Podcast appearances and mentions of vonnie estes

Explore the future of agriculture amidst regulatory shifts as Vonnie Estes discusses the impact of the new U.S. administration on pesticides and crop protection with Paul Lewis, VP of Food Safety Standards at the International Fresh Produce Association. Delve into the complexities of regulatory influences, the promise of gene editing, and the rising role of biologicals in the produce industry. Discover how innovation is reshaping agricultural practices, offering new tools and solutions for growers navigating an evolving landscape. Listen in for insights on maintaining competitive advantages and embracing technological advancements in agriculture.Key TakeawaysThe new administration's stance on pesticides is still unfolding, with EPA leading decisions on pesticide regulations, balancing risk and economic implications.Gene editing technology is advancing rapidly, bringing new opportunities in specialty crops and offering solutions for environmental challenges and nutritional enhancement.Biological solutions in agriculture are gaining traction, yet their efficacy needs to be demonstrated for broader acceptance.Developments in the regulatory process may affect the registration speed of new agricultural products, potentially pushing innovations to foreign markets first.Communication and collaboration among agencies like EPA, USDA, and HHS are vital in navigating the future of crop protection policies.Guest ResourcesInternational Fresh Produce Association - For more information about IFPA's work in food safety and policy.Listeners are encouraged to tune in to the full episode to uncover more about the innovative strides being made in agricultural technology and explore how these advancements could redefine the industry's future. Stay connected for more episodes filled with insightful dialogues and expert opinions on the latest trends in agriculture and technology.Show LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

Join host Vonnie Estes and Dr. Linda Lee, an environmental chemistry expert from Purdue, as they delve into the world of PFAS chemicals. This episode demystifies the “forever chemicals,” exploring their impact on food, especially produce, and potential health risks. Understand the widespread presence of PFAS through products and the environment, and learn about ongoing efforts to manage their impact. With insights into contamination sources, exposure levels, and consumer choices, this episode equips listeners with the knowledge to make informed decisions about PFAS in their daily lives.Key TakeawaysPFAS are a large family of chemicals that do not degrade naturally, leading to widespread environmental persistence and bioaccumulation.Major sources of PFAS contamination include firefighting foams, industrial applications, and everyday consumer products like nonstick cookware and water-repellent fabrics.The presence of PFAS in drinking water and agricultural produce poses significant health risks due to their potential to accumulate in human tissues.Regulations and consumer awareness around PFAS are crucial for mitigating exposure, particularly concerning non-essential uses in consumer goods and food packaging.The episode highlights the importance of choosing PFAS-free products and being informed about food origins, particularly in regions with known environmental contamination.Guest ResourcesInterstate Technology and Regulatory Council (ITRC) PFAS Fact SheetsPurdue University Environment & Chemistry at Purdue University WebsiteListeners are encouraged to dive into this episode to deepen their understanding of PFAS, their potential risks, and practical steps toward minimizing exposure. Stay informed and engaged with "Fresh Takes on Tech" for more conversations that push the boundaries of innovation and technology in food and agriculture.Show LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

Explore the invisible threats in our food with Vonnie Estes and Wendalyn Jones, CEO of the Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences. Delve into the world of microplastics, PFAS, and heavy metals, their presence in produce, and implications for health and agriculture. Wendlyn separates science from hype, discusses regulatory perspectives, and emphasizes transparency and collaboration in tackling these challenges. Gain insights on the future of food safety and sustainability, highlighting the roles of innovation and industry in navigating these complex issues.Key TakeawaysMicroplastics and Risk: Present scientific evidence suggests a need for further research to confirm the potential health risks of microplastics in food, despite improvements in detection technologies.PFAS in Focus: Known as forever chemicals for their resistance to degradation, PFAS face strong regulatory scrutiny due to their extensive industrial use and potential contamination of soil and water systems.Heavy Metals Compliance: The Closer to Zero initiative is an essential FDA strategy aimed at reducing the levels of heavy metals in the food system, promoting collaboration across various agencies.Industry Challenges and Opportunities: Transparency and consumer education are crucial for producers aiming to address contaminants in the food industry. Firms must also engage in collaborative efforts for a wider industry impact.Research and Technological Solutions: New initiatives by IAFNS and USDA are targeting the understanding of soil contamination impacts on crops, potentially guiding future agricultural practices.Guest ResourcesInstitute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences (IAFNS): Iafns.orgFDA Closer to Zero Initiative: Information available at FDA.govUniversity of Nebraska Research on Microplastics: Explore university publications for more insights.For full context and a more in-depth understanding of these crucial topics, be sure to listen to the entire episode of “Fresh Takes on Tech.” Stay tuned for more episodes that delve into the scientific and policy landscapes reshaping the future of our food system.Show LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

