The 2019 Grow-NY Food & Ag Summit is a two-day event showcasing food and ag innovations that will change the path of our industry. The event brings together the top startups from around the globe, world class researchers from leading institutions, and resources and partners from across New York State. The event is designed for startups, companies, investors, resource providers, researchers, entrepreneurs, farmers, and students.Â
Explore the latest innovations that make controlled environment agriculture an efficient way to grow year-round, nutritious vegetables and small fruit. While automation, energy efficiency, and big data analytics are revolutionizing the industry, we’ll also discuss the economics and challenges preventing rapid adoption of this industry shift.Â
- Michael Kreher - Partner, Kreher Family Farms
- Brian Nicholson - President & CEO, Owner, Red Jacket Orchards
- Daniel Cross - CEO / Managing Director, Love Beets
- Tim Mahan - Special Projects and Strategic Planning, Wegmans Food Markets
- Daniel P. Johnson, Professor, Department of Packaging Science, Rochester Institute of TechnologyÂ
Consumer expectations are evolving constantly, with an increasing demand for products that align with emerging nutritional trends, which are convenient, which are sourced sustainably and produced transparently. These paradigm shifts, alongside the pressures of a growing population, are requiring the entire industry—from small food companies to multinational conglomerates—to think differently. Hear from this panel of experts on how the food and beverage industry is evolving, how companies are innovating in the face of challenges, and what opportunities lie on the horizon.
- Ron Tanner - VP of Philanthropy, Government & Industry Relations at Specialty Food Association
- Niel Sandfort - VP New Product Development , Chobani
- Adam Lazar - CEO, Asarasi Sparkling Tree Water
- Gerhard Ufheil - Director External Development for Health Sciences, Nestle
- Jamie McKeon - SVP, Demand Creation, Rich Products
- Phil Viruso, COO, LiDestri Food and Drink
Cultivating Fertile Ground for Funding: Capital Strategies for Food Entrepreneurs and Ag Tech Startups
This panel will bring together a spectrum of experts representing lenders, venture capitalists, corporate investors, and grant programs to discuss strategies for navigating the unique challenges that food, beverage, and ag-related companies face in accessing and raising capital. Discussion will include: how to develop a compelling pitch, cultivating meaningful relationships with potential funders, and creatively leveraging and prioritizing various sources of capital.
Panelists representing different sectors of the hemp market, including both processors and growers, will discuss the current roller coaster of production and demand for industrial hemp driven by a rapidly expanding CBD market and followed by overproduction. Is there opportunity to develop dual purpose crops and strengthen the market demand for grain and fiber hemp?
Andy Lytwynec – Vice President, Strategy, Canopy Growth Corporation
Christopher Logue – Director of Plant Industry, NYS Department of Ag and Markets
Trey Riddle – CEO and Founder, Sunstrand LLC
Ben Banks-Dobson – Managing Director, Hudson Hemp
Marc Van Burck – Director of Global Business Development,Hemp Production ServicesÂ
Learn more about the speakers
The Grow-NY Summit is the region's foremost showcase for regional excellence in food and adventures, from upstream technologies that influence farming through to packaged goods consumers enjoy at home. If your business offers a product or service that you would like to share with our 700+ attendees, please complete the exhibitor interest form above. Booth space is limited and booth registration fees start at $150.