Beanstalk Global

Agri-TechE is bringing together farmers and growers with scientists, technologists and entrepreneurs to create a global innovation hub in agri-tech.They are a business-focused membership organisation, supporting the growth of a world-leading network of innovative farmers, producers, scientists, technologists and entrepreneurs who share a vision of increasing the productivity, profitability and sustainability of agriculture.The REAP 2021 virtual event is being based on “Imagining a world where agriculture is not constrained by time”Timing is crucial in agriculture, through the cycle of sowing to harvest and calving to slaughter, but also for strategic decision-making such as predicting demand for perishable goods and automation to extend the working day.The ability to manage and manipulate time is increasing. REAP 2021 will explore the many ways this is happening through advances in technology and breakthroughs in science.The adoption of innovation is getting faster. By 2030 over 80% of rural areas across the world will have connectivity, with frontier systems like LEO satellites promising faster communications.Putting the speed of fibre optic connections in the air will open up access to a new generation of agri-tech, as low latency and high-resolution near-earth observation are essential for many agri-tech applications.Additionally, knowledge of the role of circadian rhythms for controlling ripening, reproduction, response to disease and medication may create the opportunity to time-shift – enabling ‘spring’ lamb all year, offering multiple harvests, increasing the shelf-life of fruit and vegetables by weeks and mitigating the impact of climate change.What are the implications for agricultural business models and supply chains in a world without time constrictions?Farmer? Researcher? Technologist? Investor? Prepare for time travel at REAP 2021!

In our ever-increasing and highly regarded interview series, 20on20 – “20 minutes with inspirational people from the international fresh food sectors” we are delighted to be joined by Eddy Badrina, CEO of Eden Green Technology based in the USA.Over the past 20 years, Eddy’s career has encompassed entrepreneurial, corporate, and government roles. In 2019, Eddy took over as CEO of Eden Green Technology, which, through its vertical farming technology stack, is changing the way we farm our produce, and feed our communities. Since then, retailers, researchers, cities and governments have discovered how Eden Green Technology’s turnkey solutions can help them establish food safety, food independence, and sustainable farming unlike any previous AgTech solution.Outside of his leadership position at Eden Green, he is a board member at Seed Effect, a micro-lending non-profit focused on fostering economic stability. Eddy is incredibly passionate about food security and from a US perspective, we are going to dive into a conversation about:4 Ways Local Vertical Farming and Hydroponics Can Save Our Broken Food SystemHow Vertical Greenhouses Reduce Energy CostsThe Rise of AgTech: How It’s Transforming the American Farming LandscapeHow 1.5 Acres Can Change An Entire Community

In our ever-increasing and highly regarded interview series, 20on20 – “20 minutes with inspirational people from the international fresh food sectors” we are delighted to be joined by Anna Hill - Presenter of Radio 4's Farming Today.Anna started her broadcasting career at BBC Radio Sussex, in Brighton, just in time for the great Hurricane of 1987. Working as a reporter and producer she covered local news and made a one-hour documentary about the making of the Sussex Landscape. She then worked at Radio Kent, and Radio Surrey before taking a sideways step into Radio 4 as a continuity announcer and Newsreader.Anna joined Farming Today as a presenter in 1994/5. Since then she's covered the twists and turns in long-running farming issues such as Bovine TB; and the devastating impact of BSE and then Foot and Mouth. Over the last 26 years Anna has talked to hundreds of farmers and politicians across the UK. She's also reported from Kosovo for Farming Today and Countryfile, been the first broadcast journalist allowed to meet the reclusive Mennonite farming community in Bolivia, and spent time with farmers in the Falklands. Anna was been a Director of the Oxford Farming Conference (2017-2020), and has chaired many conferences around the country for farming organisaton's.Since the pandemic, Anna has been working from home in Norwich, where she has built up a new relationship with her ironing board, which is now her desk!Anna is happiest when out interviewing farmers in the field, kayaking on Norfolks rivers, or hanging out the washing in the early morning under the apple trees in her garden.

Beatriz is driven by a passion for creating a delicious and resilient food future for all. She works with companies, organizations, and investors to push forward breakthrough solutions. She has travelled around the globe meeting “food heroes”: farmers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, transforming the way we eat. She has built food education programs to raise awareness in young generations.At KM ZERO Food Innovation Hub, she oversees the strategy of the organization and manages the manages the relations with partners and global opinion leaders of the Squad. Through Ftalks Food Summit, the organization manages to bring together these voices to inspire change and create impactful synergies. The mission is to assist startups, corporations, institutions and people operating in the food system, to become futureproof through investment, partnerships, strategy, and the Fooduristic multimedia platform.She is a known industry leader with frequent publications and speaking engagements.Areas of expertise: business development, world-class industry network, partnership strategies. Speaker.Specialties: food systems transformation, innovation, alternative protein, future of retail, digitalization, resilient production, consumer trends.

