introduction in the 18th century to its explosive rise as a global powerhouse. Discover how coffee's rise redefined Brazil’s agricultural landscape, influenced global trade, and fueled social change, all while navigating the tumultuous impacts of slavery and economic upheavals.

Join the History of Fresh Produce Club (https://app.theproduceindustrypodcast.com/access/) for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.

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