Agriculture, Food & Forestry

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

Melanie Larkins

Melanie Larkins

Melanie has more than 20 years of experience in Sustainability and ESG with a focus on building teams to deliver exceptional value through innovation, data insights, and scale. Melanie has advised numerous C-suite clients globally on Sustainable Procurement, supply chain, net zero strategy, energy efficiency, facility decarbonization, emissions management, and supply chain & capital allocation. She is frequently featured as a speaker and contributor for her thought leadership in Sustainability.

Melanie has more than 20 years of experience in Sustainability and ESG with a focus on building teams to deliver exceptional value through innovation, data insights, and scale. Melanie has advised numerous C-suite clients globally on Sustainable Proc... Show more

Satish Swargam

Satish Swargam

Information Technology Leader | Consultant
Analytical and solutions-focused IT professional with extensive experience in architecting, designing, securing and developing enterprise applications across Healthcare, Insurance, (Federal) Agriculture and Aerospace industry sectors. Adept at leveraging hands-on background in software development to deliver on innovative IT strategies. Capacity for communication, collaboration, and leadership aligning with internal and external stakeholders to propel business objectives.

Areas of Expertise
Application Security | Business Process Automation | Compliance | Continuous Integration | Cross Functional Collaboration | DevSecOps | Machine Learning | Project Management | Security Assessments | Stakeholder Engagement | Standards and Procedures | Strategic Planning and Development | Team Building and Leadership | Vulnerability Management

Information Technology Leader | Consultant Analytical and solutions-focused IT professional with extensive experience in architecting, designing, securing and developing enterprise applications across Healthcare, Insurance, (Federal) Agriculture and... Show more

Sue Chiang

Sue Chiang

Sue works with institutional purchasers from a wide range of sectors to harness their collective buying power to eliminate the use of harmful chemicals and expand the market for environmentally preferable products. Her current focus is on food and food packaging. She has been leading the development of a certification program for identifying food contact products with environmentally preferable chemistry (GreenScreen Certified™ for Food Service Ware) in partnership with Clean Production Action. With 3 decades of experience in the environmental health field, Sue has also worked with the San Francisco Foundation’s Environmental Health and Justice Initiative, Greenaction for Health & Environmental Justice, and the Environmental Defense Fund, among others. Sue received a B.A. degree in environmental science from Barnard College and completed a double-Master’s program at University of California Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy and the Graduate School of Public Health, where she was a recipient of the prestigious Switzer Environmental Fellowship. She serves on the Boards of the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives and the Ecology Center (Northern CA).

Sue works with institutional purchasers from a wide range of sectors to harness their collective buying power to eliminate the use of harmful chemicals and expand the market for environmentally preferable products. Her current focus is on food and fo... Show more

Stefan van Lier

Stefan van Lier

Stefan van Lier ist Agilist, System Ingenieur und Trainer aus Leidenschaft. Mit über 20 Jahren Erfahrung in der System- und Softwareentwicklung als Entwickler, Systemarchitekt, Systems Engineer, Product Owner oder Führungskraft hat er einen guten Überblick und tiefe Kenntnisse in der Entwicklung von Softwarelösungen und Embedded Systems. Von komplexen Webseiten, CMS, Buchführungs- und Rechnungssoftware, Engineering-Software, hardwarenahen Treibern, Kommunikationsprotokollen und Echtzeitbetriebssystemen war alles dabei. Der Schwerpunkt in den letzten Jahren lag in der Entwicklung von Komponenten für die Automatisierungs- und Antriebstechnik. Regelmäßig führt er Trainings und Workshops zu Requirements Engineering, Systems Engineering und agilem Arbeiten durch, um so sein Wissen und seine Erfahrungen mit anderen zu teilen und Menschen dabei zu unterstützen, mit ihrer Arbeit noch erfolgreicher zu sein.

