Regenerative Food Systems Investment Forum
September 28-29, 2021
Oakland, CA
Oakland, CA
Agenda | Speakers | Attend | Sponsor | Venue | Hotel
THE MARQUEE EVENT FOR BUILDING AND INVESTING IN REGENERATIVE FOOD AND AGRICULTURE IS BACK IN PERSON THIS SEPTEMBER 28-29, 2021!
Join a community of stakeholders who are committed to transforming the food system through investment, innovation and collaboration. The RFSI Forum catalyzes conversation, advances education, and drives increased investment in regenerative agriculture and food.
Register Now |
2021 Agenda
Agenda & Speakers
We’re excited to be back IN PERSON in a beautiful downtown Oakland location this year! Join us for a fabulous line-up of sessions and speakers as well as unparalleled networking with the leading investors and stakeholders in this space.
This year’s program will feature:
- What makes investments in organic and regenerative ag and food different from other investments
- Actionable market insights for investment in the space
- What is on the horizon in regenerative ag and food
- Viable opportunities for allocation of capital now
- The funders, entrepreneurs, producers, and advocates leading the way
2021 Speakers
CHECK OUT THE FANTASTIC SPEAKING FACULTY WE HAVE FOR THIS YEAR’S LINE UP!
Kayalin Akens-Irby
Kayalin Akens-Irby | Planet FWD
Kayalin Akens-Irby is an impact-oriented strategist who has spent her career working with investors and companies to improve business operations and capitalize on new opportunities within an evolving market which increasingly values transparency, sustainability, and business ethics.
Today, Kayalin serves as Head of Partnerships at Planet FWD, a software company on a mission to empower the next generation of sustainable brands. Kayalin is a driving force behind the platform's ability to help brands to quickly and easily understand their carbon footprint, take action to improve their overall sustainability, and get on a path toward net zero emissions.
Kayalin is also a Climate VC Leader at Amasia and previously led VC and Growth Equity at Malk Partners, where she advised private market investors and their portfolio companies on ESG and Impact investment strategies and led due diligence assessments on over 100 investments typically ranging from $25 million to $2 billion in value. Her passions include ocean-based climate solutions, regenerative agriculture, and justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Kayalin Akens-Irby is an impact-oriented strategist who has spent her career working with investors and companies to improve business operations and capitalize on new opportunities within an evolving market which increasingly values transparency, sustainability, and business ethics.
Today, Kayalin serves as Head of Partnerships at Planet FWD, a software company on a mission to empower the next generation of sustainable brands. Kayalin is a driving force behind the platform's ability to help brands to quickly and easily understand their carbon footprint, take action to improve their overall sustainability, and get on a path toward net zero emissions.
Kayalin is also a Climate VC Leader at Amasia and previously led VC and Growth Equity at Malk Partners, where she advised private market investors and their portfolio companies on ESG and Impact investment strategies and led due diligence assessments on over 100 investments typically ranging from $25 million to $2 billion in value. Her passions include ocean-based climate solutions, regenerative agriculture, and justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Blake Alexandre
Blake Alexandre | Alexandre Family Farms
Blake Alexandre, a 4th generation dairy farmer, owns and operates with his wife Stephanie and their 5 grown children, the only certified regenerative and organic dairy and egg ranch in the U.S.
On their four grass-based regenerative organic dairies in Humboldt and Del Norte, CA, counties, they graze 4,200 crossbred milk cows and 35,000 hens on 4,300 acres of irrigated pasture. The Alexandres have also pioneered A2 organic genetics in the US. 14 years ago, when they learned that the A1 protein in milk is linked to digestive issues, they began carefully cross-breeding their cows to eliminate the problematic A1 beta-casein milk protein from their herd; and breed only for the more digestible A2 type protein. They now have one of the largest herd of strictly A2/A2 (A1-free) organic cows in the U.S. Under Blake’s guidance, the family practices intensively managed rotational grazing and pasture management, which has resulted in the Alexandre soil organic matter going from 2% to 8 and 15%, creating a significant carbon sink; a large-scale agricultural example of regenerative hope.
For decades, Blake has worked alongside multitudes of certifying agencies and federal, state and local agencies such as the Savory Institute, the Regenerative Organic Alliance, the USDA NRCS, and the Army Corps of Engineers, to develop environmental programs and practices.
Blake is a founder and 21-year director of the North Coast Regional Land Trust, director of the California State Farm Bureau and a federal appointee to the USDA Farm Service Agency.
Blake Alexandre, a 4th generation dairy farmer, owns and operates with his wife Stephanie and their 5 grown children, the only certified regenerative and organic dairy and egg ranch in the U.S.
