Podcast
FRE Lunch: The Food and Resource Economics Podcast
Have you ever wondered why the chicken crossed the road and now costs twice as much at your local grocery store? Maybe you're curious about how alligators, beer, and Bigfoot can all be major drivers of economic activity.
Then join us at the table for a monthly serving of F.R.E. Lunch, the official podcast of the UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics Department (FRE).
Whether you're an aspiring economist or an inquisitive individual who wants to learn more about how consumer behavior shapes our relationship with food and natural resource systems, this is the podcast for you!
In each episode, we'll serve bite-sized lessons on the latest research in agricultural and applied economics, showcasing the many ways FRE students and faculty are using research to understand and address the complex issues facing agricultural and natural resource industries.
So we hope you'll join us. Our easily digestible format will be sure to bring you back for seconds.
Class Notes can also be found on our website, a teaching resource designed to allow episodes to be seamlessly incorporated into existing classroom curriculums.
- Social Sciences chart
- #172
- Episodes
- 32
- Releases
- Monthly
- Typical length
- 18 min
- On air since
- 2024
- Latest episode
- 1 week ago
Episodes
32 episodes, newest first
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21 min
Risk, Rice, & Research: How Development Economics Can Help Improve Crop Insurance Options in South Asia
Season 4, Episode 9
Show notes
In this episode, we are joined by FRE Associate Professor Patrick Ward to discuss the history of the field of Development Economics as well as his research efforts in South Asia studying different forms of risk mitigation to crop insurance packages.
The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their sole responsibility do not represent positions, policies or opinion of the University of Florida, UF/IFAS, or the UF/IFAS Department of Food and Resource Economics.
Got thoughts on the episode, questions for us, or an idea for what we should cover next? Reach out to us by email at fre@ifas.ufl.edu
Intro and Outro Music - "Just Kidding" - Ahjay Stelino. Used under the Mixkit Stock Music Free License.
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15 min
Estimating & Enterprise: UF/IFAS Extension Commodity Budgets for Florida Agribusiness
Season 4, Episode 8
Show notes
In this episode, our hosts are joined by Extension Economist and UF Food & Resource Economics Ph.D. alumnus Dr. Kevin Athearn to discuss enterprise budgets!
The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their sole responsibility do not represent positions, policies or opinion of the University of Florida, UF/IFAS, or the UF/IFAS Department of Food and Resource Economics.
Got thoughts on the episode, questions for us, or an idea for what we should cover next? Reach out to us by email at fre@ifas.ufl.edu
Intro and Outro Music - "Just Kidding" - Ahjay Stelino. Used under the Mixkit Stock Music Free License.
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17 min
What's the Future for Florida's Finger Limes? Exploring the Market Potential for Emerging Specialty Crops
Season 4, Episode 7
Show notes
The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their sole responsibility do not represent positions, policies or opinion of the University of Florida, UF/IFAS, or the UF/IFAS Department of Food and Resource Economics.
Got thoughts on the episode, questions for us, or an idea for what we should cover next? Reach out to us by email at fre@ifas.ufl.edu
Intro and Outro Music - "Just Kidding" - Ahjay Stelino. Used under the Mixkit Stock Music Free License.
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14 min
Sparklers and Seasonal Spending: The Economics Behind America's 250th Birthday Celebration
Season 4, Episode 6
Show notes
In this episode of FRE Lunch, hosts Caleb Stair and Alena Poulin discuss statistics released by the National Retail Federation, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the American Pyrotechnic Association, and the American Automobile Association, and how the money spent by consumers during the 2026 Independence Day Holiday period can have a multiplier effect on the economy.
The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their sole responsibility do not represent positions, policies or opinion of the University of Florida, UF/IFAS, or the UF/IFAS Department of Food and Resource Economics.
Got thoughts on the episode, questions for us, or an idea for what we should cover next? Reach out to us by email at fre@ifas.ufl.edu
Intro and Outro Music - "Just Kidding" - Ahjay Stelino. Used under the Mixkit Stock Music Free License.
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22 min
The Ruckus About Restaurant Recalls: How Food Safety Issues Can Impact Consumer Perceptions and the Bottom Line
Season 4, Episode 5
Show notes
In this episode, recent undergraduate alumni Morgan Smith and her honors thesis advisor Dr. Suzanne Thornsbury discuss their work together on understanding the impact a recall notice can have on a food business.
The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their sole responsibility do not represent positions, policies or opinion of the University of Florida, UF/IFAS, or the UF/IFAS Department of Food and Resource Economics.
Got thoughts on the episode, questions for us, or an idea for what we should cover next? Reach out to us by email at fre@ifas.ufl.edu
Intro and Outro Music - "Just Kidding" - Ahjay Stelino. Used under the Mixkit Stock Music Free License.