Explore the pivotal intersection of science, agriculture, and policy with Vonnie Estes and policy expert Rebeckah F. Adcock as they discuss the produce industry's future. Delve into how science influences policy, technological advancements, and climate change impacts. Understand the challenges of agricultural labor and the importance of civic engagement. Rebeckah offers insights on leveraging science-driven policies to benefit growers, shippers, and retailers. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, this episode provides a comprehensive look into the evolving landscape of agriculture policy and its real-world implications.Key TakeawaysUnderstanding Government Dynamics: It is crucial for the produce industry to comprehend the interplay between the branches of government to effectively navigate policy changes.Science vs. Opinion: While scientific evidence is fundamental, varying interpretations and external influences significantly impact how policies are crafted.Innovation Opportunities: The current administration may provide more flexibility for tech advancements in gene editing and biotechnology, presenting new opportunities for industry growth.Policy Influence: Public perception heavily influences policy development, particularly in areas like GMOs and nutrition.Labor Challenges: Addressing labor shortages through policy reforms remains a critical issue for the agriculture sector, affecting production and economic stability.Guest Resources[insert links]Show LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

Description:In this episode, Vonnie Estes explores innovations in extending produce shelf life with leaders from three pioneering companies. Rodrigo Cifuentes and Bradford Warner from AgroFresh discuss their SmartFresh and FreshCloud technologies, which use sensing and digital solutions to maintain quality and reduce waste. Agustin Büchert from ClearLeaf introduces a silver-based antimicrobial solution that protects fresh produce from microbial diseases. Originally developed for medical use, this innovative pesticide alternative is non-toxic and safe for both consumers and the environment. Ofir Daube of Sufresca explains how their natural, edible coatings replace synthetic fungicides, offering a sustainable approach to post-harvest management. Learn how these technologies are shaping a more sustainable future for fresh produce.Key Points from the Conversation: • AgroFresh's use of sensing and cloud technologies to improve post-harvest outcomes. • ClearLeaf's antimicrobial solution as a non-toxic alternative to synthetic pesticides. • Sufresca's natural edible coatings and their applications for vegetables and citrus fruits. • The global push for sustainable and environmentally safe preservation solutions.Guest Information: • Rodrigo Cifuentes and Bradford Warner – Leaders at AgroFresh, specializing in post-harvest technologies for quality preservation. • Agustin Büchert – Co-Founder and CSO of ClearLeaf, an innovator in silver-based antimicrobial solutions for fresh produce. • Ofir Daube – VP of Product and Regulation at Sufresca, focused on natural edible coatings for post-harvest management.

Today we are starting a journey into the heart of innovation with the inaugural episode of our special season, recorded live at the Global Produce & Floral Show. Throughout this season, join us for 2-4 interviews in each episode, featuring discussions with experts from groundbreaking companies and pioneers in cutting-edge technology within the produce and floral industry. These dynamic conversations offer quick glimpses into the innovative solutions addressing the industry's most pressing challenges. Whether you're a seasoned professional in the field or simply curious about the latest advancements, this season has something for everyone. In this episode, we kick off with the Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, sharing insights into the accelerator program's purpose and impact. Following that, we explore Julian Godding's perspective as the Lead Data Scientist at Gardin, a pioneering company in the Fresh Field Catalyst Program. Lastly, we speak with Brandon Contino, CEO, and Co-Founder of Four Growers, as he shares his unique insights into the main pain points for growers.Key TakeawaysWhat the accelerator program entails.The benefits of participation.The purpose of the accelerator program.What Gardin is working on in terms of crop growth.Julian's experience in the Fresh Field Catalyst Program.What Four Growers has set out to do in the industry.The major pain points of growers.Guest ResourcesJulian Godding: LinkedInBrandon Contino: LinkedInIFPA innovator Vonnie Estes on opening up the produce industryGlobal Produce & Floral ShowShow LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

Guest: Vonnie Estes, Vice President of Innovation at  International Fresh Produce Assoication [@IntFreshProduce]On Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/vonnieestes/____________________________Hosts: Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society PodcastOn ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelliSean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber]On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/sean-martin____________________________Episode NotesIn this Pre-Event conversation for our CES 2024 Coverage Marco Ciappelli and Sean Martin discuss the fascinating world of food and agriculture technology with special guest Vonnie Estes, the Vice President of Innovation at the International Fresh Produce Association. As part of their coverage of CES, the trio explores how technology is revolutionizing farming practices to reduce waste and improve sustainability.The conversation begins with Sean and Marco's excitement about the topic, as food and eating are among their favorite things. They delve into Vonnie's background and her extensive experience integrating technology into food production, covering areas such as breeding, genetic modification, automation, and robotics.The discussion highlights the vital role technology plays in addressing the challenges faced by farmers, including labor shortages and crop waste. They explore various innovative solutions, ranging from automation in weeding and planting to using computer vision and lasers for pest control. Vonnie also emphasizes the importance of technology in optimizing crop production while reducing food waste throughout the supply chain.Furthermore, the panel addresses the potential for technology to connect the entire agricultural ecosystem, from small farmers to large companies, fostering collaboration and sustainability. They touch upon the advancements in data-driven decision-making, AI applications, and the emerging concept of regenerative agriculture.Overall, this thought-provoking episode showcases the incredible potential of technology in revolutionizing the food and agriculture industry, offers insights into ongoing initiatives, and encourages talented individuals to join the sector's quest for a more sustainable future.____________________________Catch all of our CES 2024 event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/ces-2024-las-vegas-usa-event-coverageWatch this and other videos on ITSPmagazine's YouTube ChannelCES 2024 Las Vegas playlist:

Learn from Vonnie Estes, vice president of innovation for International Fresh Produce Association. She talks about her career trajectory that led to her position today, and the Fresh Field Catalyst Accelerator program she started, how companies can apply and what the benefits are. She also shares her favorite parts of the fast-approaching IFPA Global Show in Anaheim, Calif. To find resources mentioned in this episode: Vonnie Estes on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vonnieestes/ International Fresh Produce Association: freshproduce.com ZAG Technical Services: zagtech.com To find us: Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com. Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this bonus episode we share Vonnie Estes appearance on the Future of Agriculture podcast, hosted by Tim Hammerich.We explore the challenges facing the produce industry, including climate change, labor shortages, and changing consumer preferences, and how innovation and technology can address these issues. We discuss the importance of understanding consumer needs and the opportunities for companies to create premium products that consumers are willing to pay more for.We delve into emerging technologies such as robotics, traceability systems, and indoor farming systems, as well as the IFPA's Freshfield Catalyst accelerator and its ability to bridge the gap between other markets and the produce industry.Key TakeawaysFrom climate change to food safety, the produce industry faces a range of challenges. But how can we innovate to tackle these issuesVonnie talks to Tim about IFPA's Freshfield Catalyst accelerator program.Get an inside look at how sustainability pressures, consumer preferences and industry trends are driving innovation in the produce industry.Tim and Vonnie cover the topics of differentiation, consumer behavior, indoor farming and traceability.Learn about the importance of decommoditization, food safety, compliance, robotics in agriculture and climate-smart solutions.Guest ResourcesFuture of Ag Website: https://www.futureofag.com/Show LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

Try Acres for free: https://www.acres.co/IFPA's Fresh Field Catalyst Accelerator: https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/fresh-field-catalyst/"Taste is King" on the Fresh Takes on Tech podcast: https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/episode-56-taste-is-king/"Locally Grown Through Vertical Farming on the Fresh Takes on Tech podcast: https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/episode-59-locally-grown-through-vertical-farming/ "Traceability is Crucial to the World Produce Industry" on the Fresh Takes on Tech podcast: https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/episode-55-traceability-is-crucial-to-the-world-produce-industry/"New Innovations are Improving All Aspects of Our Produce Supply Chain" on the Fresh Takes on Tech podcast: https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/episode-68-live-from-the-global-show-2022-part-four/"The Future of Automation is in the Fields" on the Fresh Takes on Tech podcast: https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/episode-57-the-future-of-automation--is-in-the-fields/ Today's episode features Vonnie Estes, vice president of innovation at the International Fresh Produce Association or IFPA. You probably noticed in our opening segment more than just Vonnie's voice. That's because we will be playing clips of some of the entrepreneurs and mentors that participated in IFPA's Fresh Field Catalyst this past year. You see, Vonnie reached out about coming back onto the podcast to talk about how applications are open for their second cohort. After talking to Vonnie and hearing about how the first cohort went, I realized this would be a great chance to talk about tech and innovation in the produce industry in general. Our conversation today covers some of the challenges facing this industry, including water, labor, food safety, traceability, quality, compliance and more. And you'll hear from entrepreneurs and industry leaders about differentiation, consumer preferences, indoor ag, traceability, and automation and robotics. Before we dive in, I want to make it clear that the intention of the accelerator is to attract companies that already have a product in the market somewhere. That could be a market outside of agriculture, or perhaps in row crops, or maybe in produce but in another geography. So they're looking for companies that already have some traction, but maybe haven't directed much focus to produce yet but think that there might be value in that market. If that sounds like you or someone you know, applications close soon: March 20 of 2023. I'll link to the application in the show notes. You may remember hearing from Vonnie back in episode 270 of this podcast. To refresh your memory, she has held leadership positions at prominent companies including DuPont, Monsanto, and Syngenta along with start-ups including DNAP, Emergent Genetics, and Caribou Biosciences. She has a BS in Horticulture from New Mexico State and a Masters in Plant Pathology from UC Davis. In addition to Vonnie, you're going to hear clips from some of the entrepreneurs and mentors in the program's first cohort. These clips came from Vonnie's podcast called Fresh Takes on Tech. You definitely want to go check that out. I'll link to it in the show notes as well.

