Inside Corteva’s Revolution: A Conversation with Brian Lutz

Explore the transformative role of AI in agriculture with Vonnie Estes and guest Dr. Brian Lutz from Corteva Agriscience. Delve into the integration of AI and machine learning in crop protection and breeding to enhance prediction accuracy and hasten discovery processes. Discover how AI reshapes traditional methodologies, and learn about managing data and model performance in agriculture. Dr. Lutz shares insights on overcoming challenges in AI adoption and the importance of a robust data strategy in fostering innovation within large companies. Tune in for a forward-looking discussion on AI’s impact on farming’s future.Key TakeawaysAI in Agriculture: AI is transforming the agriculture sector by enhancing genetic research and crop protection with predictive modeling, significantly improving the R&D process.Complexity and Scale: The vast complexity of agricultural data, comparable to immense structures like genomes or vast chemical spaces, necessitates sophisticated AI to efficiently explore and optimize outcomes.Customization over Commoditization: Success in using AI involves tailoring both self-developed and existing models to specific agricultural problems, rather than relying solely on out-of-the-box solutions.Data as a Product: Emphasizing a data-centric approach, Corteva sees data not just as a resource for applications but as a standalone product, vital for effective AI implementation.Transformative Culture: Developing a culture that integrates innovative AI methodologies with domain expertise promotes progress and adaptation in agricultural practices.Guest ResourcesCorteva Agriscience: CortevaDr. Brian Lutz: LinkedIn profile International Fresh Produce Association: IFPAThis episode offers a deep dive into AI’s impact on agriculture, making it an essential listen for anyone interested in the future of farming technology. Tune in for more insightful discussions on Fresh Takes on Tech and stay informed about the leading-edge practices that are reshaping the industry. Subscribe for more episodes and stay ahead in the ag-tech landscape.Show LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

Explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence in agriculture with Vani Estes and guest Ranveer Chandra, VP at Microsoft. Discover how Microsoft integrates AI to enhance productivity and decision-making in the agriculture and food industry. From AI-powered agronomists and predictive analytics to overcoming industry challenges such as data sparsity, Chandra shares insights on the future of AI, the importance of reskilling, and the ethical considerations for sustainable practices. Tune in to understand how AI is reshaping agriculture from farm to table.Key TakeawaysAI as a Powerful Enabler: Artificial intelligence is emphasized as a tool that can transform agriculture by making data-driven decisions, improving efficiency, and reducing reliance on guesswork.Generative AI in Agriculture: Chandra explains the role generative AI can play in empowering different stakeholders in the agriculture supply chain, from predicting yields to optimizing business processes.Customized AI Models: Future directions point towards personalized AI models tailored to specific organizational needs, taking internal data into account for more informed and effective decision-making.Need for Continuous Learning: The fast-evolving field of AI necessitates continual education and adaptation by individuals and organizations to fully leverage these tools.Equity and Bias in AI: Addressing potential biases in AI systems and ensuring equitable access to technology is essential to avoid a divide where certain parties are disadvantaged.Guest ResourcesRanveer Chandra’s LinkedInIFPA WebsiteDive into this riveting episode to learn how AI is poised to redefine agriculture and how you can prepare for its advances. Stay tuned for more insights from Fresh Takes on Tech as we continue to uncover the future of innovation in the food and agriculture industry.Show LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

Explore how AI is transforming the agtech investment landscape in this episode of Fresh Takes on Tech. Host Vonnie Estes sits down with Chuck Templeton, founding partner at S2G Ventures, to discuss AI’s role in sustainable innovation. Discover how companies are using AI for personalized marketing, efficient resource management, and collaborative solutions in food and agriculture. Learn about the shift towards more agile, cost-effective business models and how AI is enabling faster, targeted problem-solving and innovative partnerships. Join Chuck and Vonnie as they delve into AI’s potential to reshape agtech.Key TakeawaysInvestment Efficiency: AI is drastically shifting investment landscapes by enabling companies to be more capital-efficient, moving at the pace of industry adoption cycles.Cross-Industry Solutions: AI enables creative collaboration across different sectors by developing shared solutions, showcasing new models for innovation in agriculture.Dynamic Business Models: With AI, companies can discover opportunities faster and restructure marketplaces, redefining traditional industry models.Personalized Communication: AI is revolutionizing how companies communicate with their customers, creating customized content tailored to individual learning styles and preferences.Collaborative Research: Initiatives like pre-competitive consortia offer pathways to industry-wide collaboration, enabling shared research and development efforts.Guest ResourcesS2G Ventures - Investment firm focusing on sustainable food and agricultureOpenAI’s GPT-3 and its applications in organizational tasks and content developmentCompanies like Arable, Brightseed, and Shiru mentioned as examples of AI’s impact on the industryShow LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