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15 min
Crops over Concrete: How Agricultural Conservation Easements Keep Florida Green
Season 4, Episode 4
Show notes
Each spring, Earth Day saves as an international reminder about the importance of environmental conservation, which includes preserving rural lands and promoting thoughtful growth.
Here in the UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics Department, assistant professor and extension economist Dr. Nathan Palardy has spent the last several years developing an integrated research and extension program focused on agricultural conservation easement programs, a policy mechanism designed to do just that.
Our hosts sat down with FRE undergraduate senior Kimberly Miranda-Ramos and her honors thesis advisor Dr. Nathan Palardy to learn more about the types of programs available, the costs and benefits of enacting agricultural conservation easement programs, and the important role these programs can play as a policy tool for preserving the state's agricultural heritage while encouraging thoughtful and directed growth.
The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their sole responsibility do not represent positions, policies or opinion of the University of Florida, UF/IFAS, or the UF/IFAS Department of Food and Resource Economics.
Got thoughts on the episode, questions for us, or an idea for what we should cover next? Reach out to us by email at fre@ifas.ufl.edu
Intro and Outro Music - "Just Kidding" - Ahjay Stelino. Used under the Mixkit Stock Music Free License.
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15 min
Introducing the Wayne T Davis Ag. & Rural Entrepeneurship Program
Season 4, Episode 3
Show notes
The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their sole responsibility do not represent positions, policies or opinion of the University of Florida, UF/IFAS, or the UF/IFAS Department of Food and Resource Economics.
Got thoughts on the episode, questions for us, or an idea for what we should cover next? Reach out to us by email at fre@ifas.ufl.edu
Intro and Outro Music - "Just Kidding" - Ahjay Stelino. Used under the Mixkit Stock Music Free License.
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18 min
Wine and Weather: Adaptation of the Global Wine Industry
Season 4, Episode 2
Show notes
Happy Valentine's Day from FRE Lunch!
As many people plan to celebrate this holiday with their loved ones, enjoying gifts of wine and chocolate, we sat down with UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics Professor Jaclyn Kropp & former American Wine Association executive director John Sporing to discuss how extreme weather events can effect this unique agricultural industry.
The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their sole responsibility do not represent positions, policies or opinion of the University of Florida, UF/IFAS, or the UF/IFAS Department of Food and Resource Economics.
Got thoughts on the episode, questions for us, or an idea for what we should cover next? Reach out to us by email at fre@ifas.ufl.edu
Intro and Outro Music - "Just Kidding" - Ahjay Stelino. Used under the Mixkit Stock Music Free License.
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19 min
New Year, New Field: The Tools Shaping Modern Experimental Economics Research
Show notes
Happy New Year From FRE Lunch!
In this episode, Dr. Bachir Kassas, associate professor in FRE and founder of the UF/IFAS Economic Experiment Lab joins us to discuss how the neuroeconomic tools used in his research help us better understand decision making, and how that understanding relates to policy making, marketing, and individual decision making to promote healthy eating.
For current UF students interested in participating in EEL research, you can sign up to be a part of their study participant database here: https://uffred.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8qrrqHhvUeQFA0K
This season of FRE Lunch is also a celebration of our department's 100th anniversary! For more info about our history and planned events, visit: https://go.ufl.edu/FRE-100-years
The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their sole responsibility do not represent positions, policies or opinion of the University of Florida, UF/IFAS, or the UF/IFAS Department of Food and Resource Economics.
Got thoughts on the episode, questions for us, or an idea for what we should cover next? Reach out to us by email at fre@ifas.ufl.edu
Intro and Outro Music - "Just Kidding" - Ahjay Stelino. Used under the Mixkit Stock Music Free License.
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1 min
Celebrate 100 Years of Food & Resource Economics - Special Centennial Season Trailer
Season 4
Show notes
Happy 100th Birthday to FRE!
That's right, 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of our department. To celebrate this season of FRE Lunch will focus on providing an overview of all our different research areas that have impacted the state of Florida, as well as our national and global food systems.
To learn more about our plans for events surrounding the Centennial, visit https://www.go.ufl.edu/FRE-100-Years
The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their sole responsibility do not represent positions, policies or opinion of the University of Florida, UF/IFAS, or the UF/IFAS Department of Food and Resource Economics.
Got thoughts on the episode, questions for us, or an idea for what we should cover next? Reach out to us by email at fre@ifas.ufl.edu
Intro and Outro Music - "Just Kidding" - Ahjay Stelino. Used under the Mixkit Stock Music Free License.
