Agriculture, Food & Forestry

Experts in farming, food production, and forestry, contributing to sustainable agriculture, food security, and environmental conservation

Armando Hernández

Armando Hernández

Lead Sales & Growth en Satellites on Fire. Experto en tecnología aplicada al medioambiente, lidera la expansión de soluciones satelitales e IA para la detección temprana de incendios en 15 países.

Lead Sales & Growth en Satellites on Fire. Experto en tecnología aplicada al medioambiente, lidera la expansión de soluciones satelitales e IA para la detección temprana de incendios en 15 países. Show more

Vaishnavi Yathirajam

Vaishnavi Yathirajam

Vaishnavi Yathirajam is the founder of Manakin Bio, a company at the intersection of biotechnology and advanced AI systems. She works closely with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) on cutting-edge research projects that integrate synthetic biology, diagnostics, and AI for space and Earth-based applications. With a strong background in interdisciplinary research, she combines expertise in artificial intelligence, behavioral psychology, and biosystems engineering to build impactful solutions for human well-being.

Her work often draws from ancient philosophies and cultural knowledge systems—like the Thirukkural—to inform the design of empathetic and ethically-grounded technologies. Vaishnavi is a passionate advocate for culturally contextualized AI, and frequently speaks on the future of human-centered design, diagnostics, and ethical intelligence. She believes the next generation of AI should be not only intelligent—but deeply humane.

Vaishnavi Yathirajam is the founder of Manakin Bio, a company at the intersection of biotechnology and advanced AI systems. She works closely with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) on cutting-edge research projects that integrate synthetic biolo... Show more

Stephen Doliente

Stephen Doliente

Stephen’s training and background are in chemical and energy engineering, and he has over ten years of research experience in sustainable energy and chemical technologies. The pillars of his research are process development, techno-economic assessment, life cycle thinking, supply chain optimisation, and whole-systems analysis for evidence-based, strategic, and conscientious deployment of biomass-based, circular, and carbon abatement solutions. Currently, he is affiliated with Imperial's Department of Chemical Engineering and its recently inaugurated Centre for Sectoral Economic Performance to collaborate on a sectoral study of the UK's fine chemicals industry. Its objective is to understand the current local and global industry landscapes; analyse the technological, innovation, business, and regulatory environments; and develop policy and industry recommendations for the sector's future competitiveness and sustainability.

Stephen’s training and background are in chemical and energy engineering, and he has over ten years of research experience in sustainable energy and chemical technologies. The pillars of his research are process development, techno-economic assessmen... Show more

Barbara Mechura

Barbara Mechura

Barbara Mechura, a retired school nutrition director turned AFHK Grant Program Director, brings over 30 years of experience in both rural and metro districts. Her focus is on transforming school cafeterias with fresh, healthy ingredients and farm-to-table partnerships, fostering excitement in kids for nutritious, veggie-centric meals. She's successfully revamped school kitchens, turning them into havens for scratch-cooked, fresh foods. Her expertise extends to training staff as engaged food coaches.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
- National Farm to School Network Technical Assistance Provider
- Winner of 20+ grants
- Led 16 kitchen design and remodel projects; numerous kitchen enhancements
- Mentor to assistant directors, now successful nutrition leaders in various states
- Presenter at School Nutrition Association and State Affiliate conferences
- Over a decade designing educational programs for the Minnesota School Business Officials Association.

Barbara Mechura, a retired school nutrition director turned AFHK Grant Program Director, brings over 30 years of experience in both rural and metro districts. Her focus is on transforming school cafeterias with fresh, healthy ingredients and farm-to-... Show more

Oyefusi Samuel Oluwakorede P.E

Oyefusi Samuel Oluwakorede P.E

Samuel Oluwakorede Oyefusi is a Mechanical Engineering student at Pan Atlantic University, Ex-president of the Living Green Club, the co-Founder of Ridebuddy and Global Ambassador of Thierworld.

He has a passion for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a keen focus on Energy Transition, Robotics innovation, and advocacy for quality education. He excels in research, analysis, and strategic planning, leveraging his expertise in innovation and sustainable development to drive positive change in Africa

As an UNLEASH community leader, he mentors the youths close to him with the aim to inspire a new generation of innovators dedicated to creating a brighter future for the continent.

He is currently engaged in a groundbreaking project involving a smart irrigation system for farming and an Agrobot equipped with computer vision and AI for precise farm navigation, crop yield estimation, weed detection, and removal.