Stefan van Lier ist Agilist, System Ingenieur und Trainer aus Leidenschaft. Mit über 20 Jahren Erfahrung in der System- und Softwareentwicklung als Entwickler, Systemarchitekt, Systems Engineer, Product Owner oder Führungskraft hat er einen guten Übe... Show more

Alisha Hicks

Alisha Hicks

Growing up in a ranching family that transitioned to homesteading in Alaska, Alisha has lived a naturalist life from the beginning. After becoming a mother, herbalism was a key part to raising her girls to know how to care for themselves. Currently holding licensing in SRT Therapy for subconscious release, Ayurvedic Nutrition and Yoga while working towards a Doctrine of Ayurveda.
At Heritage Havens we coach clients for quality of life and longevity. Preventative care to avoid illness, as well as support through existing illness is our passion. We help you to find the imbalances in the environment and mindset as well as the body so that coherence can be obtained. We do this through personal coaching or group sessions on a worldwide plateform.

Growing up in a ranching family that transitioned to homesteading in Alaska, Alisha has lived a naturalist life from the beginning. After becoming a mother, herbalism was a key part to raising her girls to know how to care for themselves. Currently h... Show more

Hongmei Gu

Hongmei Gu

Dr Gu has been engaged in advancing forest biomass utilization and greenhouse gas emission reduction applying the life cycle assessment tool and economic analysis tool, bolstering innovation of wood use in green building products development. She has also focused on Mass Timber Building sustainability assessment using the Whole Building LCA and LCC analysis to support the policies in resource management and utilization.

US Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory provides expertise and scientific leadership on the environmental performance of traditional and innovative wood products and emerging wood building materials along with evaluating indicators of forest sustainability.

Dr Gu has been engaged in advancing forest biomass utilization and greenhouse gas emission reduction applying the life cycle assessment tool and economic analysis tool, bolstering innovation of wood use in green building products development. She has... Show more

Elvin Kakomo

Elvin Kakomo

Fullstack web developer, Entreprenure, Bachelors degree in Information Technology and Former GDSC lead at Chinhoyi University of Technology

Fullstack web developer, Entreprenure, Bachelors degree in Information Technology and Former GDSC lead at Chinhoyi University of Technology Show more

Glory Adujah

Glory Adujah

*Bsc Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Interested in renewable energy, robotics,and data analytics and generally a tech enthusiast.

*Bsc Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Interested in renewable energy, robotics,and data analytics and generally a tech enthusiast. Show more

Jessica Anderson

Jessica Anderson

Jessica Anderson is the owner of Mrs. Fancy Plants. Through yoga, meditation, and grounding with plants, Jessica has found that plants promote an increase in mental health. What Jessica has discovered on her own plant journey is also backed up by scientific research studies by the National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture.

Jessica Anderson is the owner of Mrs. Fancy Plants. Through yoga, meditation, and grounding with plants, Jessica has found that plants promote an increase in mental health. What Jessica has discovered on her own plant journey is also backed up by sci... Show more

Ashen Parikh

Ashen Parikh

Cloud Solution Architect - Engineering @ Microsoft. I create, design, and implement DevOps Strategies across Enterprise customers across verticals, industries, and maturity curves. Mentor for several Early-Stage Startups recommending Go-to-Market Startups Strategies. My background is in research and development using data to understand real-world problems. I've worked as technologist with Tesla, Kaiser Permanente, JLL/T, and Microsoft across the cloud: Infra, Apps, Security, Networking, and Data & AI. I've optimized business as an advisor at Tesla, Kaiser Permanente, and Microsoft. I work with partner companies to address enterprise challenges. And I focus on generating business revenue, sales, and net new opportunities.

Cloud Solution Architect - Engineering @ Microsoft. I create, design, and implement DevOps Strategies across Enterprise customers across verticals, industries, and maturity curves. Mentor for several Early-Stage Startups recommending Go-to-Market Sta... Show more

Luca DeAngelis

Luca DeAngelis

Mr. DeAngelis is a Senior Hydrogeologist with the Ranney Collector Well division of Layne. He has over 25 years of experience in the environmental and water supply industries, focusing on development of groundwater resources, aquifer evaluations, and water resource planning. Luca holds a B.S. degree in Geological Engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla, an M.S. degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Kansas. He is both a registered professional engineer and a registered professional geologist in several states. His experience includes the design and construction of over 100 water supply wells and the siting and design of dozens of horizontal collector wells.

