Bayer University Mentoring Program’s Post

This week, I had the pleasure of attending an event hosted by the Food Link by Ag-West Bio. One of the highlights was hearing the inspiring story of how Ag in Motion was created. A particular anecdote struck me deeply: initially, an attempt was made to buy land from farmers by sending a man in a suit to negotiate. Unsurprisingly, this approach did not yield the desired results. However, when they sent someone from the agriculture community instead, the outcome was significantly more successful. The moral of this story is clear: to effectively reach and engage with communities, especially those we are not inherently a part of, we must find partners within those communities to convey our message. This principle is closely aligned with the theory of innovation diffusion, which emphasizes the importance of social systems and networks in the spread of new ideas and practices. In essence, successful innovation and change often rely on trusted insiders who can bridge the gap between new initiatives and the communities they aim to serve. This event reinforced for me the critical importance of collaboration and community engagement in driving meaningful progress. 🌱🤝 How have you navigated the challenges of introducing new ideas within diverse communities? What strategies have you found effective in gaining trust and fostering collaboration? 🌍💡 #Innovation #CommunityEngagement #AgInMotion #AgWestBio #FoodLink #DiffusionOfInnovation

Excellent article by our one and only Anat who will be meeting you all at the World Agritech Innovation Summit and Future Food-tech Event in a couple of weeks!

“At the BIRD Foundation, we believe that challenges breed opportunities,” writes Anat E. Bujanover, BIRD’s West Coast Director of Business Development, in her LinkedIn article, where she explores the imperative for innovation in the agri-food sector - a vital industry grappling with heightened environmental concerns and the daunting task of feeding the world’s 8 billion people. 🔗See article here: https://lnkd.in/ddmuxb6X She underscores BIRD’s longstanding commitment to investing in agri-foodtech R&D, which has been ingrained in our mission from the outset. We firmly believe that by fostering strategic partnerships between U.S. and Israeli companies and supporting pioneering projects that disrupt the industry and create new efficiencies, we are contributing to the transformation of the sector, throughout the value chain. Read about BIRD's latest agri-foodtech projects including partnerships like Tevel and Vinergy, Inc., who are developing a clean-energy autonomous harvesting system, and Celleste Bio Ltd. and Mondelēz International, who are producing non-fat cocoa solids and cocoa-based powder without cutting down a single tree. Importantly, learn how a BIRD grant can de-risk capital in the development stage, paving the way for additional funding and commercial opportunities. ❗️Anat will be exploring the potential for new partnerships at the upcoming World AgriTech Innovation Summit (March 19-20) and the Future Food-Tech event (March 21-22), both in San Francisco. Connect with her (anatb@birdf.com) to arrange in-person meetings and discover how a BIRD grant can advance your agri-foodtech solution forward. Remember, challenges are just opportunities in disguise! #agritech #foodtech #BIRDfunding #grants #US_Israel #collaboration #partnerships #innovation #technology #foodchain #WorldAgriTech

🌾 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐲: 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 🌾 We recently hosted an interactive workshop with a group of forward-thinking farmers at the TUM Campus Straubing—a place where innovation meets sustainability. The focus? To dive deep into understanding how our fertilization recommendation service can reduce uncertainty in fertilization decisions, giving farmers the confidence and tools to achieve better results in their fields with ease and efficiency. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞? ✨ Kickoff: A presentation of the Livesen Map project and our innovative technology sparked curiosity and set the stage. ✨ Collaborative brainstorming: Group discussions and a card-sorting exercise uncovered farmers’ unique priorities and challenges. ✨ Hands-on experience: Farmers had the chance to test our solution firsthand, ask questions, and share direct feedback with our team. 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬: 🌟 Farmers emphasized the need for flexibility and simplicity, paired with clear and trustworthy communication. 🌟 Their creative ideas inspired ways to improve accessibility and revealed new opportunities to ensure the service reaches the right people effectively. 🌟 Most importantly, they helped us understand what elements would not add value for them, enabling us to sharpen our focus and make development efforts more impactful. We’re deeply grateful to all the participants for their insights and enthusiasm. Together, we’re not just building a solution—we’re co-building a service that truly supports farmers and their goals. If you’re passionate about farmer-centered innovation or curious about our work, let’s connect! #Agritech #InnovationWithImpact #FarmersFirst #CoCreation #TUMCampusStraubing #LiveSenMap

In October the FAIR Process Framework will launch. I’m so proud and honored to be part of this exceptional team at CABI and to work with some amazing people at Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. We're gearing up to unveil the FAIR Process Framework, a groundbreaking resource that prioritizes people in the planning and execution of FAIR, Responsible, and Ethical data practices for Agricultural Development projects. This framework operationalizes FAIR principles, ensuring that project data interventions are easily defined and maintain their Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reusability, both during and after project completion. Our motivation? The realization that making data FAIR has the potential to unlock billions of dollars in value, particularly in addressing global hunger. The FAIR Process Framework will be presented in user-friendly, bite-sized learning modules, making it accessible to Agricultural Development projects seeking funding and aiming to deliver sustainable, data-rich solutions. While the journey to #DataSharing isn't without its challenges, it's a critical step forward for progress in agriculture and the global effort to #FeedTheFuture. Following over five years of intensive in-country research, we've commenced the creation of the MVP today - for the entire FAIR Process Framework through a collaborative sprint. The depth and significance of the underlying research underscore the framework's importance and impact. (I will share relevant case studies on this channel) CABI's FAIR Process Framework team have been helping with securing of data quality for soil health, food security and climate adaptation with #FAIRData and #Responsible and #Ethical data practices. #shoutout to Arun Jadhav, Chipo Msengezi, Ashitha Ganapathy, Melissa Allan, Martin Parr, Paul Day, Neil Majithia, Jessica Cagley ... #TooManyBrilliantPeopleToList 🙏 👩🌾 📈 Follow me, as I share #useful intel on how to deliver greater returns on the money invested in improving #FoodSecurity by using #FAIRData. #SoilHealth #FoodSecurity #ClimateAdaptation #DareToBeFAIR