Episode SummaryVice President of Innovation at Produce Marketing Association, Vonnie Estes is driven by a passion for agriculture, sustainability and wanting to make an impact on serious issues such as climate change and broken supply chains. Today, Vonnie and Harry engage in a rich discussion on Plant Pathology, educating consumers on vertical farming, and promoting diversity in the AgTech industry. Vonnie shares lessons she's learned from working at big corporations such as Monsanto, Syngenta and DuPont, and her mission to immerse others into the produce industry. Thanks to Our SponsorsCultivatd – https://cultivatd.com/ (https://cultivatd.com/) Key Takeaways07:13 – Harry welcomes Vice President of Innovation at Produce Marketing Association, Vonnie Estes, to discuss the work she's doing in Produce and some of the recent vertical farming conferences she's attended 11:08 – Genetic Engineering & Plant Pathology 13:55 – Lessons Vonnie learned from working at Monsanto, Syngenta and DuPont 17:52 – Vonnie's vertical farming origin story 23:43 – What drives and motivates Vonnie 26:16 – The importance of promoting diversity in the AgTech industry and immersing others into the produce industry 32:25 – Vonnie goes into detail about ongoing projects at Produce Marketing Association 45:00 – The importance of educating consumers on AgTech and vertical farming 48:14 – A tough question Vonnie has asked herself recently and what excites her most about the future of AgTech 50:08 – Harry thanks Vonnie for joining the show and lets listeners know where they can learn more about Fresh Produce Tweetable Quotes“I think for big companies like that, being willing to let people try new things and let it fail, and try different technologies, and keep it a little bit separate from your ongoing revenue-generating business is a really smart way to do it.” (15:35) (Vonnie) “In part of my work with Caribou when I was looking at spinning out this Ag group, what I really wanted to focus on was what breeding could we do for vertical farms? If you're growing something inside, does the architecture of the plant need to be different? What are some of the traits you can work with? And so, I was really thinking about breeding for vertical farms.” (20:43) (Vonnie) “I've always been driving by [wanting to make an impact]. I think, especially at this time looking at some of the scary macro-drivers around supply chain, and climate change, and some of the other issues we're facing. And looking at human health and how people need to eat, we can have a big impact on that, on how we grow our food and what food we grow and what food people eat.” (23:51) (Vonnie) “One thing I would say - just to plug some of the work I'm doing currently - is I just started this Accelerator. It's not an Accelerator in the typical sense where we're not taking any equity, there's no big prize or pitch day. But what we're trying to do is bring in technology from either different industries or from different countries into the produce industry.” (26:52) (Vonnie) “I am thinking a lot about what I can do, from a technology and innovation point of view, to help that part of the industry. And some of the early-stage issues are different.” (38:00) (Vonnie) “With climate change and some of the health issues, the way we grow our food and the food we grow is so important right now. I feel like we're at this amazing time where on one side we've got all these different technologies that we can bring in that can be a solution to these huge problems that we're facing as a world.” (49:34) (Vonnie) Resources MentionedVertical Farming Show – https://verticalfarmingshow.com/ (https://verticalfarmingshow.com/) Produce Marketing Association Website – https://www.freshproduce.com/ (https://www.freshproduce.com/) Vonnie's LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/vonnieestes/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/vonnieestes/) Vonnie's Podcast –...

Organizations have long paid lip service to sustainability…   But these days, people are paying attention and it's no longer enough to talk the talk.  If you can't walk the walk on sustainability, you are putting your business at risk.  In this episode, I'm joined by Joel Makower, Chairman and Co-Founder of GreenBiz Group, who shares why sustainability matters more than ever and how you can start sustaining your business for the long-haul by becoming more sustainable.   Join us as we discuss: How sustainability mitigates risk The evolution of the sustainability role in business 3 steps for making sustainability a priority in your business

Organizations have long paid lip service to sustainability…   But these days, people are paying attention and it's no longer enough to talk the talk.  If you can't walk the walk on sustainability, you are putting your business at risk.  In this episode, I'm joined by Joel Makower, Chairman and Co-Founder of GreenBiz Group, who shares why sustainability matters more than ever and how you can start sustaining your business for the long-haul by becoming more sustainable.   Join us as we discuss: How sustainability mitigates risk The evolution of the sustainability role in business 3 steps for making sustainability a priority in your business

In this episode of “The Business of Blueberries,” host Kasey Cronquist, president of the USHBC and the North American Blueberry Council (NABC), is joined by Vonnie Estes, vice president of innovation for the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), to discuss how Estes is helping the fresh produce industry harness technology. “I really try to bring technology to the produce industry and bring the produce industry to technology. ” - Vonnie Estes “How do we take the risk off the grower so we can get more innovation out there and get [growers] more willing to try?” - Vonnie Estes Topics covered include: Estes' day-to-day role as the IFPA vice president of innovation.  What's driving innovation in agriculture and what areas still need technological improvements. The most tech-savvy sectors of agriculture.  What the blueberry industry can be doing to foster more tech investment.  Crop Report The Blueberry Crop Report is an update on crop conditions and markets throughout North and South America. In this episode, you'll hear from Mario Ramírez in Mexico. This was recorded on February 16, 2022.

Today's conversation is with Dana Worth, Senior Vice President at Plenty. Prior to Plenty, Dana spent nearly 6 years as VP of Sales and in Business Operations at Impossible Foods. Dana is a wealth of information on commercializing products in mission driven companies in high growth stages. We talk about the push and pull of retailers and consumers for healthy, nutritious food and looking for the “plant-based food moment” for CEA.

This podcast dives deep into genetics and CEA. I talk to Mohammed Oufattole, the newly named Chief Tech Oufattole at Revol Greens. Revol Greens is a CEA lettuce producer with locations in MN, CA, TX and GA. Their growth goal is to supply greens to the continental US consumer within 24 hours of harvest from one of their many locations. Mohammed has a deep background in genetics and brings experience of building new teams in R&D to Revol. He talks about the gains that can be made through breeding and why he is enthusiastic about CEA. Geek alert: This is one of my favorite topics but we keep it general enough I think all can enjoy!