Mr. DeAngelis is a Senior Hydrogeologist with the Ranney Collector Well division of Layne. He has over 25 years of experience in the environmental and water supply industries, focusing on development of groundwater resources, aquifer evaluations, an... Show more

Björn Schorre

Björn Schorre

Dipl.-Ing. Björn Schorre ist von der GfSE zertifizierter Systemingenieur und Betreiber des Ingenieurbüro für Systems-Engineering. Mit 22 Berufsjahren in verschiedenen Industriebranchen hat er tiefgreifende Erfahrung im Bereich der Anforderungsspezifikation und Architekturerstellung. Projekte im regulierten Umfeld des BMWi entsprechend dem V-Modell und agile Arbeitsprozesse sind für ihn keine Widersprüche und so bedient er sich dem besten aus beiden Welten, um damit eine praxisnahe Umsetzung zu erreichen. Über sein Mentoring-Programm für Systems Engineering gibt es dieses Wissen an Unternehmen des Mittelstands weiter. Björn Schorre hilft auch bei konkreten Themen wie der kurzfristigen Erstellung von Lastenheften für ein neues Produkt.
Web: https://bjoernschorre.de/

Dipl.-Ing. Björn Schorre ist von der GfSE zertifizierter Systemingenieur und Betreiber des Ingenieurbüro für Systems-Engineering. Mit 22 Berufsjahren in verschiedenen Industriebranchen hat er tiefgreifende Erfahrung im Bereich der Anforderungsspezifi... Show more

Agbo Faruq RABO

Agbo Faruq RABO

I'm a 400level computer science student from Nasarawa State keffi, I serve a triple capacity as the Director of Software NACOSS Nsuk Chapter, the NACOSS North Central Zone and NACOSS NATIONAL I'm also a Lead Ambassador Ingressive For Good NSUK and the co-organizer of GDG keffi, a Friend's of Figma Community Advocate, and a Google Crowdsource Influencer, a techie with 8yrs+ experience into the computing world, a freelance Web, Android Developer and a Graphic/UI/UX Designer.

I'm a 400level computer science student from Nasarawa State keffi, I serve a triple capacity as the Director of Software NACOSS Nsuk Chapter, the NACOSS North Central Zone and NACOSS NATIONAL I'm also a Lead Ambassador Ingressive For Good NSUK and th... Show more

KOICHIRO MINE

KOICHIRO MINE

1970年6月28日生まれ
宮崎大学で木材物理を学び1993年に伊藤忠建材へ入社。木材・財務経理・建材営業を経験し2006年に家業の銘木商である九銘協へ入社。
和室の激減に直面し、新たに建築家への木材利用提案を始める。
提案や建築家からの要望を形にしてゆく中で、自身のアイデアを試作改良しながらプロダクトを製作。
そのような中、銘木産地の衰退を目の当たりにすることで、現在は吉野材の特性を活かしたプロダクトを中心に製作を特化している。

1970年6月28日生まれ 宮崎大学で木材物理を学び1993年に伊藤忠建材へ入社。木材・財務経理・建材営業を経験し2006年に家業の銘木商である九銘協へ入社。 和室の激減に直面し、新たに建築家への木材利用提案を始める。 提案や建築家からの要望を形にしてゆく中で、自身のアイデアを試作改良しながらプロダクトを製作。 そのような中、銘木産地の衰退を目の当たりにすることで、現在は吉野材の特性を活かしたプロダクトを中心に製作を特化している。 Show more

Katie Hudson

Katie Hudson

Over the course of my 20 year career, I have led global P&Ls and built and delivered new capability in strategy, innovation, product management, design, customer experience, business development, marketing, and sales.

My various focus areas have included leading edge technology initiatives in data/analytics, digital, artificial intelligence/machine learning, automation, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

My career has ranged from FTSE 100 organisations across almost every industry and all geography to entrepreneurial high growth start ups.