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18 min
Perfect Poinsettias Purchased Periodically: The UF Environmental Hort. Club's Annual Plant Sale
Season 3, Episode 3
Show notes
Did you know that the University of Florida is home to the largest student run plant sale in the United States? Each December, the Environmental Horticulture Club sells thousands of Poinsettias to fund their organization's activities year-round, but the work actually starts all the way back in August when they first receive the plants to raise. To learn more about the logistics behind this plant sale, and why people value ornamental plants to begin with, we're joined by Erin Alvarez, UF lecturer and faculty advisor to the club, and Brian Do, current club president.
The 2025 UF Poinsettia Sale will Take Place on December 4th (Appointment Only) & 5th (Walk-Ins Welcome). For more info about the club, the sale, or to make an appointment, visit their website: https://sites.google.com/site/ufhortclub/poinsettia-sale
The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their sole responsibility do not represent positions, policies or opinion of the University of Florida, UF/IFAS, or the UF/IFAS Department of Food and Resource Economics.
Got thoughts on the episode, questions for us, or an idea for what we should cover next? Reach out to us by email at fre@ifas.ufl.edu
Intro and Outro Music - "Just Kidding" - Ahjay Stelino. Used under the Mixkit Stock Music Free License.
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20 min
Farms & Feasts: A Thanksgiving Tribute to Agricultural Production
Season 3, Episode 2
Show notes
Happy Thanksgiving from the UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics Department!
In this episode, we're focused on the hard work that sometimes goes unnoticed, but is critical to putting food on the table for our holiday feasts and everyday meals.
FRE undergraduate student Savannah Bailey and AEC assistant instructional professor Dr. Heather Young join us to discuss their experiences growing up on cattle farms in Florida and Upstate New York, and how CALS can serve as a connector for students to their food systems.
The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their sole responsibility do not represent positions, policies or opinion of the University of Florida, UF/IFAS, or the UF/IFAS Department of Food and Resource Economics.
Got thoughts on the episode, questions for us, or an idea for what we should cover next? Reach out to us by email at fre@ifas.ufl.edu
Intro and Outro Music - "Just Kidding" - Ahjay Stelino. Used under the Mixkit Stock Music Free License.
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15 min
Trick, Treat or Technology? Precision Agriculture in Florida's Sugarcane Industry
Season 3, Episode 1
Show notes
Happy Halloween from FRE Lunch!
While millions of people around the U.S. are getting ready to celebrate and fill their trick or treating bags with delicious candy, the FRE Lunch podcast sat down with UF Double Gator and Master of Agribusiness alumni Joshua Jantz to learn more about how the implementation of precision agriculture technology by his company, U.S. Sugar is helping maximize efficiency and sustainability in the production of sugarcane, one of the sweeteners responsible for many of our favorite Halloween Treats!
More Resources:
• U.S. Sugar Website: https://www.ussugar.com/
• AskIFAS : https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/collections/sugarcane_cultural_practicesThe opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their sole responsibility do not represent positions, policies or opinion of the University of Florida, UF/IFAS, or the UF/IFAS Department of Food and Resource Economics.
Got thoughts on the episode, questions for us, or an idea for what we should cover next? Reach out to us by email at fre@ifas.ufl.edu
Intro and Outro Music - "Just Kidding" - Ahjay Stelino. Used under the Mixkit Stock Music Free License.
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1 min
Tis the Season for Economics! Trailer
Season 3
Show notes
FRE Lunch is back, with a very seasonal season all about the economics behind some of our favorite holiday traditions in our upcoming special mini-series!
The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their sole responsibility do not represent positions, policies or opinion of the University of Florida, UF/IFAS, or the UF/IFAS Department of Food and Resource Economics.
Got thoughts on the episode, questions for us, or an idea for what we should cover next? Reach out to us by email at fre@ifas.ufl.edu
Intro and Outro Music - "Just Kidding" - Ahjay Stelino. Used under the Mixkit Stock Music Free License.
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19 min
From Currents to Capital: The Economics of Freshwater Tourism & Recreation Management
Show notes
Join us for the final episode of our Freshwater Economics Season as we discuss all things tourism!
We are joined today by two expert guests:
• Dr. Taylor Stein, Professor of Ecotourism in the UF School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences
• Dr. Sergio Alvarez, Associate Professor of Tourism Economics in Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central FloridaThis episode covers a wide range of topics including how tourism serves as a way to provide a valuation for our precious water resources, the costs and considerations behind effective recreation management, and a real life example of how these concepts can be seen played out at Wekiva Springs in Central Florida.
The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their sole responsibility do not represent positions, policies or opinion of the University of Florida, UF/IFAS, or the UF/IFAS Department of Food and Resource Economics.
Got thoughts on the episode, questions for us, or an idea for what we should cover next? Reach out to us by email at fre@ifas.ufl.edu
Intro and Outro Music - "Just Kidding" - Ahjay Stelino. Used under the Mixkit Stock Music Free License.