Samuel Oluwakorede Oyefusi is a Mechanical Engineering student at Pan Atlantic University, Ex-president of the Living Green Club, the co-Founder of Ridebuddy and Global Ambassador of Thierworld. He has a passion for the Sustainable Development Go... Show more

Sayandeep Dutta

Sayandeep Dutta

Founder at KrishiSarthi- An Agritech Startup
Pursuing my dream to be the best in cybersecurity field. Having all kinds of knowledge about OWASP top 10 and hunting on different platforms discovering new zero-days. Writing papers on ML and AI.

Founder at KrishiSarthi- An Agritech Startup Pursuing my dream to be the best in cybersecurity field. Having all kinds of knowledge about OWASP top 10 and hunting on different platforms discovering new zero-days. Writing papers on ML and AI. Show more

William McGirr

William McGirr

I am passionate about food, plants, nature, healing and leading others to discover how to reverse aging, repair cellular damage and feel at love within themselves. Ive travelled the world for 8 years searching for my own inner truth. Ive come to settle in Garson MB canada, following the passing of me step father, to develop 60 acres of land into a sustainable, electro cultured and permaculture food forest. Helping to provide Nutritious foods locally, developing a summer camp for kids and bring back the lost practice of electroculture. NFTs will save our planet, will save my farm, will save locals employment. NFTs will feed the kids, create sovereignty and freedom for mankind.

I am passionate about food, plants, nature, healing and leading others to discover how to reverse aging, repair cellular damage and feel at love within themselves. Ive travelled the world for 8 years searching for my own inner truth. Ive come to sett... Show more

Saumendra Swain

Saumendra Swain

Graduated in BOTANY honors, Fell in Love with the Internet since 1993 - the days of no Browser. Since then an eFarmer implements the learnings on Web technologies.

Web Developer Since the year 2000 from HTML to Node.js its a journey of extraordinary testimony of web incarnation. Worked on .NET, JAVA, PHP, Python, Perl, AMP, Polymer, Node.js, VS Code, Progressive Web Apps (PWA), Cloud Server Management (Google), Cloud Application Development,

Avid Himalayan Mountain Trekker from Manali in the East to the Sikkim in the West of Himalayan Ranges, Vegetable Farmer From Potatoes to Cucumber, and Blogger since 2002.

Graduated in BOTANY honors, Fell in Love with the Internet since 1993 - the days of no Browser. Since then an eFarmer implements the learnings on Web technologies. Web Developer Since the year 2000 from HTML to Node.js its a journey of extraordina... Show more

Kenneth Sherin

Kenneth Sherin

Kenny Sherin, a North Carolina native, grew up on a family farm in Union County. He earned degrees in natural resources and forestry from NC State University, followed by a Master of Divinity from Campbell University. Kenny later earned a Ph.D. in Rural Sociology and Community Development from the University of Missouri.

He served as a state program leader for Community Vitality at South Dakota State University Extension before returning to North Carolina in 2019 as the Randolph County Extension Director. In 2021, he also took on the role of Broadband Access and Education Coordinator.

In 2024, Kenny became the Community and Economic Development Program Manager for NC State Extension, leading broadband and community development initiatives.

Kenny Sherin, a North Carolina native, grew up on a family farm in Union County. He earned degrees in natural resources and forestry from NC State University, followed by a Master of Divinity from Campbell University. Kenny later earned a Ph.D. in Ru... Show more

Lisa McCann

Lisa McCann

Lisa McCann is a registered dietitian and proud alumni of the University of Minnesota. She is currently a Sustainable Nutrition manager with Midwest Dairy and has worked for the past seventeen years on behalf of dairy farmers to share their farm-to-table story and why dairy is good for the body and good for the planet. Her job has always focused on building relationships with schools and a variety of health, wellness, and sustainability partners sharing innovative research in dairy nutrition and provide solutions for today’s health-conscious student, wellness partner, and consumer. Lisa lives in the Twin Cities with her husband of over 31 years and has two married adult sons and a granddaughter who brings so much joy! She enjoys reading, walking, and home improvement projects in her spare time.