On their four grass-based regenerative organic dairies in Humboldt and Del Norte, CA, counties, they graze 4,200 crossbred milk cows and 35,000 hens on 4,300 acres of irrigated pasture. The Alexandres have also pioneered A2 organic genetics in the US. 14 years ago, when they learned that the A1 protein in milk is linked to digestive issues, they began carefully cross-breeding their cows to eliminate the problematic A1 beta-casein milk protein from their herd; and breed only for the more digestible A2 type protein. They now have one of the largest herd of strictly A2/A2 (A1-free) organic cows in the U.S. Under Blake’s guidance, the family practices intensively managed rotational grazing and pasture management, which has resulted in the Alexandre soil organic matter going from 2% to 8 and 15%, creating a significant carbon sink; a large-scale agricultural example of regenerative hope.
For decades, Blake has worked alongside multitudes of certifying agencies and federal, state and local agencies such as the Savory Institute, the Regenerative Organic Alliance, the USDA NRCS, and the Army Corps of Engineers, to develop environmental programs and practices.
Blake is a founder and 21-year director of the North Coast Regional Land Trust, director of the California State Farm Bureau and a federal appointee to the USDA Farm Service Agency.
Max Darnell
Max Darnell | Biome Capital
Committed to actions, both large and small, where human creativity and innovation are put to work to restore, revitalize and collaborate with natural and biological systems - because they are the most demonstratively successful operating systems we know, and because they are beautiful.
He has invested more than three decades in pioneering work to support the needs and objectives of the largest institutional investors globally. In collaboration with their clients, he and his firm, First Quadrant, have helped to create new investment disciplines, and new fields of insight into how markets work. Inspiring investors to deviate from convention has never been easy, but over the decades the firm has cumulatively engaged in the management of over $100b of investor capital. Both successes and failures have taught Max a great deal about how to build bridges between practitioners and investors that activate risk-taking in less charted territories.
Trained in both economics and philosophy, Max holds a Masters degree in economics from UCLA. Professionally he has played many different roles over these years, from conducting research, to raising assets, and serving as a Chief Investment Officer, CEO and Chairman. He has the honor today of serving as the Chairman of the Investment Committee for Biome Capital, as well as the Chairman for First Quadrant.
Committed to actions, both large and small, where human creativity and innovation are put to work to restore, revitalize and collaborate with natural and biological systems - because they are the most demonstratively successful operating systems we know, and because they are beautiful.
He has invested more than three decades in pioneering work to support the needs and objectives of the largest institutional investors globally. In collaboration with their clients, he and his firm, First Quadrant, have helped to create new investment disciplines, and new fields of insight into how markets work. Inspiring investors to deviate from convention has never been easy, but over the decades the firm has cumulatively engaged in the management of over $100b of investor capital. Both successes and failures have taught Max a great deal about how to build bridges between practitioners and investors that activate risk-taking in less charted territories.
Trained in both economics and philosophy, Max holds a Masters degree in economics from UCLA. Professionally he has played many different roles over these years, from conducting research, to raising assets, and serving as a Chief Investment Officer, CEO and Chairman. He has the honor today of serving as the Chairman of the Investment Committee for Biome Capital, as well as the Chairman for First Quadrant.
Paul Dolan
Paul Dolan | Chairman of the board - Regenerative Organic Certification
As a 4th generation winemaker (and, later, president) at Fetzer Vineyards in California's Mendocino County, Paul Dolan chose to make a difference in how the winery grew grapes and how the company did business. In his 27 years at Fetzer, he helped oversee its transition from a small family-owned winery to an employee-based organization selling wine across the globe. Through his persistent efforts, his vision for Fetzer was realized: "...to be recognized as the environmentally, and socially conscious winery, committed to making the highest quality, best valued wines in the world." During this time frame, his company grew to record levels. He served on the boards of the Wine Institute and Business for Social Responsibility and is a founder of Wine Vision. He participated on President Clinton's Council on Sustainable Business, and he chaired the California Sustainable Alliance Board. He continues to advocate for sustainable business practices and organic farming based on the simple premise that his natural view of our relationship with the world is not only the right view, but also delivers better products and healthier lives. Paul currently advocates for the possibility of the creation of a new contextual framework for farming by shifting from the current industrial model to a regenerative system designed to build resilience and vitality into the farm. To this end Paul works with his son on their Biodynamic family farm, Darkhorse farming co- found in the foothills of Mendocino, runs a small ultra premium winery in Dry Creek -committed to the principles of regenerative farming and as Chairman of the board for gold standard certification company- Regenerative Organic Certification which is built on the 3 pillars - Social fairness, Animal welfare and Healthy soils while advocating for the value certification provides.
As a 4th generation winemaker (and, later, president) at Fetzer Vineyards in California's Mendocino County, Paul Dolan chose to make a difference in how the winery grew grapes and how the company did business. In his 27 years at Fetzer, he helped oversee its transition from a small family-owned winery to an employee-based organization selling wine across the globe. Through his persistent efforts, his vision for Fetzer was realized: "...to be recognized as the environmentally, and socially conscious winery, committed to making the highest quality, best valued wines in the world." During this time frame, his company grew to record levels. He served on the boards of the Wine Institute and Business for Social Responsibility and is a founder of Wine Vision. He participated on President Clinton's Council on Sustainable Business, and he chaired the California Sustainable Alliance Board. He continues to advocate for sustainable business practices and organic farming based on the simple premise that his natural view of our relationship with the world is not only the right view, but also delivers better products and healthier lives. Paul currently advocates for the possibility of the creation of a new contextual framework for farming by shifting from the current industrial model to a regenerative system designed to build resilience and vitality into the farm. To this end Paul works with his son on their Biodynamic family farm, Darkhorse farming co- found in the foothills of Mendocino, runs a small ultra premium winery in Dry Creek -committed to the principles of regenerative farming and as Chairman of the board for gold standard certification company- Regenerative Organic Certification which is built on the 3 pillars - Social fairness, Animal welfare and Healthy soils while advocating for the value certification provides.
