Agriculture, Food & Forestry

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

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

Simen Bakke

Simen Bakke

Foredragsholderen har operativ bakgrunn fra Forsvaret og Politiet, og arbeidet på strategisk nivå med forebyggende sikkerhet og beredskap i og utenfor Politet. Han innehar en mastergrad i risikostyring og sikkerhetsledelse fra Universitetet i Stavanger og har de fire siste årene jobbet i Politiets IT-enhet.

Foredragsholderen har operativ bakgrunn fra Forsvaret og Politiet, og arbeidet på strategisk nivå med forebyggende sikkerhet og beredskap i og utenfor Politet. Han innehar en mastergrad i risikostyring og sikkerhetsledelse fra Universitetet i Stavang... Show more

Jordan A. Mitchell

Jordan A. Mitchell

Jordan A. Mitchell is a seasoned business professional with over 15 years of experience in business strategy, operational management, and organizational development. He is known for his thoughtful leadership and data-driven approach and has successfully guided organizations through growth, innovation, and transformation.

Jordan began his career with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from a prestigious university. Early on, he focused on operations and process improvement, quickly distinguishing himself with his ability to solve complex business challenges, align teams with strategic goals, and effectively communicate across organizations. His strong leadership and problem-solving skills paved the way for his rise into senior roles.

Over the years, Jordan has managed critical projects, such as process re-engineering, system integrations, and product launches, resulting in measurable improvements in operational performance. His expertise spans various industries, including manufacturing, logistics, technology, and business services, making him a valuable asset to established companies and fast-growing startups.

As he advanced, Jordan held leadership positions like Director of Strategic Initiatives, Vice President of Operations, and Chief Operating Officer. His leadership has been characterized by introducing scalable systems, establishing key performance metrics, and fostering a collaborative work environment. Under his guidance, companies have realized significant cost savings and operational efficiencies.

Jordan is known for his balanced leadership style, combining empathy with high expectations. He creates an environment where teams are motivated to perform their best while feeling supported in their growth. His mentoring approach has helped nurture emerging leaders, instilling in them the importance of integrity and excellence.

Jordan’s professional development is reflected in his certifications, including Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Project Management Professional (PMP), and his continuous participation in industry conferences and leadership workshops. These credentials showcase his commitment to structured methodologies and staying current with industry trends.

In addition to his professional achievements, Jordan is deeply committed to mentorship and community involvement. He has guided many young professionals through internships and career development programs and is active on several university advisory boards. His work with nonprofits focusing on workforce readiness and educational access reflects his passion for equity and social responsibility.

Jordan A. Mitchell is a seasoned business professional with over 15 years of experience in business strategy, operational management, and organizational development. He is known for his thoughtful leadership and data-driven approach and has successfu... Show more

Linda Nieminen

Linda Nieminen

Linda Nieminen är cybersäkerhetskonsult på Omegapoint, specialiserad inom både IT- och informationssäkerhet. Idag arbetar hon med GRC, med särskilt fokus på ledningssystem för informationssäkerhet, där hon hjälper organisationer att stärka sin säkerhetskultur, hantera risker och säkerställa efterlevnad av regelverk och standarder.
Med en bakgrund inom försvarsindustrin har Linda tidigare arbetat med ackreditering av IT-system inom både nationella och internationella försvarssektorer. Hennes erfarenhet av säkerhetskrav och efterlevnadsstandarder ger henne förståelse för hur känslig information bäst skyddas.
Linda har en masterexamen i statsvetenskap från Försvarshögskolan, vilket ger henne en unik förmåga att översätta tekniska koncept till begriplig och handlingsbar information för icke-tekniska målgrupper – en viktig egenskap för att göra cybersäkerhet mer tillgängligt och relevant för alla.

Linda Nieminen är cybersäkerhetskonsult på Omegapoint, specialiserad inom både IT- och informationssäkerhet. Idag arbetar hon med GRC, med särskilt fokus på ledningssystem för informationssäkerhet, där hon hjälper organisationer att stärka sin säkerh... Show more

Hamed Salimian

Hamed Salimian

Experienced cybersecurity auditor and penetration tester with a proven track record in securing systems for banking and industrial organizations. Adept at identifying vulnerabilities, ensuring compliance, and implementing robust security solutions. Proficient programmer with expertise in automating security processes, developing custom tools, and enhancing system integrity.

Leader of OWASP projects, contributing to the global cybersecurity community through innovative tools and resources to strengthen application security.