On our 20on 20 Interview series...”20 minutes with inspirational people from the international food sectors”, we catch up with Annabel Makin-Jones, Founder of Annabel's Deliciously British.Annabel is a curator, innovator, and champion of exquisite produce! She has a natural gift for spotting the potential of beautiful British products and, as a third-generation Yorkshire farmer, knows how to put it to effect – Annabel’s goods are all exceptional in quality, but familiar in origin. With an irrepressible enthusiasm, she creates delicacies that celebrate and sustain the diversity of the British countryside.It was whilst she was at university she decided to grow premium strawberries with her father on their family farm in the heart of Yorkshire. Establishing a reputation for excellence, her strawberry enterprise grew rapidly to supply top restaurants and retailers with the finest UK strawberries.Over a decade later, she founded Annabel’s Deliciously British – a food brand that produces exquisite products for people who care about taste and provenance. Inspired by the astonishing diversity of the land around her, in 2019 Annabel founded a sister company, Tame and Wild, which produces fruit- and botanical-infused sparkling drinks. Using our wonky fruit, these infusions are unreservedly grown up in flavour, but refreshingly alcohol-free. Today, Annabel’s Deliciously British is one of the best-selling brands in Booths, the chain of high-end supermarkets in the north of England, and supplies Ocado, the world’s largest dedicated online supermarket, as well as a growing list of premium food and beverage retailers and restaurants.

On our 20on 20 Interview series…”20 minutes with inspirational people from the international food sectors”, we catch up with the brilliant Lori Taylor from the USA! And many thanks to the great team at United Fresh Produce Association for the introduction to her.Lori is the creator behind the amazing “The Produce Moms”.The Produce Moms® is a widely recognized consumer brand in the States that is devoted to the sales and consumption of fresh produce. Led by Lori, they are a community of passionate fresh produce advocates with a mission to inspire everyone, especially children, to eat more fruits and vegetables. Their purpose is to make sure that all moms know that fresh produce is SAFE and HEALTHY. THE PRODUCE MOMS educates consumers about fresh produce, introduces them to produce brands, engages the produce industry with consumers in inspiring conversations, and promotes public policy to protect and increase the availability of fresh produce at American schools. They are a purpose-driven brand with values that support the journey from seed to smile. They are a human, genuine, real community of moms.Lori herself has made more than 220 Live TV appearances to extend their company’s mission. They have been featured on Oprah.com, MarthaStewart.com, RealSimple Magazine, Thrillist, and The Huffington Post. Last year she made her National television debut on the Hallmark Channel’s Home and Family PARTNERSHIPS. They work alongside fresh produce brands to develop a custom marketing campaign including custom digital content (infographic, blog, video, podcast), traditional media, email marketing, and cross-posting advocacy. They fully recognise that educators are short on time. That’s why the company created turnkey solution for educators to be a part of national programming such as the Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom. Lori interviews industry leaders on their weekly podcast, highlighting relevant topics such as food safety and storage, farming, and food education. Podcast currently has over 80 episodes.Lori is really keen to for her and The Produce Moms to extend their reach internationally and to collaborate with us all.

In our very successful interview series “20 minutes with inspirational people from the International fresh food sectors”, we are delighted to be joined by Chris Veillon – Chief Marketing Officer of Pure Hothouse Foods Inc & Pure Flavor®, all the way from Canada! Chris is a fascinating individual and was kindly introduced to us by the team from United Fresh in the USA to talk to. He is bilingual, a Global Marketing Leader with more than two decades of international experience developing awarding winning brands through strategic leadership. A thought inspirer, brand disruptor, and a conversation creator who can’t sit still. Digitally savvy, socially engaged, and an active member of a variety of international committees focusing on marketing communications. As we will find out he enthusiastically seeks out and creates relationships with likeminded partners to create impactful engagement opportunities. Passionate about navigating to smooth water to differentiate, no matter the topic or application. And always promoting the need to #BeRevolutionary!