Outside of work, I volunteer as Treasurer at ADHD Aware (www.adhdaware.org.uk), run several Meetup groups focused on causes related to neurodiversity, and I'm an advocate and spend my time raising awareness about neurodiversity and other long term, complex health conditions. I also collaborate on research and community projects with a range of contacts with common interests.

Over the course of my 20 year career, I have led global P&Ls and built and delivered new capability in strategy, innovation, product management, design, customer experience, business development, marketing, and sales. My various focus areas have i... Show more

John Spencer

John Spencer

John Spencer was born and raised in Oakland, CA. After moving to NYC to pursue a music degree in jazz drum set, John took an intro to computer science course and fell in love. He now spends his time automating the software systems which run the world's most advanced indoor farms, while still finding time to play drums in punk rock bands.

John Spencer was born and raised in Oakland, CA. After moving to NYC to pursue a music degree in jazz drum set, John took an intro to computer science course and fell in love. He now spends his time automating the software systems which run the world... Show more

Mike Engiles

Mike Engiles

Mike and family have run Crystal River Watersports (CRWS) since 2014 with a motto of “Observing and Preserving Nature Above, In and Underwater.” CRWS allows guests to explore Florida’s Nature coast via scuba diving, swimming with manatees, scalloping, and river cruises.
Professionally, Mike graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with degrees in business and pursued a career in information technology consulting before migrating from the DC suburbs to Citrus County, FL. The goal was to be able enjoy working with people in the hospitality industry while sharing a love of the outdoors, especially scuba diving.
Since moving to Florida, Mike has gotten involved in the local community by previously serving on the Crystal River Waterfront Advisory Board, Manatee Eco Tourism Assoc. and Friends of the Crystal River National WIldlife Refuge. He is currently the vice chair of the Citrus Co Tourism Development Council and on the Visit Florida Board of Directors.

Mike and family have run Crystal River Watersports (CRWS) since 2014 with a motto of “Observing and Preserving Nature Above, In and Underwater.” CRWS allows guests to explore Florida’s Nature coast via scuba diving, swimming with manatees, scallopin... Show more

Aliyu E. Haruna

Aliyu E. Haruna

Dr. Haruna Evuti Aliyu is a veterinary epidemiologist and public health researcher with over a decade of experience in disease surveillance and One Health initiatives. He serves as an Animal Health Specialist for the World Bank–funded L-PRES project in Niger State, Nigeria. Currently pursuing a PhD in food safety, his research focuses on pesticide residues in animal products and their public health implications.

Dr. Haruna Evuti Aliyu is a veterinary epidemiologist and public health researcher with over a decade of experience in disease surveillance and One Health initiatives. He serves as an Animal Health Specialist for the World Bank–funded L-PRES project ... Show more

Edung Icharait

Edung Icharait


Availability of diverse and nutritious foods. Physical, economic and social access to nutritious foods. Adequate utilisation of food items consumed to maintain a healthy nutritional wellbeing.
challenge in Kenya, with a substantial portion of children experiencing multidimensional poverty, impacting their access to basic needs, education, and healthcare.
A significant percentage of Kenyan children live in poverty, with estimates suggesting that over 40% of children experience multidimensional poverty, meaning they are deprived in multiple areas of their well-being.
Multidimensional Poverty:
Child poverty in Kenya is not solely about income; it encompasses lack of access to basic services like healthcare, education, sanitation, and safe drinking water.
Child poverty has severe consequences, including malnutrition, limited access to education, increased vulnerability to disease, and reduced opportunities for a healthy and fulfilling life.
Factors Contributing to Child Poverty:
Factors such as economic inequality, lack of access to quality education and healthcare, and vulnerability to climate change impacts contribute to child poverty in Kenya.
Addressing Child Poverty:
Efforts to combat child poverty in Kenya require a multi-pronged approach, including investing in education, healthcare, social protection programs, and addressing the underlying causes of poverty.
Inadequate Nutrition:
A significant portion of Kenyan children experience malnutrition, which can lead to stunted growth and developmental delays.
Lack of Access to Education:
Many children in Kenya are unable to access quality education due to poverty, leading to limited opportunities for future success.
Limited Access to Healthcare:
Children in poverty often lack access to essential healthcare services, making them vulnerable
Inadequate Sanitation and Water:
Many children in Kenya live in areas with poor sanitation and lack access to clean drinking water, which can lead to waterborne diseases.