Dive into the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the produce industry with hosts Vonnie Estes and guests Rachel Blake and Maddie Rennardson from the International Fresh Produce Association. Discover how AI is transforming data into actionable insights for diverse industry members, from seed developers to retailers. Learn how Rachel and Maddie use AI to build powerful tools, offering personalized member engagement and decision-ready insights. This episode sheds light on what drives Gen Z’s produce purchases and explores the balance between automation and human expertise in decision-making processes. Key TakeawaysIFPA is using AI to transform raw data into context-rich insights, significantly enhancing decision-making processes for its members. The organization has adopted a unique approach by using AI tutors like ChatGPT to develop sophisticated AI models, allowing for personalized member engagement and more efficient data interpretation. Consumer trend data, particularly related to Gen Z’s health and sustainability concerns, is being harnessed by AI to provide actionable insights for IFPA members. Rachel and Maddie have been key architects in creating AI tools that provide nuanced answers tailored to different levels within the produce supply chain. IFPA’s forthcoming products include AI-driven consumer trackers and retail sales data bots, set to provide members with easy access to insightful data analyses. Guest ResourcesLearn more about the International Fresh Produce Association: freshproduce.com Connect with the International Fresh Produce Association on their LinkedIn page. Show LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

Join host Vonnie Estes as she delves into the world of AI and technology in agriculture with Anthony Howcroft of Swarm Engineering. Explore how Swarm uses AI to tackle complex supply chain issues, the intriguing world of agentic AI, and the intersection of AI and quantum computing. Discover Anthony’s insights into using AI in creative writing and how it can enhance human creativity and decision-making. This episode unpacks the present and future of AI, blending tech insights with practical applications in the food and agriculture sectors. Key TakeawaysAI and Supply Chain Optimization: Swarm Engineering uses AI to automate complex planning tasks, providing solutions that increase efficiency and reduce costs in supply chains. Understanding Agentic AI: This form of AI integrates intelligence into agents that can independently make decisions, offering a natural method to handle complex problems similarly to nature. Quantum Computing’s Role: Quantum computing promises to solve complex, large-scale problems faster than AI alone, with a tangible integration expected in the near future. AI in Creative Writing: Anthony Howcroft shares his experience using AI as a tool for refining and editing creative writing, describing it as a literary assistant that enhances productivity without overshadowing the creative process. Trust and Ethics in AI: Amidst discussions about AI’s trustworthiness, Anthony frames AI as a potentially more reliable entity than humans, given its capacity for consistent improvement and transparency. Guest ResourcesSwarm EngineeringInternational Fresh Produce AssociationTune into the full episode for a deeper dive into how AI and quantum computing are set to redefine agriculture, the practical use of AI in creative writing, and their ethical implications. Stay connected with Fresh Takes on Tech for more cutting-edge discussions on innovation in the produce tech industry. Show LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

Join host Vonnie Estes and guest Patrick Vizzone, a global agrifood investor, as they explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the food supply chain. From yield forecasting to market understanding, Patrick discusses the challenges and opportunities that AI presents to the produce industry, emphasizing the importance of data integration and a culture of collaboration. Discover why organizations must embrace AI to avoid being left behind and how the right tools can revolutionize efficiency and productivity. Listen for insights on making AI work for your business. Key TakeawaysFragmented AI Adoption: AI uptake is uneven across the produce industry, impacted by data quality issues and organizational resistance to change. Organizational Change Required: To leverage AI, companies must address internal data hoarding and power dynamics, necessitating strong leadership and clear alignment from the top. Integrating Tech Skills: Organizations need tech-savvy translators who bridge domain expertise and technological capabilities, facilitating smooth AI integration and innovation. Market Analysis Evolution: Advanced AI tools can synthesize large amounts of data, offering dynamic insights on trade and market conditions, contributing to agile decision-making. AI Implementation Steps: Organizations should focus on consolidating data, fostering internal advocates, and creating a culture tolerant of experimentation to succeed with AI. Guest ResourcesVertical Oceans: Explore more about Patrick’s AI-native aquaculture company focused on sustainable prawn farming. Fresh Analytics: A company dedicated to democratizing data intelligence tools across the agri-food supply chain. International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA): Stay updated with developments and Patrick Vizzone’s contributions in the produce industry. Unlock the potential of AI in agriculture by listening to the full episode of “Fresh Takes on Tech” with Vani Estes and Patrick Vizzone. Stay tuned for more cutting-edge insights and expert discussions in upcoming episodes. Show LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

Explore the transformative potential of AI in the produce industry with host Vonnie Estes and guest Elliott Grant. Delve into AI’s application from breeding and growing to marketing and supply chain efficiency. Discover how AI is changing data collection, decision-making, and consumer interaction, while enhancing the skills of workers across the supply chain. Grant, with his extensive experience in Silicon Valley and agriculture, offers insights on AI’s current and future roles. Understand the challenges and opportunities that AI brings to both vertically integrated and fragmented companies in agriculture. Key TakeawaysAI is rapidly transforming the agriculture industry by enhancing data collection, predictive breeding, and agronomy advice through AI-driven chat agents. The future of AI in agriculture is likely to involve more augmentation and transformation than wholesale replacement of human labor. Data collection and sharing within the supply chain are critical for leveraging AI’s full potential and integrating innovative solutions. Vertical integration and proprietary data are poised to become significant competitive advantages as AI technologies further develop. Companies must focus on making the shift to AI a participatory journey for employees, reducing anxiety while fostering an innovative environment. Guest ResourcesElliot Grant’s LinkedIn: Follow Elliott Grant Fresh Produce Industry Resources: Fresh Produce Unlock the full potential of AI insights by listening to the entire episode for an in-depth understanding of how these technologies are reshaping agriculture. Stay tuned for more enlightening content from “Fresh Takes on Tech."Show LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