Hear from two professionals at Wells Fargo discuss this season's topic: CEA.    According to Top 100 Farm Lenders, Wells Fargo has been the nation's leading agricultural lender among commercial banks for 25 consecutive years. They bring farm-to-fork expertise to clients in the agribusiness, food, and beverage industries. I talk to Matt Servatius – Market executive for the Central Region and Karol Flynn Sector Analyst within Food and Agribusiness. They give their perspectives as a bank on financing, technology and where the industry is headed. As we've heard in other episodes, indoor Ag is a new industry with an underdeveloped ecosystem. Institutions like Wells Fargo will play a role in the build out and scale up of a successful industry.  

AeroFarms is one of the early, venture funded Indoor Ag companies. In this episode, you will hear the interesting, long version of the origin story of the company. We also discuss the many partnerships and collaborations of AeroFarms and how the culture is built to support that.  Roger Buelow, CTO + Stacey Kimmel, VP of R&D expand on AeroFarms innovations and vast R&D programs along with the building of the largest R&D indoor farm in UAE.  

Sonia Lo is an indoor farmer, a chef, an angel investor and a mother of two who speaks seven languages and holds a third-degree black-belt in Tae-Kwon Do. Sonia has over 32 years of combined agriculture, technology and business experience. In the industry, Sonia was CEO of Crop One Holdings, Inc., a vertical farming company that owns FreshBox Farms and a joint venture with Emirates Flight Catering in Dubai. Most recently, Sonia was the CEO of Sensei Ag, an AgTech company focusing on CEA founded by Larry Ellison in Hawaii. This conversation goes where most do not in indoor Ag with Sonia's unique experience and view of the industry.  We spend time on business models and financing which are daunting issues in CEA right now. But we also talk about the political economy of CEA, the problems with lack of diversity, creating an ecosystem and how the industry needs to openly monitor, share and compare data on cost structure and carbon footprint.

This is the first episode in the last season of 2021 and is focused on Controlled Environment Ag. Nate starts off explaining CEA; it's benefits and challenges. We talk about how Plenty improves food security, safety and availability. Unlike most vertical farms, Plenty grows on vertical towers instead of flatbeds. Nate has a great description on how this came about and the advantages. We also have an enlightening conversation on breeding for vertical farms. Whether you are a practitioner or are new to vertical farming, you will learn something from this engaging discussion. 

As the federal government invests into carbon sequestration and as entrepreneurs explore "green financing," "negative foods," and carbon credit trading, what are the potential opportunities for producers of specialty crops? Are producers sitting on a gold mine, or is this fool's gold? We will explore these and other questions during this week's Virtual Town Hall.

We speak with Jack Bobo, food futurist and the author of the book "Why Smart People Make Bad Food Choices." Jack talks about how we ended up with giant-sized food portions in the US and what can be done to redesign our food environment to make better food choices for healthier living. We talk about the role of innovation and technology in solving many of our problems and the imperative to get consumers on board.

In this episode, we speak to two executives from Bolthouse Farms about innovation.  The Bolthouse Farms story is a great business case on what innovation and collaboration can bring to a company.  Innovation is woven through everything they do and think about.  There is also an open invitation to reach out to the company with innovative ideas/products/technology at innovation@bolthouse.com 

Hear from Randy Pequignot about his journey as a field supervisor for Del Monte AND data management administrator. He uses software to accumulate Ag data from contract of growers through to the processing of snap beans. Randy gives a great view of what is important to him and how data management has helped his operation and his time management. It is always great to hear the voice of the customer of new technology!

The race to develop systems for carbon capture and reduction is on! We dig deeper into the carbon challenge and talk with two innovators who are working with food companies to ensure transparency across the supply chain. The speakers tie together the importance of ESG, effects of climate change, carbon programs and how technology is the “unlock” to solve these issues.

How safe is your information? How do threat actors get into your company and what do you do if it happens? Hear from the experts about the current state of affairs and how you should protect yourself and mitigate risk.

Listen to a real life example of Lipman Family Farms and their supply chain management technology adoption journey.  We hear about the value of a good partner, constant iteration and finding the right pace of adoption. 

What is gene editing? How is it different from GMOs? Today, experts will discuss real world examples of gene editing. The ability to develop climate-resistant crops with higher nutrition and less food loss are a couple of benefits of gene editing. Could this be the path forward for our industry to develop improved foods with lower environmental impact? 

PMA's vp of technology Vonnie Estes sees a lot of opportunities to digitize every step between farm and fork.

