Episode 401: Stefanie Pandol
Jul 15, 2026
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Summary:
In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor welcomes Stefanie Pandol, fourth-generation farmer and Marketing & Sustainability Specialist at Pandol Bros., for a meaningful conversation on legacy, leadership, and the evolving future of agriculture. Stefanie shares her journey back to the family farm, rooted in generations of hard work and immigrant heritage, and how those foundational values continue to shape modern farming practices today.
Together, Lori and Stefanie explore what it truly means to build a sustainable farming operation, from caring for the land across generations to navigating the real-world challenges of sustainable packaging, profitability, and consumer expectations. The conversation also highlights Pandol Bros.’ leadership in table grapes, their expansion into global markets, and emerging opportunities in specialty crops like persimmons.
As part of The Produce Moms’ celebration of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, Stefanie reflects on the growing role of women in agriculture and encourages the next generation to explore the wide range of career opportunities within the industry. This episode is a powerful reminder that agriculture is built on relationships, resilience, and a commitment to feeding future generations.
Takeaways:
- Family farming is built on generational values like trust, respect, and strong relationships that continue to drive business success today.
- Sustainability in agriculture means balancing environmental stewardship, product quality, and long-term profitability.
- Sustainable packaging presents real challenges, including cost, product protection, and limited consumer willingness to pay premiums.
- Pandol Bros. has played a key role in expanding table grape production and global distribution since the mid-1900s.
- Crop diversification, like persimmons, offers opportunities to educate consumers and expand seasonal produce awareness.
- Domestic agriculture strengthens the U.S. economy and ensures transparency in food sourcing.
- Technology is essential in helping farmers navigate labor costs, water challenges, and regulatory pressures.
- Women are taking on more visible and impactful leadership roles across the agriculture industry.
- Agriculture offers diverse career paths beyond farming, including marketing, legal, finance, and operations.
- Building relationships and trying new opportunities is key to finding long-term success in the industry.
Chapters:
00:00 – Welcome & Celebrating Farming Legacy
01:30 – Meet Stefanie Pandol & Her Journey Back to the Farm
04:00 – Family Values: Trust, Respect & Generational Impact
06:00 – Bridging Marketing and Sustainability in Agriculture
08:00 – What Sustainability Really Means on the Farm
10:30 – The Reality of Sustainable Packaging & Profitability
13:00 – Crop Insights: Persimmons & Seasonality
15:00 – The History & Growth of Pandol Bros. Table Grapes
17:30 – Challenges Facing Modern Agriculture
19:00 – The Future of Farming & Role of Technology
20:30 – Women in Agriculture: Progress & Opportunity
22:00 – Careers in Agriculture Beyond the Field
23:30 – Final Advice for the Next Generation
Resources:
Stefanie A Pandol
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefaniepandol/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefanierepar/
Pandol Bros., Inc.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pandolbros
Website: https://pandol.com/