Helmut Drews
Helmut Drews | Encina Farms
Born and raised in Colombia, with Spanish and German ancestry, Helmut Drews cherishes his memory of the first Iberico ham he tasted as a child. He grew up going to the dairy farms of his grandfather, one of the first to bring the Holstein breed to Colombia. With his love for tasty food and an entrepreneur at heart, Helmut sold alfajores in school and high quality pets—discus fish—before the age of 10. With a passion for problem solving, he graduated from Georgia Tech with a Mechanical Engineering degree and has an MBA from UC Berkeley. Though he spent the first 10 years of his career in strategy consulting, and corporate development in technology, the pull towards getting back to the land, raising animals, and following his grandfather’s pioneering footsteps inspired him to start Encina Farms. He’s very excited to learn how to apply regenerative farming practices and leave the land in a better state than when it began.
Born and raised in Colombia, with Spanish and German ancestry, Helmut Drews cherishes his memory of the first Iberico ham he tasted as a child. He grew up going to the dairy farms of his grandfather, one of the first to bring the Holstein breed to Colombia. With his love for tasty food and an entrepreneur at heart, Helmut sold alfajores in school and high quality pets—discus fish—before the age of 10. With a passion for problem solving, he graduated from Georgia Tech with a Mechanical Engineering degree and has an MBA from UC Berkeley. Though he spent the first 10 years of his career in strategy consulting, and corporate development in technology, the pull towards getting back to the land, raising animals, and following his grandfather’s pioneering footsteps inspired him to start Encina Farms. He’s very excited to learn how to apply regenerative farming practices and leave the land in a better state than when it began.
Skya Ducheneaux
Skya Ducheneaux | Akiptan
Skya Ducheneaux is an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and spent her first 18 years of life on a ranch on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. She is a 2017 graduate of Black Hills State University, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. As of the summer of 2019, she has also completed her Master’s in Business Administration. After high school and again after completing her bachelor’s degree, Skya worked for the Intertribal Agriculture Council; first as an intern for 2 summers and most recently as a Project Coordinator, where she was introduced to the Native CDFI world (Community Development Financial Institution). Skya worked diligently to create the first national Native CDFI dedicated to Indian agriculture, which launched in 2019. Skya remains connected to agriculture, just from the other side of the table.
Skya Ducheneaux is an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and spent her first 18 years of life on a ranch on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. She is a 2017 graduate of Black Hills State University, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. As of the summer of 2019, she has also completed her Master’s in Business Administration. After high school and again after completing her bachelor’s degree, Skya worked for the Intertribal Agriculture Council; first as an intern for 2 summers and most recently as a Project Coordinator, where she was introduced to the Native CDFI world (Community Development Financial Institution). Skya worked diligently to create the first national Native CDFI dedicated to Indian agriculture, which launched in 2019. Skya remains connected to agriculture, just from the other side of the table.
Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin
Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin | Regenerative Poultry
Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin is the CEO of Regenerative Poultry where he is creating a network of BIPOC and immigrant owned, regeneratively farmed operations across the Midwest.
Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin is the CEO of Regenerative Poultry where he is creating a network of BIPOC and immigrant owned, regeneratively farmed operations across the Midwest.
Alex Heilman
Alex Heilman | Mad Agriculture
Alex Heilman joined Mad Agriculture in June 2021 to co-direct the Markets program as Director of Supply & Trade, connecting regenerative organic producers with brands and end-users. Alex has worked across the food & agriculture value-chain from cooking at Eleven Madison Park, to commodity merchandising & sales, to driving business development at growth stage AGTech start-ups. Prior to joining Mad Agriculture, Alex spent 6 years as the Director of Sales at Mercaris, a market analytics firm exclusively tracking organic and non-GMO markets. He holds a B.S. in Food Systems & Applied Economics from The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and a degree in Pastry Arts from The Culinary Institute of America.
Alex Heilman joined Mad Agriculture in June 2021 to co-direct the Markets program as Director of Supply & Trade, connecting regenerative organic producers with brands and end-users. Alex has worked across the food & agriculture value-chain from cooking at Eleven Madison Park, to commodity merchandising & sales, to driving business development at growth stage AGTech start-ups. Prior to joining Mad Agriculture, Alex spent 6 years as the Director of Sales at Mercaris, a market analytics firm exclusively tracking organic and non-GMO markets. He holds a B.S. in Food Systems & Applied Economics from The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and a degree in Pastry Arts from The Culinary Institute of America.