PMA Takes on Tech: https://www.pma.com/content/podcast/takes-on-tech Aromyx: https://www.aromyx.com/ Today's two part episode starts off with a higher-level picture of the innovations in produce with Vonnie Estes, vice president of technology for the Produce Marketing Association. Then we'll drill deeper into one aspect of food quality, arguably the most important aspect of food quality: flavor. For that we'll talk to Josh Silverman, CEO of Aromyx, a company that is digitizing taste and smell. I was able to sit down with Vonnie Estes and capture some valuable insights about the challenges and opportunities of bringing technology to the produce industry, the role of indoor agriculture in fresh produce, alternative funding models for companies that want to serve some of these niches, and the digitization of quality and of supply chains, which will of course lead us into part two with Josh.  Vonnie Estes is the VP of Technology at the Produce Marketing Association.  She has held leadership positions at prominent companies including DuPont, Monsanto, and Syngenta along with start-ups including DNAP, Emergent Genetics, and Caribou Biosciences. Vonnie has a BS in Horticulture from New Mexico State and a Masters in Plant Pathology from UC Davis.  Also joining me is Aromyx CEO Josh Silverman. Josh has a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, and is a serial entrepreneur. He has been the founder of 5 different biotech companies, including some in the new protein ingredient space. It was through these experiences of trying to bring sustainable foods and ingredients to the market that he realized flavor is most important, but was also really subjective and nearly impossible to predict. So he joined Aromyx, and the company just recently a $10 million series A round with investors that included the Rabobank Food & Agri Innovation Fund.   

A conversation with Nate Storey about how Plenty thinks about and deals with food safety issues. Listen to this candid discussion about the challenges and types of solutions the produce industry (indoor and out) faces with food safety and traceability

I sit on the other side of the microphone with Sarah Nolet from the agtech….so what podcast. We discuss a wide range of topics from genetics to clean tech.

Kalera is one of the fastest-growing and largest vertical farming companies. It has high-yield, automated, data-driven hydroponic production facilities designed for rapid rollout with two operating facilities in Orlando, one in St Paul, MN and one in Atlanta. It plans to open five additional large-scale facilities across the US by early 2022, including locations in Houston, Denver, Hawaii, Columbus, and Seattle.   Kalera has had a very busy year with the acquisition of Vindara, an indoor ag breeding company and building an impressive team and board. Hear from Daniel Malechuck the CEO of Kalera about their journey and also from Jade Stinson, co-founder and CEO of Vindara about the importance of breeding to indoor ag.

The development of agricultural biologicals - biostimulants, biopesticides and biofertilizers - is growing as global agriculture looks to move towards more sustainable ways to boost yields and new methods of crop protection. Growers are increasingly looking to agricultural inputs based on microbes to both reduce and complement the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilzers in their fields. Biological controls have been around for years, but represent only 10% of fungicide and sales and have not yet made a dent in nutritional inputs and skepticism still remains.   This week's episode explores the many benefits of using microbes and the different approaches leaders in the field use.

Join a lively discussion with Paul Lightfoot, founder and president at Bright Farms. We talk about his journey with BrightFarms over the last 10 years and the strengths he sees with indoor growing around supply chain and water. Paul has also started a newsletter called Negative Foods and is on a mission to eat and promote foods based on regenerative farming practices that draw carbon from the atmosphere. Paul believes if we eat foods that draw down carbon on a net basis, our food system will be a lever to reverse climate change. We cover climate change, carbon negative foods, a challenge to organic crop systems and oysters and beer.

This episode focuses on the success story of fruit production in Chile. The public and private sectors have worked together to expand production of fruit using all types of technology and innovation. In 2019, the fruit-growing sector in Chile achieved record exports, of over $6.5 B US dollars with an increase of 3.6% compared to 2018. This is a reflection of Chile's strategy of expanding into new markets which has led to a significant increase in the number of export destinations, up from 78 markets in 2003 to 129 in 2019. Hear about the work being done in both sectors. And enjoy your winter blueberries.

I had so much interest in being on the podcast in Israel that we are doing Part 2! As a global innovation hub, Israel uses novel technologies to lead the AgTech and FoodTech industry towards a more efficient and sustainable future; it serves as a global laboratory for producing more food using fewer resources. Israeli start-ups are improving traditional agriculture by introducing new, groundbreaking technologies in the field. The country has a strong ecosystem with universities, a long history in food production with multinational VC's and Corporates involved in financing and strong government support. In Part 2 of our episodes on Israel, we hear from experts and industry veterans on what is happening in Israel and why it is a good place to start a company. The conversation ranges from plant genetics to high-tech sensors gathering data to be analyzed by AWS. Across the entire supply chain from seed to fork, the country of nine million people is full of companies working on cutting-edge innovation.

I turn the microphone around with Tim and Tyler Nuss from The Modern Acre. We hit updates and insights in some hot topics in agriculture. We talk through the recent coming together of PMA and United Fresh, the latest in carbon markets, agtech exits including SPAC's, indoor farming, and seeing a Rivian in the wild! This episode has it all.

I turn the microphone around with Tim and Tyler Nuss from The Modern Acre. We hit updates and insights in some hot topics in agriculture. We talk through the recent coming together of PMA and United Fresh, the latest in carbon markets, agtech exits including SPAC’s, indoor farming, and seeing a Rivian in the wild! This episode has it all.