Availability of diverse and nutritious foods. Physical, economic and social access to nutritious foods. Adequate utilisation of food items consumed to maintain a healthy nutritional wellbeing. challenge in Kenya, with a substantial portion of chi... Show more

Chris Tugwell

Chris Tugwell

Chris Tugwell became Chairman of Mid Murray Landcare SA in 2017. He was the driving force behind the 3,200 square kilometre River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve (Australia’s first) working for four years with the Mid Murray Council, tourism specialists, local residents and experts from the Astronomical Society of SA to make the Reserve a reality. Chris was made the 2021 Mid Murray Citizen of the Year in recognition of his work to create the Reserve.

Over the past 25 years, Chris and his partner have planted some 80,000 trees and bushes on their 350 acre sheep paddock at Big Bend, restoring habitat for local wildlife, including many resident wombats.

When not admiring the astonishing night sky, Chris is an award-winning actor, playwright and film maker with a career spanning more than forty years and some fifty productions; the best-known being X Ray, about Australian Guantanamo Bay inmate, David Hicks. Chris has served on many arts industry committees and boards, and was made a Life Member of the Australian Writers’ Guild in 2012.

Chris Tugwell became Chairman of Mid Murray Landcare SA in 2017. He was the driving force behind the 3,200 square kilometre River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve (Australia’s first) working for four years with the Mid Murray Council, tourism sp... Show more

Muhammad Ibrahim

Muhammad Ibrahim

Vice of Cytogenetics and Animal Cell Culture Lab.

Vice of Cytogenetics and Animal Cell Culture Lab. Show more

Mindy Ratcliff

Mindy Ratcliff

Mindy is a former educator venturing into the world of software, and she fosters collaboration and communication in every problem she tackles.

Mindy is a former educator venturing into the world of software, and she fosters collaboration and communication in every problem she tackles. Show more

Robyn Martin-Kemp

Robyn Martin-Kemp

ki te taha of tooku Papa he uri no Ngapuhi mai Ngati Rehia me Whanau Moana
ki te taha of tooku mama he uri no Kaitangata me Poutama mai Taranaki
I was born n bred in Waitara under the korowai of our koro Taranaki Mounga my parents are Te Keepa Parangi Kemp and Donna Matene-Kemp and I have 3 brothers Moses,Kani and Shem i am a mama of 11 and Honey to 3 ataahua moko who is passionate about protecting our whenua here in Aotearoa as well as helping our people break free from the oppression of our corrupt colonized systems which is why our korero around rates is so important to share with our Uri because these things impact on our people especially our elderly who we have found impacts on the most. I have come here with my partner Russell Gibbs to share with you all the research his sister Marie and himself have uncovered in this issue so I am privileged and honored to speak here today in hope to releive some of the pressure our people face today.

ki te taha of tooku Papa he uri no Ngapuhi mai Ngati Rehia me Whanau Moana ki te taha of tooku mama he uri no Kaitangata me Poutama mai Taranaki I was born n bred in Waitara under the korowai of our koro Taranaki Mounga my parents are Te Keepa Para... Show more

Bronwyn Wilson-Hokianga

Bronwyn Wilson-Hokianga

Bronwyn has extensive experience attracting national and international investors, with a proven track record in China, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Vietnam. She has developed strategies in finance, technology, and education to address high-risk challenges, implement evidence-based solutions, and promote the long-term sustainability of Indigenous cultures, while managing a combined budget of $30 million. This demonstrates her expertise in leadership, management, finance, economics, and governance.

Her broad industry background is complemented by a deep passion for environmental and conservation issues. She has provided consultancy services in these areas both within New Zealand and Belgium.

Currently, Bronwyn is leading phase two of establishing an Indigenous financial institution in Aotearoa, with the aim of attracting 250 founding whānau members to invest in the institution.