Zaynah Hindi
Zaynah Hindi | Reems California
Zaynah Hindi is the Director of Operations at Reems California, a bakery and restaurant that connects people across cultures and experiences through the warmth of Arab bread and hospitality.
Zaynah Hindi is the Director of Operations at Reems California, a bakery and restaurant that connects people across cultures and experiences through the warmth of Arab bread and hospitality.
Donna Holmes
Donna Holmes | Iroquois Valley Farmland REIT
In Donna’s role at Iroquois Valley Farmland REIT, she shares the Company’s vision and investment strategy with investors and prospects. She is responsible for expanding our investor base by building a community of like-minded investors. She is passionate about creating an opportunity for all people to reap the health benefits of nutritional food, grown in a sustainable and socially just society. Using her knowledge of finance and investing, Donna structures investment vehicles to address investors different needs and goals. She believes in Iroquois Valley’s triple bottom line principles, actively securing social, environmental, and financial returns for our investors.
Prior to joining Iroquois Valley, Donna served as Managing Director, Business Development and Investor Relations at three alternative asset management firms. Prior to working in finance, she practiced law, specializing in tax and ERISA matters.
Donna earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Syracuse University, a Juris Doctorate from Syracuse University, College of Law, and a Master of Law in Taxation from New York University. She is a CAIA Charter-holder and an FSA Level 1 Certificate Holder.
In Donna’s role at Iroquois Valley Farmland REIT, she shares the Company’s vision and investment strategy with investors and prospects. She is responsible for expanding our investor base by building a community of like-minded investors. She is passionate about creating an opportunity for all people to reap the health benefits of nutritional food, grown in a sustainable and socially just society. Using her knowledge of finance and investing, Donna structures investment vehicles to address investors different needs and goals. She believes in Iroquois Valley’s triple bottom line principles, actively securing social, environmental, and financial returns for our investors.
Prior to joining Iroquois Valley, Donna served as Managing Director, Business Development and Investor Relations at three alternative asset management firms. Prior to working in finance, she practiced law, specializing in tax and ERISA matters.
Donna earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Syracuse University, a Juris Doctorate from Syracuse University, College of Law, and a Master of Law in Taxation from New York University. She is a CAIA Charter-holder and an FSA Level 1 Certificate Holder.
Brad Keith
Brad Keith | SLM Partners
Brad is a Principal of SLM Partners and leads all business activities for North America. He is focused on managing and growing our organic and regenerative farmland investment strategies in the US.
Prior to joining SLM Partners, Brad spent 9 years with the Harvard University endowment, helping to manage its US$4 billion agricultural and timberland investment portfolio. In his roles at Harvard, Brad had direct responsibility for a large portfolio of agriculture investments in the US, Australia, and New Zealand and sat on the boards of companies globally. Brad was an integral team member leading the restructuring of the portfolio following management changes in 2015 and helped to rebuild a 20+ person team dedicated to agriculture.
Prior to his work at Harvard, Brad spent 10 years as a consultant, analyst, and auditor in the commercial real estate industry at PwC and Merrill Lynch Capital.
Brad is from the New York City area originally. He earned a BA in Business and History from Skidmore College and completed the Advanced Management Program at Dartmouth. He has completed numerous advanced education programs focused on agriculture with Harvard and UC Davis. Brad earned his CPA license in Massachusetts.
Brad is a Principal of SLM Partners and leads all business activities for North America. He is focused on managing and growing our organic and regenerative farmland investment strategies in the US.
Prior to joining SLM Partners, Brad spent 9 years with the Harvard University endowment, helping to manage its US$4 billion agricultural and timberland investment portfolio. In his roles at Harvard, Brad had direct responsibility for a large portfolio of agriculture investments in the US, Australia, and New Zealand and sat on the boards of companies globally. Brad was an integral team member leading the restructuring of the portfolio following management changes in 2015 and helped to rebuild a 20+ person team dedicated to agriculture.
Prior to his work at Harvard, Brad spent 10 years as a consultant, analyst, and auditor in the commercial real estate industry at PwC and Merrill Lynch Capital.
Brad is from the New York City area originally. He earned a BA in Business and History from Skidmore College and completed the Advanced Management Program at Dartmouth. He has completed numerous advanced education programs focused on agriculture with Harvard and UC Davis. Brad earned his CPA license in Massachusetts.
Chris Kerston
Chris Kerston | Savory Institute
Chris Kerston ranched full time for nearly 15 years before joining the Savory Institute. With a longstanding passion for regenerative agricultural and better food distribution systems, Chris has dedicated his life to helping connect ranchers with consumers in ways that create synergistic value for both sides. With formal training and instinctive talent, Chris utilizes media in concert with traditional marketing techniques to help ranchers share their stories and build long-lasting relationships with partners based upon common goals.
For 6 years Chris co-managed a 2,000 acre diversified farm based on holistic grazing and permaculture in the Sacramento Valley.
