Fresh Take

Voices Behind the Smoke: Sugarcane Burning and the Impacts

Florida Certified Organic Growers & Consumers, INC.

Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.

0:00 | 34:24

Patrick Ferguson, Senior Organizing Representative for Sierra Club’s Stop Sugar Field Burning Campaign, joins us to discuss the environmental impact of pre-harvest sugar burning.  

Beginning in 2015, the Stop the Burn campaign focuses on the environmental and public health consequences of pre-harvest sugar field burning. We will explore the success of green harvesting alternatives, highlighting countries that have embraced this approach. We will also examine the advocacy initiatives undertaken by local leaders, farmers, consumers, and sustainable food advocates.  
  

In this episode, learn about:  

- The Stop the Burn campaign  

- The environmental and health impacts of pre-harvest sugar field burning 

- How green harvesting has the potential to overhaul sugar burning 

Learn more about Sierra Club’s Stop Sugar Field Burning Campaign on the website: https://stopsugarburning.org/ 


Support the show

Fuel the Work Behind the Mic—and Beyond

Programs like Fresh Take and this podcast are made possible by partners who believe in organic agriculture, community wellness, and lasting food systems change. Sponsorship support helps Florida Organic Growers continue providing farmer education, trusted resources, and impactful conversations that move our work forward.

By becoming a sponsor, you’re investing in meaningful, measurable impact—and helping ensure these programs remain accessible and sustainable.

👉 Visit our sponsor page to learn more and join our community of supporters. Together, we can grow real solutions.