Episode 355 Tate Bennett
Aug 13, 2025

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Summary:
In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor welcomes Tate Bennett, a key figure in agriculture policy, to discuss the intersection of nutrition, policy, and the importance of fruits and vegetables in American culture. They explore the role of policy in agriculture, the significance of rural America, and the priorities of the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) in enhancing rural prosperity and responsible nutrition. The conversation highlights the need for collaboration between urban and rural areas and emphasizes the importance of farmers sharing their stories to connect with consumers.
Takeaways:
- Fruits and vegetables are a unifying force in society.
- Agriculture policy should be, bipartisan, historically itโs been more regionally divided..
- Tate Bennett emphasizes the importance of farmer-first policies.
- Policy is crucial for ensuring rational outcomes for farmers.
- Rural america is defined by a way of life, in addition to population numbers.
- AFPI focuses on enhancing rural prosperity and responsible nutrition policy.
- Collaboration between USDA and HHS is vital for food security.
- Urban consumers are increasingly interested in the origins of their food in rural America, bringing the two populations together..
- Food security is a matter of national security.
- Farmers need to tell their stories to connect with consumers.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the Produce Moms Podcast
03:43 Meet Tate Bennett: A Key Player in Agriculture Policy
10:34 The Importance of Policy in Agriculture
14:54 Defining Rural America and Its Significance
16:47 AFPI’s Rural Affairs Priorities
21:13 The Interconnection of Rural and Urban Affairs
26:48 Closing Remarks and Future Collaborations