Chris Kerston ranched full time for nearly 15 years before joining the Savory Institute. With a longstanding passion for regenerative agricultural and better food distribution systems, Chris has dedicated his life to helping connect ranchers with consumers in ways that create synergistic value for both sides. With formal training and instinctive talent, Chris utilizes media in concert with traditional marketing techniques to help ranchers share their stories and build long-lasting relationships with partners based upon common goals.
For 6 years Chris co-managed a 2,000 acre diversified farm based on holistic grazing and permaculture in the Sacramento Valley.
Dan Kittredge
Dan Kittredge | Bionutrient Food Association
Kittredge has been an organic farmer for more than 30 years and is the founder and executive director of the Bionutrient Food Association (BFA), a non-profit whose mission is to “increase quality in the food supply.” Known as one of the leading proponents of “nutrient density,” Dan works to demonstrate the connections between soil health, plant health, and human health. Out of these efforts was born the Real Food Campaign, which has engineered a prototype of a hand-held consumer spectrometer designed to test nutrient density at point of purchase. Via the Bionutrient Meter, the goal is to empower consumers to choose for nutrient quality and thereby leverage economic incentives to drive full system regeneration.
Kittredge has been an organic farmer for more than 30 years and is the founder and executive director of the Bionutrient Food Association (BFA), a non-profit whose mission is to “increase quality in the food supply.” Known as one of the leading proponents of “nutrient density,” Dan works to demonstrate the connections between soil health, plant health, and human health. Out of these efforts was born the Real Food Campaign, which has engineered a prototype of a hand-held consumer spectrometer designed to test nutrient density at point of purchase. Via the Bionutrient Meter, the goal is to empower consumers to choose for nutrient quality and thereby leverage economic incentives to drive full system regeneration.
Perri Kramer
Perri Kramer | FoodSystem 6
Perri Kramer is the Program Director of Food System 6 Accelerator, a national food and agriculture non-profit Fon a mission to accelerate innovations that democratize wealth in frontline communities and transition us to a just and regenerative food system.
Perri Kramer is the Program Director of Food System 6 Accelerator, a national food and agriculture non-profit Fon a mission to accelerate innovations that democratize wealth in frontline communities and transition us to a just and regenerative food system.
Mark Lewis
Mark Lewis | Trailhead Capital
Mark Lewis is a Managing Partner at Trailhead Capital, and also an owner, manager, and soil steward at Lewis Family Farm, a 354 acre Certified Organic farming operation near Hoyt, CO. Mark has been active in the agriculture and renewable energy spaces for over 10 years, having successfully participated in ventures such as GSSG Solar, and serving as Board Chair at Mad Agriculture, where he is also an advisor to the organization’s Perennial Fund. He has helped source and manage investments for his family office over the years, while previously serving on the Board’s at E-Town and Revision. Mark has a BA in economics from the University of San Diego, as well as an MBA from CU Boulder’s Leeds School of Business.
Mark Lewis is a Managing Partner at Trailhead Capital, and also an owner, manager, and soil steward at Lewis Family Farm, a 354 acre Certified Organic farming operation near Hoyt, CO. Mark has been active in the agriculture and renewable energy spaces for over 10 years, having successfully participated in ventures such as GSSG Solar, and serving as Board Chair at Mad Agriculture, where he is also an advisor to the organization’s Perennial Fund. He has helped source and manage investments for his family office over the years, while previously serving on the Board’s at E-Town and Revision. Mark has a BA in economics from the University of San Diego, as well as an MBA from CU Boulder’s Leeds School of Business.
Tom McDougall
Tom McDougall | 4P Foods
Tom McDougall is the Founder and CEO of 4P Foods, a food hub based in the Mid-Atlantic, working with over 600 small and mid-size food producers. As an advocate for equitable and regenerative food systems, Tom is recognized as one of the leaders in the National Food Hub network. In 2019, he helped Co-Found the Eastern Food Hub Collaborative, a network of mission aligned food hubs up and down the Eastern Seaboard, for the sole purpose of regional collaboration and a more cohesive, decentralized food supply chain. Tom is a fierce supporter of regional infrastructure that is scale-appropriate for small and mid-scale producers, in addition to being a vocal champion of long term policy change needed to shift support towards regional and regenerative food systems.
Tom McDougall is the Founder and CEO of 4P Foods, a food hub based in the Mid-Atlantic, working with over 600 small and mid-size food producers. As an advocate for equitable and regenerative food systems, Tom is recognized as one of the leaders in the National Food Hub network. In 2019, he helped Co-Found the Eastern Food Hub Collaborative, a network of mission aligned food hubs up and down the Eastern Seaboard, for the sole purpose of regional collaboration and a more cohesive, decentralized food supply chain. Tom is a fierce supporter of regional infrastructure that is scale-appropriate for small and mid-scale producers, in addition to being a vocal champion of long term policy change needed to shift support towards regional and regenerative food systems.