Lisa McCann is a registered dietitian and proud alumni of the University of Minnesota. She is currently a Sustainable Nutrition manager with Midwest Dairy and has worked for the past seventeen years on behalf of dairy farmers to share their farm-to-... Show more

Victoria Potdevin

Victoria Potdevin

Ingénieure agronome, spécialisée en modélisation, Victoria a rejoint Adventiel en 2017 dès l'obtention de son diplôme. Elle a participé à la création du service intelligence artificielle et sciences des données en 2022, qu'elle pilote aujourd'hui. Victoria s'attache à ce que son équipe exploite tout le potentiel des IAs pour répondre aux enjeux terrains agricoles et soutenir ce secteur.

Ingénieure agronome, spécialisée en modélisation, Victoria a rejoint Adventiel en 2017 dès l'obtention de son diplôme. Elle a participé à la création du service intelligence artificielle et sciences des données en 2022, qu'elle pilote aujourd'hui. Vi... Show more

Moses Liech

Moses Liech

Entrepreneurship Fellow at Dunin-Deshpande Queens University Canada, Blockchain Developer and Software Engineer having worked previously at Hesa Africa and Power Learn Project as an Assistant Database Instructor.2 times Founder and current CEO Investa Farm.

Entrepreneurship Fellow at Dunin-Deshpande Queens University Canada, Blockchain Developer and Software Engineer having worked previously at Hesa Africa and Power Learn Project as an Assistant Database Instructor.2 times Founder and current CEO Invest... Show more

Letizia Guarise

Letizia Guarise

Foodie with a past in gastronomy and zero food waste projects, after my studies in International Food and Agribusiness, I've started experimenting old and new Fermentation and regenerative techniques. I've been resident at Moos community while working with Edible Alchemy in Berlin and recently co-founded the Regenerative Project Gaia's Garden.it

Foodie with a past in gastronomy and zero food waste projects, after my studies in International Food and Agribusiness, I've started experimenting old and new Fermentation and regenerative techniques. I've been resident at Moos community while workin... Show more

Yahya Fadhluloh Al Fatih

Yahya Fadhluloh Al Fatih

I'm Head of Engineering Platform in eFishery the aquaculture startup with innovation of fish feeder, I'm creating the edge tech happen in efishery, and I manage the centralize software development, infrastructure and cybersecurity

I'm Head of Engineering Platform in eFishery the aquaculture startup with innovation of fish feeder, I'm creating the edge tech happen in efishery, and I manage the centralize software development, infrastructure and cybersecurity Show more

Abubakar Salihu Usman

Abubakar Salihu Usman

Name: Abubakar Salihu Usman

Origin: Jama'are Local Government, Bauchi State, Nigeria

Academic Background:
- Currently a final year student at Bauchi State University, Gadau
- Studying Botany

Professional Background:
- Rice Farmer

Summary:
Abubakar Salihu Usman is a final year Botany student at Bauchi State University, Gadau, and a dedicated rice farmer from Jama'are Local Government, Bauchi State. He is passionate about agriculture and botany, and is committed to making a positive impact in his community through his studies and farming endeavors.

Name: Abubakar Salihu Usman Origin: Jama'are Local Government, Bauchi State, Nigeria Academic Background: - Currently a final year student at Bauchi State University, Gadau - Studying Botany Professional Background: - Rice Farmer Summa... Show more

John McElhone

John McElhone

John is the co-founder of CropSafe - building the operational and financial operating system for the millions of farms that feed the world’s population, powered by a global network of orbital satellites and weather monitoring stations. CropSafe has recently announced that they have raised $3M in seed funding and have opened U.S. headquarters in Los Angeles.

John is the co-founder of CropSafe - building the operational and financial operating system for the millions of farms that feed the world’s population, powered by a global network of orbital satellites and weather monitoring stations. CropSafe has r... Show more

Tumelo Zondi

Tumelo Zondi

Tumelo is a passionate BCom Entrepreneurial Management graduate from the University of Free-State. Named one of the 100 Young Mandelas of the future by News24, she remains committed to improving lives and creating real impact through all the world she does.

She is associated with the likes of the Durban Youth Council, Enactus UFS where she served as the Vice-President and MiET, a non-profit organization where she worked as a data consultant. She has also mentored young people through the University of Free-State P3 mentorship program and Nkcubeko Noyila Foundation's Learners Connect.

Her experiences and training on leadership includes discussions on social, political and global issues, particularly in the African & South African context through the YALI program and the GIBS: Spirit of the Youth program.

