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Are you a cherry lover? This is an episode that you cannot afford to miss. Our guest today is a cherry farmer in Leelanau County, Michigan. His family also owns and operates Leelanau Fruit Company, a small cherry processor  specializing in Maraschino cherries, ice cream, cherries, and glossy fruit mixes used in holiday fruitcakes.  In today’s episode, Ben LaCross takes us through the process of growing, harvesting, and processing cherries. He tells us about the challenges cherry farmers face in their product. Ben also shares how his daughter was food bullied by a teacher in school.  Key Points: How are farmers bullied? Food bullying that Ben has seen as a dad How to know which cherries are produced in the U.S. Why are cherries not grown organically in Michigan?  The Conversation:  (02:39): Ben’s introduction  (04:40): Cherries’ 101 lesson  (10:01): Food bullying that Ben has seen with his children  (19:38): Food bullying from the producer’s side of view  (23:41): How can you identify what cherries are produced in the US?  (26:04): Find out why cherries are not organically grown in Michigan  (30:33): Tips to overcoming food bullying Fabulous Quotes: “Be confident in what you buy, and don’t let other people’s opinions about your food affect how you think about your food.” “Try to buy U.S. products as much as you can.” “Food isn’t a status symbol.” “There’s room for a lot of different products in our in our diets.” “When we create anxiety around food because of different arbitrary rules that are put in place by people, especially with younger kids, it makes kids scared about what they eat.” “I do want to raise consumers who trust the food system.” “We don’t want our kids to be raised with anxiety about food.” Links: Ben’s Twitter   Ben’s website Ben’s Facebook Food Bullying: How to Avoid Buying BS by Michele Payn Embrace your Heart with Eliz Greene