In our very successful interview series “20 minutes with inspirational people from the International fresh food sectors”, we look to catch up with the industry powerhouse that is Richard Diplock! Richard is a highly experienced Director with a proven track record of working both on the retail side and on the supplier side with experience at dealing with all the major supermarkets at all levels. He has extensive experience gained on the procurement of wide range of produce from both Europe and the world , with particular emphasis on salads and vegetables. He has recently led the rebranding of the Eric Wall business to that of The Green House Sussex Ltd allowing them to continue to be a key UK grower of the highest quality tomatoes.

Everyone knows Dan! Always one to watch in respect of his fast progression in the sector, he has been with the G’s Group for over 20 years and latterly as Managing Director for their UK operation. In 2017 he moved to the G’s Love Beets business in the United States to lead the brand from the US as it entered a new stage of growth following recent investments in facilities and US production capacity. In our very successful interview series “20 minutes with inspirational people from the International fresh food sectors”, we catch up with Dan to hear his views on the differences of fresh produce Stateside and how he and his team have created a highly successful and innovate fresh produce brand with a difference in the states. It is a fascinating conversation as Dan gives us his view of the differences of fresh produce production and marketing in the States compared to the UK.

Agri-TechE is bringing together farmers and growers with scientists, technologists and entrepreneurs to create a global innovation hub in agri-tech. They are a business focused membership organisation, supporting the growth of a world-leading network of innovative farmers, producers, scientists, technologists and entrepreneurs who share a vision of increasing the productivity, profitability and sustainability of agriculture. Together they aim to help turn challenges into business opportunities and facilitate mutually beneficial collaboration. We catch up with Belinda Clarke – Director at Agri-TechE to hear what they have planned for early 2021 that will be of interest to you. If you are keen to be updated and to change business practices in the positive face of new Ag-tech coming in at a frightening pace, you need to listen in! Included in the conversation, Belinda highlight a key event they are running on Tues 19th Jan at 2pm titled as “Agri-Tech Explore: Keeping It Clean with Agri-Tech Innovation”. Preventing and removing sources of infection and contamination has been front of everyone’s mind recently. Yet this has been top of the agenda in the agri-food supply chain for years, and recent innovations have brought it into sharp focus as we are all more mindful of managing harmful microbes. New innovations are emerging, harnessing different approaches, novel solutions and even different states of matter to help manage potential contamination. This is your opportunity to find out more about some possible new solutions to managing bacterial burdens, virus threats and fungal challenges. https://www.agri-tech-e.co.uk/event/keeping-it-clean-with-agri-tech-innovation/ (CLICK HERE) to register for that event in advance with Agri-TechE.  To view Agri-TechE and to join them, please visit their website – http://www.agri-tech-e.co.uk/ (www.agri-tech-e.co.uk)

In our very successful interview series “20 minutes with inspirational people from the International fresh food sectors”, we look to catch up with the industry leader that is James Lipscombe. James is the CEO of The Chesterford Group of Companies who operate the largest chain of fish and chip shops and restaurants in the UK and employ in excess of 600 people. The brands the Chesterford Group currently operates are fishnchickn, Bankers & Churchill’s. The Group was named as one of the 1000 companies to inspire Britain last year by the London Stock Exchange due to its fast growth and was praised for its dynamic leadership. James is a young entrepreneur with a proven track record of opening and buying businesses and increasing both the turnover and profitability and creating businesses with family cultures where people can thrive. He is a proponent of the triple bottom line, People, Profit, Planet. We hear about his Groups fascinating transformation during the intensive 2020 and what may hopefully be a brighter 2021. This is a story you need to hear.

In our ever-increasing and highly regarded interview series, 20on20 – “20 minutes with inspirational people from the international fresh food sectors” we talk to the inspiring Andrew Wallis. Andrew is CEO of Unseen, a UK-wide charity that believes that modern slavery can and must be eradicated. As well as running the Modern Slavery Helpline, Unseen runs services for survivors of human trafficking, and works with the police, health workers, government, businesses and others to help prevent modern slavery. Andrew chaired the landmark Centre for Social Justice report ‘It Happens Here’, widely acknowledged as the catalyst for the UK Modern Slavery Act of 2015, which he also advised on the development of. He was awarded an OBE that year. The job has presented him with challenges as diverse as building flat-pack furniture for Unseen’s first safe house, to advising global businesses on how to address slavery in supply chains. He has been described in many circles as ‘the loveliest disrupter you could hope to meet!’ We hear his frankly startling views of how modern-day slavery operates and how it may just be combated in the likes of the international world of fresh foods with all of our direct involvement. To see this inspiring conversation with Andrew, just click on the picture below. And to find out more on how you and your business can benefit by being aligned to the Unseen UK, view their website – http://www.unseenuk.org/ (www.unseenuk.org) Filmed late Dec 2020. Host – Max MacGillivray – Editor in Chief of Beanstalk