Join Vonnie Estes as she hosts a captivating discussion with Karen Carr on the evolving landscape of agricultural biotechnology. Delve into the regulatory challenges and opportunities surrounding gene editing, with insights into developments in the US and EU. Discover how these technologies could impact agricultural practices, consumer choice, and public health. Karen shares her expertise on navigating complex regulatory frameworks and the role of NGOs, while exploring the promising future of breeding technologies that enhance nutrition and sustainability. Don’t miss this deep dive into the future of food and agriculture innovation.Key TakeawaysUSDA’s Product-Based Regulation: The U.S. regulatory framework prioritizes evaluating the safety of the end products rather than focusing solely on the breeding processes.Implications of the December Court Decision: A pivotal court ruling in December 2024 mandates USDA to revert to older regulations, impacting gene-edited crops and regulatory procedures.Role of NGOs: NGOs can influence policy and public perception, often leading to reduced consumer and producer choices in the biotechnology space.International Regulatory Trends: Promising developments in EU regulatory practices for gene editing could reshape global agricultural biotechnology.Efficiency in Regulation: The focus remains on streamlining regulations to support innovation, ensuring efficient and clear pathways for commercializing new technologies.Guest ResourcesArentFox Schiff: https://www.afslaw.com/ [A global law firm where Karen leads the Ag Technology Regulatory Practice Group]USDA’s Regulatory Framework: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/ International Fresh Produce Association: https://www.freshproduce.com/ Join the conversation and gain deeper insights by listening to the full episode. Stay tuned for more groundbreaking discussions on innovation in agriculture and food through “Fresh Takes on Tech.”Show LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

Join host Vonnie Estes on “Fresh Takes on Tech” as she welcomes back Mollie Van Lieu, VP of Nutrition and Health in Government Relations at IFPA. They delve into the implications of the MAHA Commission’s first report, co-chaired by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., highlighting its focus on ultra-processed foods, regulatory reform, and the influence of industry on nutrition science. Mollie shares insights into challenges with corporate influence, opportunities for produce initiatives, and anticipates changes in public health policy. Discover how these findings could shape the future of food and health policy.Key Takeaways•         The MAHA Commission’s first report identifies ultra-processed foods and environmental chemicals as key contributors to child health deterioration.•         Mollie Van Lieu suggests both “hits” and “misses” in the report, especially regarding the mention of fruits and vegetables in fighting root causes of diet-related diseases.•         An ongoing challenge in public trust is the intertwined relationship of industry-funded research and policy influences; the need for increased federal funding in nutrition research is crucial.•         Produce incentives and produce prescription programs are vital yet under-discussed elements within federal nutrition policy initiatives.•         Future directions may include regulatory actions on ultra-processed foods and school meal contents as well as restructuring of dietary guidelines to be more concise.Guest Resources•         International Fresh Produce Association: freshproduce.com•         Federal SNAP and WIC programs•         MAHA Commission led by HHSEngage with the full episode as Mollie Van Lieu offers rich insights into the complexities of nutrition policy and its potential future shifts. Stay tuned to Fresh Takes on Tech for more groundbreaking discussions on food innovation and public health.Show LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

Explore the future of agriculture amidst regulatory shifts as Vonnie Estes discusses the impact of the new U.S. administration on pesticides and crop protection with Paul Lewis, VP of Food Safety Standards at the International Fresh Produce Association. Delve into the complexities of regulatory influences, the promise of gene editing, and the rising role of biologicals in the produce industry. Discover how innovation is reshaping agricultural practices, offering new tools and solutions for growers navigating an evolving landscape. Listen in for insights on maintaining competitive advantages and embracing technological advancements in agriculture.Key TakeawaysThe new administration’s stance on pesticides is still unfolding, with EPA leading decisions on pesticide regulations, balancing risk and economic implications.Gene editing technology is advancing rapidly, bringing new opportunities in specialty crops and offering solutions for environmental challenges and nutritional enhancement.Biological solutions in agriculture are gaining traction, yet their efficacy needs to be demonstrated for broader acceptance.Developments in the regulatory process may affect the registration speed of new agricultural products, potentially pushing innovations to foreign markets first.Communication and collaboration among agencies like EPA, USDA, and HHS are vital in navigating the future of crop protection policies.Guest ResourcesInternational Fresh Produce Association - For more information about IFPA’s work in food safety and policy.Listeners are encouraged to tune in to the full episode to uncover more about the innovative strides being made in agricultural technology and explore how these advancements could redefine the industry’s future. Stay connected for more episodes filled with insightful dialogues and expert opinions on the latest trends in agriculture and technology.Show LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/