Welcome to Fresh Takes on Tech, a podcast from the International Fresh Produce Association. At IFPA, Our trade association represents companies from every segme...
Smart Irrigation, Disease Detection, and Solar-Powered Farming: The Future of AgTech
Description:Vonnie Estes sits down with three innovators transforming how agriculture manages energy, water, and disease detection. Michael Salvador, co-founder and CEO of Mirai Solar, discusses how photovoltaic shading systems generate clean energy while protecting crops from excessive sunlight. Sarah Placella, founder and CEO of Root Applied Sciences, shares how their airborne pathogen detection system helps growers optimize pesticide use and improve scouting precision. Bryce Buesing, Manager of Client Relations at Responsive Drip Irrigation (RDI), explains their plant-responsive irrigation system that delivers water only when plants need it, improving efficiency and conservation.Each of these technologies is shaping a more sustainable and data-driven future for farming, offering solutions that enhance productivity, reduce waste, and support climate resilience.Key Points from the Conversation:•​Mirai Solar: Photovoltaic shading replaces traditional greenhouse and field shading, providing crops with optimal light exposure while generating electricity.•​Root Applied Sciences: DNA-based airborne pathogen detection helps farmers reduce pesticide use by identifying disease presence before visible symptoms appear.•​Responsive Drip Irrigation (RDI): A sensor-free, plant-responsive irrigation system that releases water based on root signals, optimizing water use for a variety of crops.•​The increasing need for precision agriculture solutions in response to climate change and resource limitations.•​Insights from the Fresh Field Catalyst Accelerator, including the value of industry mentorship and collaboration in bringing new ag-tech innovations to market.Guest Information: •​Michael Salvador – Co-founder & CEO of Mirai Solar, leading innovation in solar-powered shading for agriculture.•​Sarah Placella – Founder & CEO of Root Applied Sciences, pioneering DNA-based pathogen detection to optimize crop protection.•​Bryce Buesing – Manager of Client Relations at Responsive Drip Irrigation, specializing in plant-responsive irrigation solutions for water conservation.
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29:50
Innovating Produce Supply Chains: AI, Fintech, and Food Quality Solutions
Description:Vonnie Estes explores how data, financing, and AI-driven solutions are transforming the fresh produce industry with insights from three pioneering companies. David Kat of Neolithics discusses how hyperspectral imaging is enabling non-destructive analysis of fruits and vegetables, reducing food waste, and improving quality control. Pat McCullough from ProducePay shares how technology-driven financing is providing growers with access to capital, stabilizing supply chains, and increasing transparency from farm to retailer. Steve Mantle of Innov8.ag explains how geospatial data is helping farmers optimize resources, improve sustainability, and make informed decisions at scale. Learn how these innovations are shaping a more efficient and resilient produce industry.Key Points from the Conversation:• Neolithics’ use of hyperspectral imaging to assess internal fruit quality and prevent food waste.• ProducePay’s technology-driven financing solutions that improve supply chain stability.• Innov8.ag’s geospatial data analytics for optimizing agricultural inputs and sustainability.• The role of AI and real-time data in transforming fresh produce operations.Guest Information:• David Kat – VP of Business Development at Neolithics, specializing in hyperspectral imaging for produce quality assessment.• Pat McCullough – CEO of ProducePay, leading advancements in produce financing and supply chain transparency.• Steve Mantle – Founder of Innov8.ag, focused on geospatial data solutions for improving agricultural efficiency.
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40:59
AgroFresh, ClearLeaf, and Sufresca – Extending Shelf Life in Fresh Produce
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.
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31:32
Farm-ng & L5 Robotics: Small-Scale Robotics and Autonomous Harvesting Innovations
Description:Vonnie Estes welcomes Nathan Dorn, VP of Business Development for Farm-ng, and Alex Gutierrez, Founder of L5 Robotics, to explore the transformative role of robotics in agriculture. Nathan discusses Farm-ng’s development of small electric robotic tractors that support farming tasks such as data collection, weeding, and harvesting, while also empowering students and researchers with hands-on learning opportunities. Alex shares insights into L5 Robotics’ autonomous harvesting systems for strawberries, designed to address labor shortages and improve efficiency. Together, they shed light on how robotics is paving the way for smarter, more sustainable agricultural systems.Key Points from the Conversation: • Farm-ng’s open-source robotic tractors and their applications in farming and education. • L5 Robotics’ approach to autonomous harvesting and labor efficiency in strawberry production. • Overcoming challenges in scaling robotics and reducing costs for farmers. • The intersection of robotics, sustainability, and the future of food systems.Guest Information:Nathan Dorn – VP of Business Development for Farm-ng, a company focused on small-scale robotics for sustainable farming and education.Alex Gutierrez – Founder of L5 Robotics, specializing in autonomous harvesting technologies for strawberries and other crops.
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22:50
AgraGene & BloomX: Transforming Pest Control and Pollination Practices
Description:This episode features two innovative companies addressing critical agricultural challenges. Stephanie Gamez, Director of R&D at AgraGene, introduces their gene-editing technology designed to combat Drosophila suzukii, an invasive pest devastating small fruit crops. Using sterile insect techniques, AgraGene offers growers an environmentally friendly, sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides.Thai Sade, Founder and CEO of BloomX, discusses their biomimicking pollination solutions that enhance the natural pollination process, helping growers overcome labor shortages and optimize yields for crops like avocados and blueberries. Together, these technologies represent groundbreaking solutions for pest control and pollination challenges in the agriculture industry.Key Points from the Conversation: • AgraGene’s sterile insect technology and its application in controlling Drosophila suzukii. • The environmental benefits of reducing chemical pesticide usage. • BloomX’s data-driven approach to optimizing pollination windows. • How both companies are addressing challenges like climate change, labor shortages, and sustainable farming practices.Guest Information:Stephanie Gamez – Director of R&D at AgraGene, a company using gene-editing technologies to provide sustainable pest control solutions for agriculture.Thai Sade – Founder and CEO of BloomX, a leader in biomimicking pollination technology that supports growers in enhancing crop yields.
Welcome to Fresh Takes on Tech, a podcast from the International Fresh Produce Association. At IFPA, Our trade association represents companies from every segment of the global fresh produce and floral supply chain. We advocate, connect and guide to enhance members’ prosperity.
This is a show for people interested in the intersection between technology and the produce and floral industries. Each episode we explore the problems, solutions, people and ideas that are shaping the industry.
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South Africa