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18 min
Befuddled by BMPs? A Guide to Florida's Agricultural Water Usage
Season 2, Episode 6
Show notes
In this episode of the Fresh Water Economics Season, we are joined by two guests, Christa Court and Jay Capasso, to discuss Best Management Practices (BMPs) and how they relate to Florida's Agricultural Water Usage.
Christa Court is an associate professor in the UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics Department and Director of the UF/IFAS Economic Impact Analysis Program.
Jay Capasso is the Northeast Florida Regional Specialized Extension Agent focusing on water resources. He is based at the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center – Suwannee Valley in Live Oak.
The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their sole responsibility do not represent positions, policies or opinion of the University of Florida, UF/IFAS, or the UF/IFAS Department of Food and Resource Economics.
Got thoughts on the episode, questions for us, or an idea for what we should cover next? Reach out to us by email at fre@ifas.ufl.edu
Intro and Outro Music - "Just Kidding" - Ahjay Stelino. Used under the Mixkit Stock Music Free License.
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17 min
HABs & Invasive Species: Fighting Florida's Ecosystem Disruptors
Season 2, Episode 5
Show notes
In this episode we are joined by three guests to tackle two topics that are causing major disruption to Florida's freshwater ecosystems: Harmful Algal Blooms and Invasive Species!
Abhishek Rajan and Liam Corcoran are graduate students in the Food and Resource Economics Department, whose work with Dr. Olesya Savchenko has focused on the management of hydrilla: Florida's most expensive aquatic plant invader.
Dr. Lisa Krimsky is a Regional Water Resources Extension Agent (RSA) IV for the UF/IFAS Southeast District whose work centers around the control and management of harmful algal blooms in Florida's lakes and coastal waters.
The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their sole responsibility do not represent positions, policies or opinion of the University of Florida, UF/IFAS, or the UF/IFAS Department of Food and Resource Economics.
Got thoughts on the episode, questions for us, or an idea for what we should cover next? Reach out to us by email at fre@ifas.ufl.edu
Intro and Outro Music - "Just Kidding" - Ahjay Stelino. Used under the Mixkit Stock Music Free License.
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20 min
From Wells to Wellness: Understanding Florida's Drinking Water Systems
Season 2, Episode 4
Show notes
In this episode, Drs. Weizhe Weng, Andrea Albertin and Yilin Zhuang join us to discuss rules, regulations, and treatment for Florida's drinking water systems.
More Resources
• Hall, N.D. The Safe Drinking Water Act at 50 years. Nat Water 2, 1132–1133 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44221-024-00356-w
• Florida Well Owner Network website: https://water.ifas.ufl.edu/well/
• What Homeowners Should Do if Public Wastewater Treatment Plants Are Disrupted After a Hurricane https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/mrec/2024/09/27/what-to-do-if-public-wastewater-treatment-plants-are-disrupted-after-a-hurricane/
• Well Surveillance Program: https://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/drinking-water/well-surveys.htmlThe opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their sole responsibility do not represent positions, policies or opinion of the University of Florida, UF/IFAS, or the UF/IFAS Department of Food and Resource Economics.
Got thoughts on the episode, questions for us, or an idea for what we should cover next? Reach out to us by email at fre@ifas.ufl.edu
Intro and Outro Music - "Just Kidding" - Ahjay Stelino. Used under the Mixkit Stock Music Free License.
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17 min
Reclaimed Water Reservations: Unpacking the "Yuck’"Factor
Season 2, Episode 3
Show notes
Olesya Savchenko, assistant professor of food and resource economics, and Don Rainey, UF/IFAS Extension Specialist, discuss Reclaimed Water reality and perceptions and how it impacts Florida Agriculture.
The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their sole responsibility do not represent positions, policies or opinion of the University of Florida, UF/IFAS, or the UF/IFAS Department of Food and Resource Economics.
Got thoughts on the episode, questions for us, or an idea for what we should cover next? Reach out to us by email at fre@ifas.ufl.edu
Intro and Outro Music - "Just Kidding" - Ahjay Stelino. Used under the Mixkit Stock Music Free License.
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21 min
Nutrients & Nuance: The Complicated Science Behind Effective Water Communications
Season 2, Episode 2
Show notes
A Rose by any other name would smell as sweet - but does word choice impact our opinions?
In this episode, Dr. Sadie Hundemer, assistant professor of Agricultural Education and Communication, discusses the study of human behavior, and how understanding mental models and trusted sources can improve the way we talk about water science issues.
The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their sole responsibility do not represent positions, policies or opinion of the University of Florida, UF/IFAS, or the UF/IFAS Department of Food and Resource Economics.
Got thoughts on the episode, questions for us, or an idea for what we should cover next? Reach out to us by email at fre@ifas.ufl.edu
Intro and Outro Music - "Just Kidding" - Ahjay Stelino. Used under the Mixkit Stock Music Free License.
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