Key Highlights:
- Extensive experience in performing audits and penetration tests for critical systems, including financial and industrial infrastructures.
- Strong programming skills for developing automation scripts and tools to streamline security assessments and remediation efforts.
- Leadership in OWASP projects, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among cybersecurity professionals.
- Expertise in implementing secure software development practices and guiding teams in adopting security best practices.

Passionate about advancing cybersecurity standards and helping organizations build resilient defenses against modern threats.

Experienced cybersecurity auditor and penetration tester with a proven track record in securing systems for banking and industrial organizations. Adept at identifying vulnerabilities, ensuring compliance, and implementing robust security solutions. P... Show more

Jayme Anderson

Jayme Anderson

Jayme works for the Minnesota Department of Education as the Farm to School and Early Care Consultant. In this role, she works to support Minnesota schools and early care centers as they build and grow their local food programs. She provides educational tools and resources, procurement strategies, technical assistance and training to stakeholders. Prior to this role, Jayme served as the Assistant Director of Child Nutrition Services at Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools, the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership Consultant for Dakota County and the Cooking and Nutrition Program Manager for Urban Roots, formerly the Community Design Center. Jayme has a Masters Degree in Public Health Nutrition from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor's degree from the University of St. Thomas. Jayme is married with four children and lives in Prior Lake, MN.

Jayme works for the Minnesota Department of Education as the Farm to School and Early Care Consultant. In this role, she works to support Minnesota schools and early care centers as they build and grow their local food programs. She provides educatio... Show more

Rafaela Lemke

Rafaela Lemke

SAR dog handler and instructor
urban areas, buildings, rubble

SAR dog handler and instructor urban areas, buildings, rubble 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

Gil Adda

Gil Adda

A Software architect, with knowledge in networking, software access control, and management systems, and an enthusiastic gardener

A Software architect, with knowledge in networking, software access control, and management systems, and an enthusiastic gardener 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

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

Hamenyimana Ismaël

Hamenyimana Ismaël

GIS Specialist, Geologist.

GIS Specialist, Geologist. Show more

Rodolfo Dias

Rodolfo Dias

Team Leadership ❤️ JS ❤️ Open Source

Rodolfo has worked in a diverse pool of companies and research centers, in South America and Europe. He is Software Engineering Manager at Yara International and manages the software engineering teams of Yara's farming experience platform, with the goal of enabling regenerative agriculture and minimizing the climate impact of farming

Team Leadership ❤️ JS ❤️ Open Source Rodolfo has worked in a diverse pool of companies and research centers, in South America and Europe. He is Software Engineering Manager at Yara International and manages the software engineering teams of Yara's... Show more

Hasin Hayatu

Hasin Hayatu


Hasin Hayatu is a software developer and AI developer with 7+ years of experience in the tech industry. He holds certifications in Python and PHP programming from the Study Section and is a Google Cloud Machine Learning API badge holder. He has also worked as a mathematics tutor at Nur Light Academy and a computer and technology tutor at Aman Academy, Zaria. He has over 7 years of experience in the ICT Center in hardware, network, and software management. His technical expertise includes machine learning, Django web frameworks, MYSQL, PHP, Laravel, and Codeigniter. He has developed numerous software solutions for businesses. Hasin was born in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

Hasin Hayatu is a software developer and AI developer with 7+ years of experience in the tech industry. He holds certifications in Python and PHP programming from the Study Section and is a Google Cloud Machine Learning API badge holder. He has als... Show more

Michael Gidey

Michael Gidey

JOURNALIST

JOURNALIST Show more

Nick Anderson

Nick Anderson

Nick is a Cloud Engineer and SRE who enjoys creating innovative ways to bundle good SRE habits into running applications using Infrastructure as Code practices. After 10 years of desktop and web application development, Nick has spent the last 5+ years in an SRE and Cloud Engineering role working to deliver cohesive solutions for engineers using Cloud platforms, CI/CD, and observability tools.

Nick is a Cloud Engineer and SRE who enjoys creating innovative ways to bundle good SRE habits into running applications using Infrastructure as Code practices. After 10 years of desktop and web application development, Nick has spent the last 5+ yea... Show more

Andres Padilla

Andres Padilla

I am a passionate Microsoft Cloud Architect with over 20 years of experience focusing on analytics, streaming data, IoT and Azure Technologies. Along the way, I have been able to live in corporate IT, get dirty with big data, jump into the cloud and take a shot at the start-up world. I spend my days blending cloud architectures, business strategy, coding, influencing, designing, motivating and delivering solutions that live in the cloud. My goal is to constantly push myself, absorb different perspectives, inspire and be inspired, learn from every experience and create something exciting, awesome and new.