Radhika Moolgavkar
Radhika Moolgavkar | Nori
Radhika leads the supply and methodology group at Nori where she is responsible for operationalizing supply into the Nori marketplace and developing new methodologies. Prior to working at Nori, she led the battery-electric bus program at King County Metro.
Radhika leads the supply and methodology group at Nori where she is responsible for operationalizing supply into the Nori marketplace and developing new methodologies. Prior to working at Nori, she led the battery-electric bus program at King County Metro.
Sarah Nolet
Sarah Nolet | Tenacious Ventures
Sarah Nolet is an internationally recognized agriculture innovation expert, the CEO and Founder of AgThentic, a global food and agriculture strategy firm, and co-founder of Tenacious Ventures, Australia’s only specialist agrifood tech VC firm. Sarah has been instrumental in building the early stage agtech ecosystem in Australia - from advising dozens of startups, designing accelerator programs and consulting to established agribusinesses, to helping industry, universities and government develop and implement forward-looking initiatives in food system innovation. Sarah is also the host of the AgTech...So What? podcast, featuring bi-weekly stories on nontraditional innovators in agriculture. She has been ministerially appointed to the board of Industry, Innovation and Science Australia (IISA), and she holds a Masters in System Design and Management from MIT, and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Human Factors Engineering from Tufts University.
Sarah Nolet is an internationally recognized agriculture innovation expert, the CEO and Founder of AgThentic, a global food and agriculture strategy firm, and co-founder of Tenacious Ventures, Australia’s only specialist agrifood tech VC firm. Sarah has been instrumental in building the early stage agtech ecosystem in Australia - from advising dozens of startups, designing accelerator programs and consulting to established agribusinesses, to helping industry, universities and government develop and implement forward-looking initiatives in food system innovation. Sarah is also the host of the AgTech...So What? podcast, featuring bi-weekly stories on nontraditional innovators in agriculture. She has been ministerially appointed to the board of Industry, Innovation and Science Australia (IISA), and she holds a Masters in System Design and Management from MIT, and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Human Factors Engineering from Tufts University.
Pete Oberle
Pete Oberle | Trailhead Capital
Pete Oberle is a Managing Partner at Trailhead Capital and a financial professional with over 23 years of experience working in investment banking and private equity. He has 15 years of real estate and management experience, serving as President of FREO Group US, where he helped build a $150M AUM platform for the firm. Pete also has been investing in early stage companies as a private investor since 2014, focusing on opportunities within the agriculture, food, renewable energy, and human health spaces. He has a BA from Dartmouth College, as well as an MBA from the Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Pete Oberle is a Managing Partner at Trailhead Capital and a financial professional with over 23 years of experience working in investment banking and private equity. He has 15 years of real estate and management experience, serving as President of FREO Group US, where he helped build a $150M AUM platform for the firm. Pete also has been investing in early stage companies as a private investor since 2014, focusing on opportunities within the agriculture, food, renewable energy, and human health spaces. He has a BA from Dartmouth College, as well as an MBA from the Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Jennifer O’Connor
Jennifer O’Connor | FORA Initiative
After over eight years managing and evaluating food security and rural health programs in East Africa for a variety of international programs and governmental organizations, including the Gates Foundation and USAID, Jenny founded Guidelight Strategies, a strategic consulting firm focused on the design, development, and implementation of strategic funding, policy, and program initiatives in the food/ag, environment, and conservation sectors. From 2019 - 2020, Jenny developed a national landscape analysis of the barriers for ranchers and farmers to transition to regenerative agriculture in the US, diving deeply into financial, supply chain, and policy barriers and opportunities. She published a 2020 report, in partnership with Patagonia, highlighting her work: Barriers for Farmers and Ranchers to Adopt Regenerative Agriculture Practices in the US: Identifying Key Levers and Opportunities for Funders. She co-leads the SAFSF (Sustainable Ag and Food Systems Funders) special project on US fiber systems, alongside her colleague Sarah Kelley, and recently released a roadmap for investing in and revitalizing a national sustainable textile supply chain: The Fibers Roadmap: Integrated Capital Opportunities to Support U.S. Revitalization and Growth. Jenny was also selected as an RSF Integrated Capital Fellow for 2019, where she engaged with diverse forms of financial capital to address complex social and environmental problems through a set of intersectional lenses. As a FORA Member, Jenny has served as the co-chair of the FORA US Policy Working Group, as well as an active role in the Strategic Communications Working Group, and will now serve as Executive Director reporting to the Steering Committee. Jenny lives in San Francisco, California with her husband and dog and is an avid trail runner, surfer, and ski mountaineer - basically spending any free moment she can outdoors. Jenny can be reached at joconnor@forainitiative.org