As a global innovation hub, Israel uses novel technologies to lead the AgTech and FoodTech industry towards a more efficient and sustainable future; it serves as a global laboratory for producing more food using fewer resources. Israeli start-ups are improving traditional agriculture by introducing new, groundbreaking technologies in the field. The country has a strong ecosystem with universities, a long history in food production with multinational VC's and Corporates involved in financing and strong government support. In Part 1 of the a 2 part series on Israel, we hear from experts and industry veterans on what is happening in Israel and why it is a good place to start a company. The conversation ranges from plant genetics to hyperspectral machine vision technology to supply chain disruption and innovation. Across the entire supply chain from seed to fork, the country of nine million people is full of companies working on cutting-edge innovation.

Their mission is to change the status quo and leverage the talent of Women in Produce to close the industry's gender divide by inspiring, connecting and empowering women around the world. And their mission matters more than ever. Today, women account for 80% of purchasing decisions, but only 20% of the voices guiding decisions in the boardroom. What's more, is that by 2030 we'll need the equivalent of two planets to feed a growing world population of 10 billion people – half of them female. Our industry is being called upon to feed the world more humanely, sustainably and efficiently – and more female leadership is a critical part of the answer. Beanstalk Global has partnered up with Global Women Fresh to create a unique monthly Broadcast interview series. This to further promote the great work they do, to gain them more members ongoing and additional corporate sponsorship as well as to assist them to make a long-term difference in the Global Fresh Produce sectors. Next in our series, we discuss Diversity and Inclusion with Agrifood and Tech. The panelists include: Vonnie Estes  Antonio Iannone  Beatriz Jacoste Lozano  Linda Carobbi 

Vonnie Estes has been at the forefront of genetics in agriculture for 30 years. She’s witnessed the public backlash over GMO crops in the 1990s, as well as the hype over biofuels in the U.S in the 2000s. Vonnie has also seen great advancements in plant breeding and genetics, working for Monsanto, Dupont, and Syngenta, as well as with multiple ag and biotech startups.In her current role as Vice-President of Technology at the Produce Marketing Association, Vonnie helps companies navigate the confusing agtech landscape, investigating the sorts of food innovations consumers want (such as better taste), as well as innovations the world will increasingly need, such as drought and flood resistant crops. In this episode she talks about:The communications challenges in navigating science vs. emotion when introducing new technologies in foodWhat business models will win as new innovations in gene editing and soil carbon come to marketHow emerging ag and biotech companies will transform supply chainsFor more resources from this episode, visit our website.

With little farming land, Singapore imports 90% of the food it consumes. Coupled with the recent supply chain shocks, the government has set up a number of programs and incentives for local food production and innovation. In this episode, we hear from there different companies in the well-functioning AgTech ecosystem in Singapore. Benny Chng from SGInnovate discusses the companies they are investing in at this time and why food and ag are important. We also hear from Foong Yoke Oon who with her husband is building Ubertas Agritech, a vertical farm to serve Singapore. And Adrian Teo from DiMuto a global commerce solution company for the produce market. These three conversations illustrate what a good ecosystem can bring to a sector with government support, private sector financing and smart entrepreneurs.

Vonnie Estes is the Vice President of Technology of the Produce Marketing Association. Vonnie joins us for the second time to give some updates and insights into some hot topics within agriculture. We talk through the recent merger of PMA and United Fresh, the latest in carbon markets, agtech exits including SPAC's, indoor farming, and seeing a Rivian in the wild! This episode has it all. Show Notes: https://themodernacre.com/168

Be ready to take notes! This episode covers the needs of the food supply chain which was pushed into the spotlight by COVID-19. As we saw shortages on the shelf, and supply disruption and dislocations in production and distribution, this complicated question arose: What does it take to get data flowing from farm to plate to resiliently manage the supply chain? Brita and Seana have previously covered the well-funded ends of the supply chain. Seana in AgTech and Brita in Foodtech. They believe there is tremendous, untapped opportunity for vertical-specific technology companies which are focused on serving the unique needs of the food supply chain. After listening to this episode, you will to!   Here is the link to their Food Supply Chain Tech Landscape 2021: https://www.culterracapital.com/post/delivering-the-goods-our-2021-food-supply-chain-tech-predictions   

Tim and Tyler are on the other side of this episode! They share more about Nuss Farms' transition to regenerative ag on the PMA Takes on Tech Podcast, hosted by Vonnie Estes. Tune in to hear their latest thoughts on their farm and where regenerative ag is going. Show Notes: https://themodernacre.com/153

