WTFCF S4, E5 Sneak Peek: Splenda Stevia Farms, A New American Industry

What does Splenda have to do with farming? Sweeteners like monk fruit and stevia are plant-based — so they are just not sugar, but are comprised of those other plants also grown on farms.

American family farmers are dreamers. They’re do-ers, too, of course. Nobody works harder than farmers. But in the world of modern agriculture, it is getting harder and harder for Mom and Pop farms — the backbone America was built on — to get ahead.

Enter Heartland Food Products Group, the makers of Splenda brand sweeteners and many other products that help make it easier to reduce sugar intake.

What does Splenda have to do with farming? Sweeteners like monk fruit and stevia are plant-based — so they are just not sugar, but are comprised of those other plants also grown on farms.

Historically, stevia has not been an American crop. It is almost produced in other countries, primarily China. If you notice the American flag motif in some versions of the Splenda logo, you probably understand Heartland is an America-first company. Heartland Chairman & CEO Ted Gelov put his money where his mouth is to establish the nation’s first stevia farm in central Florida.

Even better, the Florida location is just a mother farm — that’s where Heartland will grow the millions of stevia plants needed to fulfill the ultimate vision: Partnering with small American family farms to grow that crop.

Related Stories
For three Days, Where The Food Comes From drove around the coastline of the beautiful state of North Carolina visiting five potato farms and attending two business functions sponsored by North Carolina Potato Association.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg joined us with a recap of the Malaysia trade mission and a look at USDA’s broader trade strategy moving forward.
Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition shares how extreme winter weather is affecting the ag transportation network and what producers should keep in mind as conditions slowly improve.
Matt Brockman, Communications Director for the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, joined us with a look at how the legendary event is moving forward—weather and all.
Roger McEowen, with the Washburn School of Law, offers an in-depth look at two of the top legal issues of 202. Today, he walks through last year’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) ruling and “lawfare.”
Lewis Williamson of HTS Commodities joined us with an update on the historic winter storm impacts and his outlook on today’s ag markets.
Marilyn Schlake with the UNL Department of Agricultural Economics joined us for a closer look at the evolving role of livestock sale barns.
More Shows
Experts from the University of Nebraska Medical Center discuss health and how it impacts farmers, ranchers, and rural Americans on this special LIVE call-in show.
Agriculture Shows
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.
The affable and unassuming international singing star Daniel O’Donnell is one of Ireland’s best known performers – from Australia to Alaska.
Journey into the lives of two hard-working farm families to see the risks, rewards, and funny shenanigans that take place every day. From cat-fishing and watermelon smashing to pig chasing and go-kart racing, there is never a dull moment on these family farms. We’ll also get a modern look at the newest cutting-edge farming techniques that are revolutionizing the industry and providing a greener and more sustainable way to grow.
How do you define Texas? It starts with wide open spaces. It’s a beautiful, enchanted land full of amazing people and places. Then there are the cities and towns—big and small—each with its own culture and way of life. When you add these things together, you have an incredible mix of personalities that make Texas what it is today.
“Small Town, Big Deal” follows hosts Rodney Miller and Jann Carl across the country as they scour rural America for the best stories of faith, hope, patriotism, and good common sense that our small towns and farming communities have to offer.
Love a program on RFD-TV? Here are some other great shows that we hope you’ll watch next when they air or stream anytime on RFD-TV Now!
“Gentle Giants” explores the world of draft horses on the farm, in the field, and in the arena. Hosted by champion equestrians Pam Minick and Kadee Coffman, “Gentle Giants” travels across America to see draft horses--from the Legendary Budweiser Clydesdales to hearty Belgian draft horses plowing the fields--at work and at play.
Discover the charms of rural life with RFD Network’s diverse lineup of Rural and Western Lifestyle Shows from homesteading and country cooking to outdoor adventures.
Follow Aumann Auctions coast to coast on a road trip adventure! Each episode of “Old Iron Adventures” highlights the challenges of hosting an auction. Plus, get behind-the-scenes looks, history lessons & meet a cast of very interesting characters along the way!