After over eight years managing and evaluating food security and rural health programs in East Africa for a variety of international programs and governmental organizations, including the Gates Foundation and USAID, Jenny founded Guidelight Strategies, a strategic consulting firm focused on the design, development, and implementation of strategic funding, policy, and program initiatives in the food/ag, environment, and conservation sectors. From 2019 - 2020, Jenny developed a national landscape analysis of the barriers for ranchers and farmers to transition to regenerative agriculture in the US, diving deeply into financial, supply chain, and policy barriers and opportunities. She published a 2020 report, in partnership with Patagonia, highlighting her work: Barriers for Farmers and Ranchers to Adopt Regenerative Agriculture Practices in the US: Identifying Key Levers and Opportunities for Funders. She co-leads the SAFSF (Sustainable Ag and Food Systems Funders) special project on US fiber systems, alongside her colleague Sarah Kelley, and recently released a roadmap for investing in and revitalizing a national sustainable textile supply chain: The Fibers Roadmap: Integrated Capital Opportunities to Support U.S. Revitalization and Growth. Jenny was also selected as an RSF Integrated Capital Fellow for 2019, where she engaged with diverse forms of financial capital to address complex social and environmental problems through a set of intersectional lenses. As a FORA Member, Jenny has served as the co-chair of the FORA US Policy Working Group, as well as an active role in the Strategic Communications Working Group, and will now serve as Executive Director reporting to the Steering Committee. Jenny lives in San Francisco, California with her husband and dog and is an avid trail runner, surfer, and ski mountaineer - basically spending any free moment she can outdoors. Jenny can be reached at joconnor@forainitiative.org
Poornima Parameswaran
Poornima Parameswaran | Trace Genomics
Poornima is the Co-founder and VP of Science, Tech, and Innovation at Trace Genomics. In this role, she provides vision for innovative scientific discovery and outcomes, using this to bring technology and insights to our customers. She is the author of 12 publications that have been referenced over 1,450 times, where she pioneered the use of genomics technologies to address fundamental questions in microbial diseases. Poornima earned a Ph.D in Microbiology and Immunology from Stanford University and a B.S. in Molecular Biology from University of Texas at Austin. After completing her Ph.D, Poornima did a postdoctoral fellowship at UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health, and worked closely with the Broad Institute and the Ministry of Health in Nicaragua.
Poornima is the Co-founder and VP of Science, Tech, and Innovation at Trace Genomics. In this role, she provides vision for innovative scientific discovery and outcomes, using this to bring technology and insights to our customers. She is the author of 12 publications that have been referenced over 1,450 times, where she pioneered the use of genomics technologies to address fundamental questions in microbial diseases. Poornima earned a Ph.D in Microbiology and Immunology from Stanford University and a B.S. in Molecular Biology from University of Texas at Austin. After completing her Ph.D, Poornima did a postdoctoral fellowship at UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health, and worked closely with the Broad Institute and the Ministry of Health in Nicaragua.
Esther Park
Esther Park | Cienega Capital
Esther is the CEO of Cienega Capital, a regenerative investment firm utilizing an integrated capital approach to systemic change in the areas of soil health, regenerative agriculture, and local food systems. Cienega Capital is also part of the #NoRegrets Initiative, a regenerative asset strategy focused on the agricultural soils of North America. Esther has over 18 years of experience in mission-based financial services ranging from microfinance to risk capital investments, in partnership with financial institutions, family offices, foundations, and investment advisors. She also serves as a Board member at Nutiva, City Fresh Foods, Custom Food Solutions, and Carman Ranch Provisions, and is an Advisor to Kitchen Table Advisors and Amalgamated Bank. Esther has also served as the Vice President for Strategy and Business Development at RSF Social Finance, and oversaw all lending activity from 2007-2011, which resulted in a tripling of the loan portfolio, and the development of a mezzanine debt fund. Esther received her MPP from University of Chicago and BA in Social Welfare from the University of California Berkeley. She lives in Berkeley, California with her husband, Greg, and their two children, Evangeline and Bryce.
Esther is the CEO of Cienega Capital, a regenerative investment firm utilizing an integrated capital approach to systemic change in the areas of soil health, regenerative agriculture, and local food systems. Cienega Capital is also part of the #NoRegrets Initiative, a regenerative asset strategy focused on the agricultural soils of North America. Esther has over 18 years of experience in mission-based financial services ranging from microfinance to risk capital investments, in partnership with financial institutions, family offices, foundations, and investment advisors. She also serves as a Board member at Nutiva, City Fresh Foods, Custom Food Solutions, and Carman Ranch Provisions, and is an Advisor to Kitchen Table Advisors and Amalgamated Bank. Esther has also served as the Vice President for Strategy and Business Development at RSF Social Finance, and oversaw all lending activity from 2007-2011, which resulted in a tripling of the loan portfolio, and the development of a mezzanine debt fund. Esther received her MPP from University of Chicago and BA in Social Welfare from the University of California Berkeley. She lives in Berkeley, California with her husband, Greg, and their two children, Evangeline and Bryce.