We know how important it is to be inspired by both big businesses and individuals, which is why we are excited to present Talking Leaders, a monthly initiative from the AHDB which will see a series of inspirational speakers share their life experiences and deliver impactful stories to the AgriLeader community.In the January episode of Talking Leaders, we were delighted to be joined by Sharon May, a mental health advocate and counsellor – joining us on what is described as Blue Monday.Following a career in physical healthcare, her love of people and their stories led Sharon to shift her focus to emotional healthcare and retrain as a counsellor whilst bringing up our three children. She set up her own practice on the farm 8 years ago, which has now grown into a multi-therapist counselling hub providing face to face mental health support to the rural community in which we live.She loves her job, and particularly enjoy working with small business owners, life stage issues and women’s health. She is passionate about tackling stigma and normalising the conversations around mental health and wellbeing.Her awareness of the mental health challenges within agriculture led to me choosing that as an area of focus whilst completing her Masters in Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice, culminating in a research study on the mental health of farm wives.

We know how important it is to be inspired by both big businesses and individuals, which is why we are excited to present Talking Leaders, a monthly initiative from the AHDB which will see a series of inspirational speakers share their life experiences and deliver impactful stories to the AgriLeader community.In the December episode of Talking Leaders, we were delighted to be joined by Hattie McFadzean, Senior Consultant at Promar International and recent Nuffield Farming Scholar. With weather patterns becoming increasingly unpredictable, how can UK dairy farmers build resilience and adapt for the future? Hattie joins us to discuss the findings of her Nuffield study, “Enhancing the Resilience of the UK Dairy Sector: How Do We Practically Adapt to Increasingly Volatile Weather Conditions?”Drawing on insights from her travels and research, Hattie explores how dairy businesses around the world are responding to climate variability and what practical steps UK producers can take to “weather-proof” their own operations.Hear Hattie’s reflections on leadership, innovation, and collaboration across the dairy sector – and how embracing change today can help secure a more sustainable future for tomorrow’s farmers.

We know how important it is to be inspired by both big businesses and individuals, which is why we are excited to present Talking Leaders, a monthly initiative from the AHDB which will see a series of inspirational speakers share their life experiences and deliver impactful stories to the AgriLeader community.In the November episode of Talking Leaders, we are delighted to be joined by Adam Bedford, Collaborative Projects Director at Fera Science, to explore how working together can help farming businesses navigate uncertainty and thrive. With a career spanning farm-level experience, leadership roles at the NFU, and now driving collaboration between farmers, scientists and the food industry, Adam will share how building partnerships and pooling ideas can strengthen resilience and unlock opportunities across UK agriculture. 

We know how important it is to be inspired by both big businesses and individuals, which is why we are excited to present Talking Leaders, a monthly initiative from the AHDB which will see a series of inspirational speakers share their life experiences and deliver impactful stories to the AgriLeader community.In the October episode of Talking Leaders, we were delighted to be joined by Helen Wyman, Founder of TwoCan Mentor – A food and farming mentorship movement built on connection, development, and impact. As a Nuffield Farming Scholar, Helen’s research focused on how mentorship transforms confidence, leadership, and career paths. With a career spanning food, farming, environment, and energy, she’s seen the impact that the right conversation at the right time can have.Drawing on her experience connecting people across the food, farming and land-based sectors, Helen will share why having the right mentor and being one can make all the difference to both personal & professional success and the resilience of our industry.

We know how important it is to be inspired by both big businesses and individuals, which is why we are excited to present Talking Leaders, a monthly initiative from the AHDB which will see a series of inspirational speakers share their life experiences and deliver impactful stories to the AgriLeader community.In the September episode of Talking Leaders, we are delighted to be joined by the new AHDB Chair: Emily Norton. Emily is a Norfolk farmer, Nuffield scholar and founder of Farm Foresight Ltd, a strategic advisory service for the rural sector.She has 25 years of experience in the food and farming sector. After qualifing as a lawyer, Emily undertook an MSc in Sustainable Agriculture. Her career has taken her from family business to global PLC, with time spent in Brussels and across the UK. Emily has particular expertise in natural capital influences on land, food and farming.Emily holds various non-executive board positions in the agricultural sector including chair of AHDB and a trustee at the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association. She is a well known media commentator and lives and farms in Norfolk.