I am a passionate Microsoft Cloud Architect with over 20 years of experience focusing on analytics, streaming data, IoT and Azure Technologies. Along the way, I have been able to live in corporate IT, get dirty with big data, jump into the cloud and ... Show more

Tait Burns

Tait Burns

I have been IT for over 24 years doing database development and administration for 11 of those years primarily on SQL Server on-premise and in Azure. I like to automate and providing auditing, training and documentation

I have been IT for over 24 years doing database development and administration for 11 of those years primarily on SQL Server on-premise and in Azure. I like to automate and providing auditing, training and documentation Show more

Amber Engebretson

Amber Engebretson

Amber is a seasoned professional working at the intersection of supply chain, change management, and technology. She is an expert in the food supply chain with over 20 years of experience in operations, training, and supply chain. She is a master in removing obstacles through innovation, inclusive business decisions, creativity, and rapid problem-solving. Her first-hand experience in creating a supply chain center of excellence gives her unique and unparalleled knowledge of the food supply chain.

Amber is a seasoned professional working at the intersection of supply chain, change management, and technology. She is an expert in the food supply chain with over 20 years of experience in operations, training, and supply chain. She is a master in ... Show more

Dennis Drost

Dennis Drost

Dennis started his career as a chemist, but quickly switched to software engineering because of his passion for automation. He always has new ideas and projects, and sometimes even finishes one.

Dennis started his career as a chemist, but quickly switched to software engineering because of his passion for automation. He always has new ideas and projects, and sometimes even finishes one. Show more

Moses Mbadi

Moses Mbadi

Mbadi has been in the tech space for over 4 years, professionally specialised in DevOps for a year now. My interests are in Back end engineering, Systems Administration and DevOps Engineering. I am a father, a farmer and a huge dog lover.

Mbadi has been in the tech space for over 4 years, professionally specialised in DevOps for a year now. My interests are in Back end engineering, Systems Administration and DevOps Engineering. I am a father, a farmer and a huge dog lover. Show more

Marta Alexy

Marta Alexy

Marta Alexy PhD is an agricultural engineer, associate professor at the ELTE Faculty of Informatics and responsible for the courses Digitalization in agrifood systems and Applied Data Science. For several years, she has been researching the practical application of artificial intelligence and machine learning methods in large-scale livestock production. Prior to joining the university, she worked for nearly ten years in the corporate sector of large-scale livestock farming, where her responsibilities included the developing and sales of automated housing technology for large-scale pig and poultry farms. Together with electrical engineer Sandor Szabo PhD, they developed an innovative idea that won the start-up competition of Óbuda University in 2022. Subsequently, they founded the startup Birdwatcher with the support and co-ownership of Óbuda University. As a university professor she teaches precision livestock farming technologies to agricultural engineering and computer science students at several universities in Hungary. At the ELTE Faculty of Informatics she is the head of the Precision Agriculture research group. Organizer of the IT section of the PREGA (Precision Agriculture) conference.

Marta Alexy PhD is an agricultural engineer, associate professor at the ELTE Faculty of Informatics and responsible for the courses Digitalization in agrifood systems and Applied Data Science. For several years, she has been researching the practical... Show more

Muhammad Hasnain

Muhammad Hasnain

B.S. in Software Engineering, with a diverse background in various industries including Supply Chain, Transport, Marketing, Finance, Food Manufacturing, and HR. Aspiring to secure a position as a BI/Data Analyst, Data Engineer, or ETL Developer, where I can leverage my exceptional technical expertise in software and application development, utilizing modern tools to drive the progress of the company.

B.S. in Software Engineering, with a diverse background in various industries including Supply Chain, Transport, Marketing, Finance, Food Manufacturing, and HR. Aspiring to secure a position as a BI/Data Analyst, Data Engineer, or ETL Developer, wher... Show more

Nyipoji Jibarang

Nyipoji Jibarang

Jibarang Nyipoji Kani, currently a Personal Assistant to the Founder at Naza Agape Foundation, is dedicated to empowering the less privileged through diverse programs. Passionate about community development and human resources, Nyipoji is pursuing a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Jos, with a keen interest in cybersecurity. A Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador, who has completed the Frontend HTML and CSS program at Codevixens Academy 3.0. Nyipoji, also a skilled baker, upholds Christian values of faith, service, and excellence.

Jibarang Nyipoji Kani, currently a Personal Assistant to the Founder at Naza Agape Foundation, is dedicated to empowering the less privileged through diverse programs. Passionate about community development and human resources, Nyipoji is pursuing a ... Show more

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