As of late, she has Co-founded & is Director of Sprout Africa, a company committed to providing access to efficient markets & training for farmers in marginalized communities. Her passions for youth, media, driving change through sustainable development and she believes that young people have a huge role to play in impacting our global society.

Tumelo is a passionate BCom Entrepreneurial Management graduate from the University of Free-State. Named one of the 100 Young Mandelas of the future by News24, she remains committed to improving lives and creating real impact through all the world sh... Show more

James Gatuna

James Gatuna

Experienced product owner with a background in telecommunications and farming.

Experienced product owner with a background in telecommunications and farming. Show more

Ricardo Sandoval-Palos

Ricardo Sandoval-Palos

Ricardo Sandoval-Palos is the Public Editor of the Public Broadcasting Service -- the audience representative before PBS and its community of producers and journalists. He is an award-winning investigative reporter and multimedia editor who helped shape reporting teams of nonprofit newsrooms and recently co-founded palabra, the digital magazine of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.

Ricardo is a former supervising editor of NPR’s Morning Edition broadcast, an editor with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists and The Sacramento Bee, and a Latin America correspondent for the Dallas Morning News and the San Jose Mercury News. Before that, he was an investigative business reporter in California and co-author of the award-winning biography, "The Fight in the Fields: Cesar Chavez and the Farmworkers Movement."

Ricardo Sandoval-Palos is the Public Editor of the Public Broadcasting Service -- the audience representative before PBS and its community of producers and journalists. He is an award-winning investigative reporter and multimedia editor who helped sh... Show more

Chad Johnson

Chad Johnson

Chad Johnson is a highly accomplished professional with extensive waterworks industry experience, with over two decades of dedicated service in municipal sales within the waterworks sector. As a graduate of Northern Illinois University, he holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Psychology. His experience has equipped him with the knowledge and insights needed to navigate the intricacies of the industry and provide invaluable solutions to clients and communities.
In addition to his professional achievements, Chad is a published author in the sales development space, where he has shared his insights and expertise with a broader audience.
Chad is a family-oriented individual. He and his family reside in Aurora, Illinois.

Chad Johnson is a highly accomplished professional with extensive waterworks industry experience, with over two decades of dedicated service in municipal sales within the waterworks sector. As a graduate of Northern Illinois University, he holds a Ba... Show more

Andrew Graham

Andrew Graham

Tbd

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Marieke van der Velden

Marieke van der Velden

As Senior Manager of Strategic Initiatives, Marieke works to strengthen animal welfare innovation, collaboration and advancement in Canada. She joined PetSmart Charities of Canada with more than twelve years of experience in the animal welfare field, focused on building programs that preserved the human animal bond and increased access to care for both remote and underserved communities in Canada. She loves connecting dots and people to create positive change. Marieke is passionate about unique and innovative approaches to solving the problems people and their pets face.

As Senior Manager of Strategic Initiatives, Marieke works to strengthen animal welfare innovation, collaboration and advancement in Canada. She joined PetSmart Charities of Canada with more than twelve years of experience in the animal welfare field,... Show more

Hamenyimana Ismaël

Hamenyimana Ismaël

GIS Specialist, Geologist.

GIS Specialist, Geologist. Show more

Shakthi Lakmal

Shakthi Lakmal

Shakthi Lakmal is an AI Researcher and Microsoft Gold Student Ambassador focused on applying artificial intelligence to improve food quality, health, and biological systems. With a background in Food Science and Technology, I build practical AI solutions across computer vision, molecular design, and edge AI.

He is passionate about creating scalable, impactful AI innovations that support safer food systems, better health outcomes, and sustainable global development.

Shakthi Lakmal is an AI Researcher and Microsoft Gold Student Ambassador focused on applying artificial intelligence to improve food quality, health, and biological systems. With a background in Food Science and Technology, I build practical AI solut... Show more

Stanley Eze (Ph.d)

Stanley Eze (Ph.d)

Dr. Eze U. Stanley is the Chief Consultant Geophysicist at Geotech4all Consultancy Group and the current co-ordinator (Ag. HOD) of the Dept. of Applied Geology, School of Earth Sciences, Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, Ondo State, Nigeria, where he lectures.
Dr. Eze is an active and committed member of NAPE and other geoscience associations within and outside the country.

Dr. Eze U. Stanley is the Chief Consultant Geophysicist at Geotech4all Consultancy Group and the current co-ordinator (Ag. HOD) of the Dept. of Applied Geology, School of Earth Sciences, Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa,... Show more

Eduardo Muñoz

Eduardo Muñoz

Briones mathematician introduced to the world of Power Platform.