We know how important it is to be inspired by both big businesses and individuals, which is why we are excited to present Talking Leaders, a monthly initiative from the AHDB which will see a series of inspirational speakers share their life experiences and deliver impactful stories to the AgriLeader community.In the August episode of Talking Leaders, we sit down with Ingo and Nina Plöger – two of Brazil’s foremost leaders in agribusiness and global development. Ingo is an entrepreneur, engineer, and economist, and serves as President of the Strategic Council for Latin America and Vice President of the Brazilian Agribusiness Association (ABAG). Nina PlögerNina is a key influencer in shaping Brazil’s sustainable agricultural sector. She leads women in Agriculture by Forbes Brasil and other institutions. Nina is active in the board of the Brazilian Association of Agribusiness (ABAG) and a leading figure in shaping Brazil’s sustainable agricultural sector. With a background in international relations and public policy, she drives innovation, trade, and environmental responsibility. Nina also contributes to Forbes Brasil, focusing on agribusiness trends, leadership, and the future of food.As President of Forbes Women in Agriculture, she empowers women in agribusiness, promoting gender equality and leadership. She advocates for bio-competitiveness, strengthening Brazil’s global market position through sustainable practices. Nina’s expertise in international relations plays a key role in advancing Brazil’s agricultural interests in global trade and partnerships. She is also Council in the FIESP COSAG the industrial association of Sao Paulo. In the CEAL Nina coordinate actions for the integration of Latin America under the umbrella of “America without frontiers”Ingo PlögerIngo is a Brazilian entrepreneur, engineer, and economist, and President of the Strategic Council for Latin America advising governments and multinational companies on competitiveness, sustainability, and innovation.As Vice President of ABAG Agribusiness Association he leads initiatives focused on strategic business growth, institutional relations, and sustainable development within various sectors.A recognised international speaker, Ingo brings decades of strategic insight into the future of agrifood systems, global trade, and the geopolitical forces shaping business and policy today.Ingo shares lessons from a lifetime of leadership across continents, offering insights on innovation, resilience, and navigating uncertainty in a fast-changing world, while encouraging imagination and visionary thinking. Nina brings her extensive experience in international relations and agri-food systems, discussing the importance of promoting gender equality, bio-competitiveness, and advancing Brazil’s position in global agribusiness.This episode dives into leadership, vision, and the power of local actions in a globalised world, demonstrating how leaders like Ingo and Nina inspire change and foster long-term growth.

We know how important it is to be inspired by both big businesses and individuals, which is why we are excited to present Talking Leaders, a monthly initiative from the AHDB which will see a series of inspirational speakers share their life experiences and deliver impactful stories to the AgriLeader community.In the July episode of Talking Leaders we were joined by Melanie Siggs, Director of Strategic Engagements at the Global Seafood Alliance for a conversation on the synergies between blue food systems, agriculture and forestry, and how they must work together to drive responsible food production.Melanie holds a number of positions allowing her to work globally across policy, private sector, science and academia. Strategic Engagement Director, Global Seafood Alliance, Chair of Fisheries Innovation & Sustainability, a non-Executive Director of CEFAS (UK HMG Marine Science Agency), Ambassador to the Iceland Ocean Cluster and Honorary Professor at Heriot Watt University. 

We know how important it is to be inspired by both big businesses and individuals, which is why we are excited to present Talking Leaders, a monthly initiative from the AHDB which will see a series of inspirational speakers share their life experiences and deliver impactful stories to the AgriLeader community. In the May episode of Talking Leaders we were joined by Ben Hirst – founder of Horizon Platforms and a leader who has built his success on lifting others up, quite literally. From starting a national equipment rental business in 2008, Ben scaled Horizon into a respected industry player, before pioneering an employee ownership model that puts people at the heart of performance and long-term value.Ben’s leadership has been instrumental in achieving record revenues and operational excellence while maintaining a people-first culture. His ethos of building the business for his grandchildren resonates deeply with many family-owned, farming businesses.Now with a portfolio of Chair and Non-Exec roles, Ben shares what it takes to transition from founder-led to employee-led – covering everything from governance and culture to legacy and motivation.Open, thoughtful, and values-driven, Ben’s story is full of insight for anyone thinking about succession, scale, or how to keep people at the centre of a growing enterprise.