“What I love doing is figuring out what scientists are doing and then applying it in the field to make people's lives better.”Vonnie Estes (4:24)   From Growers, to Packaging, to Your Table, Technology is Revolutionizing AG.    When it comes to agriculture technology, Vonnie Estes is the most brilliant woman that the Produce Moms has crossed paths with. She is truly a thought leader in the industry and has done a tremendous amount of work to revolutionize the way technology is utilized in agriculture.    Vonnie Estes is the Vice President of Marketing at the Produce Marketing Association. She studied Horticulture and Plant Pathology, but quickly realized that she loved science, but had no desire to be a scientist. Her gift is in taking the advancements made by scientists and applying it in the field to make people's lives better through agriculture. She is passionate to work on the edge of scientists advancements and be the navigator to apply those incredible discoveries to the world of agriculture.    The Importance of Technology in AG   In the rural farms of Chile, there are still farmers who manage their entire business on pen and paper in a stack of notebooks.    As our world moves forward, and technology plays a part in every single aspect of our lives, it makes sense that it has a place in the food industry   The terms “biotechnology” and “genetically modified” often instill fear in the hearts of the consumers. However, these terms encompass much more than we realize, and are a crucial component to the support of the produce industry.    Technology enables farmers to create a digital footprint and help you, as the consumer, know exactly where your produce comes from.    Technology is creating opportunities for robots to do the hard work, allowing workers to move out of positions of grueling, long hours of work that damages their bodies (i.e. pruning and harvesting) and into jobs that empower their health.  Technology provides software that equips farmers to manage their crops and workers.  Technology increases efficiency - giving farmers real-time data to help them eliminate water waste, and increase crop yields.    Perhaps one of the leading advances in technology that we often hear about is genetic modification. The presence of GMOs represents groundbreaking work in AG technology, but we often hear about them in a negative light.    “35% of rural America has no connectivity at all. 60% of farmers, when asked if their connectivity is good enough to run their business, said no.”  - Vonnie Estes. 15:20 - 15:35   The Lowdown on GMOs Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) is a term that is tossed around regularly in the produce world, and it has created a lot of confusion. Consumers are often afraid of its implications, and more and more individuals are grabbing their produce from the “Certified Organic” shelves.    But what is genetic modification, and is it actually dangerous?    “90% of scientists think GMOs are safe, including The American Medical Association and National Academy of Sciences.”  - Vonnie Estes. (20:01 - 20:08)   Genetic modification, using tools to change the DNA of a plant cell, started in the 1990s. There are two main traits that scientists work on to increase a crop's resilience, and increase the harvest.    “Roundup ready” - Scientists have created a crop that is more resilient to herbicide.    Bug Resistant - Scientists insert insecticide genes into the plant. This protects the plants from being eaten by pests.    It can be disconcerting to think that there is foreign DNA in the foods you consume. However, it's important to understand that genetic modification is highly regulated and well tested, and isn't as widespread as some may think.   “When you think about it, we in the US have been eating genetically modified food since the 90s. 60% of processed food on the grocery shelf has some kind of genetically modified thing in it.” - Vonnie Estes 20:25   It's also important to note that genetic modification is not a widespread practice for all produce. A genetically modified crop takes 10-15 years to get to market. Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent for the regulatory process of development and testing. Only the biggest companies and crops (i.e. corn, soy, canola) can even afford it.    So, what products ARE genetically modified?  There are currently three crops on the market that have been modified. Only one of the three are readily available for consumer purchase in grocery stores.    Potatoes. There is currently a potato crop available for commercial purpose that doesn't brown when cut.    Arctic Apple. The Arctic Apple has been genetically modified to not brown. They are not available everywhere, and are well-marked in locations where they can be purchased.    Papayas sourced from Hawaii. Genetic modification literally saved the papaya industry in Hawaii. When a virus threatened to destroy the entire crop 20-30 years ago, a resistant strain of papaya was developed.  The Future of GMO New labeling protocols are being implemented to help consumers understand which products they purchase contain GMO'd ingredients. Products only have to identify their products as GMO'd if they contain a certain percentage of modified ingredients.    “It's great to know labels are going to be on all of the [GMO'd] products so we can minimize consumer confusion and increase consumer confidence.” - Lori Taylor (25:24)    Why support conventional produce?    According to Vonnie, if you are passionate about sustainability, organic may not be the way to go.    Why?   When only one person is touching everything - it becomes elitist. There is limited potential for scale, increased cost, and limited accessibility for the masses. If you really care about regenerating the soul, and sustainability, organic may not be the best choice. It's important to consider how things are being grown, and how your choices affect the rest of the population.  Technology is feeding the world.    The goal of biotechnology and genetic modification is to create food to feed the world. Vonnie Estes and scientists in AG Tech want people to eat better, to feed more people, navigate challenges like climate change, and do all of this in a sustainable way that takes care of our earth.    When you look at all of these factors, it becomes easy to see that technology is a necessary component to help produce food in a way that is efficient, sustainable, and accessible.  How to get involved Join The Produce Moms Group on Facebook and continue the discussion every week!  Reach out to us - we'd love to hear more about where you are in life and business! Find out more here.  If you're interested to learn more about the future of AG Tech, listen to EP29: How Drones, Artificial Intelligence and Farmers Work Together with Mary Snapp, Corporate Vice President and Lead of Microsoft Philanthropies Connect with Vonnie on LinkedIn   If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we'd love for you to help us spread the word!

Watch our Cheddar TV Segment HERE Tune in this week to hear from one of the premier thought leaders in the agriculture industry, Vonnie Estes. Vonnie holds the position of Vice President of Technology at the Produce Marketing Association and has an impressive background in science and technology as it relates to agriculture. Vonnie dives into a recent AgFunder article she wrote sharing 5 things she saw at the recent Agri-Tech Innovation Summit in San Francisco as well as sharing more about her role at PMA. You won't want to miss this episode! Connect with Vonnie LinkedIn | AgFunder Article | PMA Website Connect with The Modern Acre Website | Instagram | Twitter