Briones mathematician introduced to the world of Power Platform. Show more

Bornface Kangombe

Bornface Kangombe

Kangombe Bornface is a Zambian innovator passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems. He has developed AI-driven solutions like the Agro Infection Detection system, which helps farmers detect crop diseases early, reducing losses and improving community health. Kangombe combines expertise in machine learning, mobile and web development, and innovation management with a strong focus on social impact. He has participated in multiple hackathons and innovation challenges, consistently building solutions that blend technical rigor with practical utility. Kangombe is committed to empowering local communities through technology and promoting sustainable development across Zambia.

Kangombe Bornface is a Zambian innovator passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems. He has developed AI-driven solutions like the Agro Infection Detection system, which helps farmers detect crop diseases early, reducing losses an... Show more

Joshua Olalekan Akerekan

Joshua Olalekan Akerekan

i am Akerekan Joshua Olalekan, popularly known as Lekan Afolami, i was born on the 13th November, 1976 in Ajegunle, Oro-Ago District, Ifelodun LGA, Kwara State.I attended Oke-Ode Grammar School, Oke-Ode, Kwara State, 1989-1994, University of Ilorin, 1999-2003 for my first degree and 2017-2019 for my Master Degree and currently undergoing Ph.D. degree in the field of Geology at the same institution. I am CEO/ Senior Geologist of Abmak Nigeria Enterprises Limited, a mining company. I am a member of Nigerian Association of Hydrogeologist (NAH), Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS), Nigerian Association of Engineering Geology and the Environment (NAEGE) and Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), I am A Christian, married
and blessed with beautiful children.

i am Akerekan Joshua Olalekan, popularly known as Lekan Afolami, i was born on the 13th November, 1976 in Ajegunle, Oro-Ago District, Ifelodun LGA, Kwara State.I attended Oke-Ode Grammar School, Oke-Ode, Kwara State, 1989-1994, University of Ilorin, ... Show more

Rahul Dharashivkar

Rahul Dharashivkar

Rahul Dharashivkar is a veteran of over 25 years in the field of Information Technology with 23 plus years with organisations such as LTIMindtree, Wipro Technologies etc.
He has done his B.Tech followed by diploma in Advanced Computing. He holds Post Graduate diploma in Digital transformation from IIM Lucknow and is
now pursuing his Doctoral research in AI from GGU USA.
He is currently leading Prodware Solutions MNC in US, Middle East and Asia. He is also a director in Farmia Landtech AgriCon - An agroStartup which focuses on agricultural sector through precision farming techniques.

Rahul Dharashivkar is a veteran of over 25 years in the field of Information Technology with 23 plus years with organisations such as LTIMindtree, Wipro Technologies etc. He has done his B.Tech followed by diploma in Advanced Computing. He holds Pos... Show more

Victoria Tanoh

Victoria Tanoh

Victoria Tanoh is the Founder and Executive Director of the Green Agritech Foundation and the visionary behind GeoBioTwin, an AI-powered geospatial-biosystem digital twin platform that promotes climate-smart agriculture through responsible and transparent artificial intelligence. Her work focuses on integrating satellite imagery, soil biology, financial analytics, and knowledge graphs to support smallholder farmers, improve land management, and reduce credit risk associated with conservation practices.

With a background in statistical modeling, remote sensing, and sustainable development, Victoria leads interdisciplinary projects that bridge data science, environmental stewardship, and rural empowerment. She has served as a research fellow and consultant on initiatives involving digital agriculture, ESG-aligned technologies, and resilience-based climate finance. Her practical approach has earned her recognition at scientific symposia and with community-based organizations across the southeastern United States.

Victoria is also a pioneer in the application of Knowledge Graphs in agriculture, where she uses graph-based AI to model complex relationships among conservation practices, crop outcomes, land value, and climate resilience. Her research supports smallholder farmers and policymakers in making transparent, localized decisions grounded in ecosystem science and machine learning.

Victoria is committed to ethical AI, inclusive technology design, and transforming how we understand and support agroecosystems in the face of climate change.

Victoria Tanoh is the Founder and Executive Director of the Green Agritech Foundation and the visionary behind GeoBioTwin, an AI-powered geospatial-biosystem digital twin platform that promotes climate-smart agriculture through responsible and transp... Show more

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