Bronwyn has extensive experience attracting national and international investors, with a proven track record in China, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Vietnam. She has developed strategies in finance, technology, and education to address high-risk challenges... Show more

Hennie Fouche

Hennie Fouche

Hennie Fouche is a seasoned professional in the data and AI field with 17+ years’ experience in leveraging data to add business value to companies. Having spent a large part of his career in the Financial Services Industry, Hennie has gained an understanding of the use of quantitative techniques to help drive decision-making processes. Hennie is currently Director of AI at OmniData working with clients to drive value from data using predictive and prescriptive analytics.

Hennie Fouche is a seasoned professional in the data and AI field with 17+ years’ experience in leveraging data to add business value to companies. Having spent a large part of his career in the Financial Services Industry, Hennie has gained an under... Show more

Yitch Blob

Yitch Blob

Generalist that stumbled into managing unfortunate minions

Generalist that stumbled into managing unfortunate minions Show more

Cathy Swanson

Cathy Swanson

Cathy has specialized in water treatment of emerging contaminants with ion exchange and other media for almost 18 years. In addition to her business development activities in groundwater and direct lithium extraction and brine purification, Cathy is the incoming Vice Chair of the AWWA Ion Exchange Committee Meeting as well as a co-chair of Ion Exchange Subcommittee that is writing a standard for ion exchange use in drinking water, which includes the use of single-use ion exchange resin for PFAS and Chrome VI. She is also the California-Nevada AWWA PFAS Subcommittee Secretary.
She received her BS in Chemical Engineering at Northwestern University and her MBA from UNC Chapel Hill.

Cathy has specialized in water treatment of emerging contaminants with ion exchange and other media for almost 18 years. In addition to her business development activities in groundwater and direct lithium extraction and brine purification, Cathy is ... Show more

Stuart Powell

Stuart Powell

Stuart has 39 years of professional experience with varying tenure lengths in; college level technical instruction, project management, industrial control systems engineering, business IT administration for Unix, Windows, and infrastructure and now OT security.

Stuart has 39 years of professional experience with varying tenure lengths in; college level technical instruction, project management, industrial control systems engineering, business IT administration for Unix, Windows, and infrastructure and now O... Show more

Libby Christensen

Libby Christensen

Dr. Libby Christensen is the Statewide Food and Ag Specialist with Colorado State University Extension, in addition to this role she is also the state co-lead for the Northwest and Rocky Mountain Regional Food Business Center. She with nearly 20 years of experience working in food systems, Dr. Christensen has worked with non-profits and economic development groups across the state of Colorado to drive community and economic development through food and agriculture. Dr. Christensen received her Master's in Community Development and Doctorate in Geography both from University of California - Davis. She and her husband own and operate Routt Distillery in Steamboat Springs.

Dr. Libby Christensen is the Statewide Food and Ag Specialist with Colorado State University Extension, in addition to this role she is also the state co-lead for the Northwest and Rocky Mountain Regional Food Business Center. She with nearly 20 year... Show more

Elizabeth dos Reis Mazoni Souza

Elizabeth dos Reis Mazoni Souza

Mineira, Formada em Agronomia em 1999, com Mestrado em Genética e MBA em Gerenciamento de Projetos. Atua há 22 anos na DATAPREV, onde iniciou como desenvolvedora de Software, depois Gerente de Produtos, Gerente de Projetos e hoje atua na Gestão de Produtos e Capacidade na Diretoria de Produtos e Desenvolvimento. Está dirigindo a Frente de Trabalho da IUP desde novembro de 2022 na Diretoria de Produtos e Desenvolvimento com participação também da Diretoria de Relacionamento e Negócios e da Diretoria de Operações.

Mineira, Formada em Agronomia em 1999, com Mestrado em Genética e MBA em Gerenciamento de Projetos. Atua há 22 anos na DATAPREV, onde iniciou como desenvolvedora de Software, depois Gerente de Produtos, Gerente de Projetos e hoje atua na Gestão de Pr... Show more

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