I am on two panels tomorrow at #SupplySideWest24 - and what better time to share that after a couple of years at Upcycled Foods Inc., it’s time for a new adventure. I’m proud of the achievements, challenges, and growth I've experienced —and for the opportunity to bring #circulareconomy principles into practice, championing #sustainability #foodscience and #innovation. A few milestones I’m particularly proud of: - The Ellen McArthur Foundation #BigFoodReDesignChallenge has been a true #labouroflove : the product concept "Nature Positive Naan" is a finalist and writing the concept was rewarding, but also a real life demonstration of my commitment to circular food solutions and most importantly, #accessiblenutrition. I was so pleased to be able to share this product with people at the showcase event during #NYCClimateWeek and none of this would have been possible without the unwavering support from Tahnee Knowles , Beth Mander and Reniera O'Donnell - #SXSW Experience: my first ever #SXSW (!) and what an event and forum to be able to talk about all things #upcycling and #foodwastereduction with inspiring leaders like Angie Crone, Alexandria C. , Eric Adams , Vanessa Mukhebi and Ben Mand - Building strong #R&D Partnerships: Establishing a robust R&D network with partners like the USDA UCLA, UC Davis, Michigan State University , Bowling Green State University elevated the science programme and created impactful #collaborations and friendships. - Being part of the ASABE - American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers and the #CircularProcessingPackagingandFoodLossWaste group has solidified my passion for #circulareconomy principles (and my admiration for engineers). With thanks to Ziynet Boz for introducing me to this group 😊 🍀Honourable mention has to go to Amanda Oenbring and Jonathan Deutsch, Ph.D., CHE, CRC as we continue to build out the #UFF #SciComm programme and relaunch the #UFFResearchFellows programme next year. And the list goes on—too many highlights to capture in one post! 📈 Now, I’m diving into new possibilities. While I continue building the science program for FoodxClimate I'm also open to project work and consulting opportunities in #innovation, #foodscience, #beauty, #sustainability, and #circulareconomy strategies. 🚀 I’m thrilled for what’s next—no definitive roadmap yet, but if you're interested in collaborating or just want to connect over coffee (virtual or otherwise), send me a DM! Let's explore what we can create together. 🌱 If you are at #SSW24 this week - LETS CONNECT !! #cio #innovation #sustainability #circulareconomy #foodxclimate #climatechange #accessiblenutrition #foodasmedicine

Agricultural education is not just about farming, it’s about cultivating a brighter future for our communities, for our environment, and our world and sustainability.

20 years of building world changing companies - and what a journey it’s been !! Check some of the amazing highlights in this video - and if this sparks your interest, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or get in touch. On to the next 20 :)

On May 22 and 23, we had the honor of welcoming the world’s brightest minds in agrifoodtech in person and online for the 9th F&A Next Summit.   🌍 The F&A Community connected with a total of 857 leading startups, scale-ups, investors, corporates and other agrifoodtech enthusiasts from 36 countries spread over 5 continents.   👍 Our summit has been well received and was awarded a visitors’ rating of 8.3 out of 10.   🏆 At the closing of the summit, Jord BioScience was crowned winner of the Feike Sijbesma Sustainable Innovation Award 2024, which includes a €25,000 grant prize. This prestigious award recognizes Jord BioScience’s innovative microbial technologies enhancing crop productivity. According to the jury, the company stood out for its potential significant impact in the agri-food system and the benefits for its customers.   👀 On our event impression page you will find much more, including after talk videos, photos, a participants logo wall and numerous articles by various media, including FoodAgribusiness, Food ingredients Global and Food Ingredients First. 👉 https://lnkd.in/eUCDg_Hg   ♥️ We thank all participants and speakers for contributing and for their dedication to building sustainable global food systems. We look forward to welcoming you again next year, on 21 & 22 May 2025. (You can pre-register via 👉 https://lnkd.in/eXAJv-Vd)   👏 Also: a heartfelt thanks to all partners of F&A Next, for making it all happen.   Organizing Partners: Anterra Capital, StartLife, Wageningen University & Research, Rabobank, Foodvalley NL.   Innovation Partners: ICL Group, Horticoop , Oost NL, German AgriFood Society.   Business Partners: Cropin, European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF), Corteva Agriscience, Invest-NL, PeakBridge, Royal Cosun, Astanor Ventures, Upfield, ADM.   #fanext #agrifoodtech #agtech #foodtech #agriculture

From Farm Fresh to Future-Proof: Learn How Tech Drives Operational Efficiency Curious about the intersection of technology and agriculture? Our CIO Forum led by Clifford is planning an enrichment trip that offers a unique opportunity. See firsthand how a Fair Oaks Farms integrates cutting-edge solutions to ensure efficient production, optimize resource management, and gain a competitive edge. Gain valuable insights and network with fellow technology leaders shaping the future of food. Contact me if you're interested in joining this trip, and we'll get you connected to the right people to make it happen! #FarmTech #BusinessInsights #CIOForumTrip #REFForums #CIOLeadership #REFForumsIndiana