Cliff Pollard
Cliff Pollard | Cream Co Meats
Cliff Pollard's 15+ year career building sustainable food systems began with childhood visits to the family farm outside of Kansas City, Missouri. Multi-species rotational grazing, no-till farming, and cover crops weren't "regenerative" to the Pollards — they were just good farming sense. The best way to ensure fertile soil and food on the table with enough left to sell at market, season after season. These trips also exposed Cliff to the unfailing entrepreneurial spirit of sustenance farmers, which is his heritage on both the sides of the family. Back in the Bay, Cliff enrolled in Culinary School at 18. He worked at some of the area's top restaurants before following his sourcing instincts to Prather Ranch Meat Company, a pioneering farm-direct aggregator focused on sustainable and whole animal meat production. After five years building supply chains across the West, he departed Prather to document our rapidly evolving global food systems and food culture. He traveled for two years, to over 20 countries, including a short stint as a CNN International Food Guide in Lebanon. Returning stateside, Cliff continued to advocate for a more sustainable meat industry as COO of Mindful Meats, America’s first Non-GMO Project Verified beef company, which was acquired in 2016. That same year he founded Cream Co. Meats, focused on building a full service end-to-end platform for scaled B2B and B2C conversion towards a more regenerative future. Today, Cream Co. is the largest distributor of sustainable and regenerative meats on the West Coast, and the only all-natural USDA butchery in the inner Bay Area.
Cliff Pollard's 15+ year career building sustainable food systems began with childhood visits to the family farm outside of Kansas City, Missouri. Multi-species rotational grazing, no-till farming, and cover crops weren't "regenerative" to the Pollards — they were just good farming sense. The best way to ensure fertile soil and food on the table with enough left to sell at market, season after season. These trips also exposed Cliff to the unfailing entrepreneurial spirit of sustenance farmers, which is his heritage on both the sides of the family. Back in the Bay, Cliff enrolled in Culinary School at 18. He worked at some of the area's top restaurants before following his sourcing instincts to Prather Ranch Meat Company, a pioneering farm-direct aggregator focused on sustainable and whole animal meat production. After five years building supply chains across the West, he departed Prather to document our rapidly evolving global food systems and food culture. He traveled for two years, to over 20 countries, including a short stint as a CNN International Food Guide in Lebanon. Returning stateside, Cliff continued to advocate for a more sustainable meat industry as COO of Mindful Meats, America’s first Non-GMO Project Verified beef company, which was acquired in 2016. That same year he founded Cream Co. Meats, focused on building a full service end-to-end platform for scaled B2B and B2C conversion towards a more regenerative future. Today, Cream Co. is the largest distributor of sustainable and regenerative meats on the West Coast, and the only all-natural USDA butchery in the inner Bay Area.
David Rizzo
David Rizzo | Land to Market
David Rizzo’s career has evolved from its genesis in IT consulting and small business development to include operations, brand-building, and transformative leadership for internationally-recognized organizations with sustainable, earth-conscious values. Throughout his career in business and technology, one thing has remained at the core of his endeavors – a passion for respecting and protecting the great outdoors. That commitment forms the foundation for his role as Chief Operating Officer of the Savory Institute’s Land to Market Program. While owning an IT firm that offered unique approaches to client engagement and innovative ways of improving business processes through applied technology, David was invited by one of his clients – a startup focused on developing natural and nutritious dog treats – to join the team and help grow the brand beyond infancy. Under his expanded involvement in areas such as IT, marketing, finance, private equity, supply chain management, and operations logistics, Zuke’s went on to become one of the most recognizable names in the pet care industry. Working successfully within various business environments, David led mindful initiatives and strategies after Zuke’s was acquired by Nestle Purina in 2013 and integrated into Merrick Pet Care Pet Care in 2018. David holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems and an MBA in marketing – both of which he continues to deploy in his lifelong commitment to earth-conscious production and net positive outcomes. Though a native Texan, he has spent the past 20 years calling Colorado home. Outside of work, David enjoys spending time with his son Hudson, traveling and exploring the great outdoors.
David Rizzo’s career has evolved from its genesis in IT consulting and small business development to include operations, brand-building, and transformative leadership for internationally-recognized organizations with sustainable, earth-conscious values. Throughout his career in business and technology, one thing has remained at the core of his endeavors – a passion for respecting and protecting the great outdoors. That commitment forms the foundation for his role as Chief Operating Officer of the Savory Institute’s Land to Market Program. While owning an IT firm that offered unique approaches to client engagement and innovative ways of improving business processes through applied technology, David was invited by one of his clients – a startup focused on developing natural and nutritious dog treats – to join the team and help grow the brand beyond infancy. Under his expanded involvement in areas such as IT, marketing, finance, private equity, supply chain management, and operations logistics, Zuke’s went on to become one of the most recognizable names in the pet care industry. Working successfully within various business environments, David led mindful initiatives and strategies after Zuke’s was acquired by Nestle Purina in 2013 and integrated into Merrick Pet Care Pet Care in 2018. David holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems and an MBA in marketing – both of which he continues to deploy in his lifelong commitment to earth-conscious production and net positive outcomes. Though a native Texan, he has spent the past 20 years calling Colorado home. Outside of work, David enjoys spending time with his son Hudson, traveling and exploring the great outdoors.
Adrian Rodrigues
Adrian Rodrigues | Provenance Capital Group
Adrian is a Co-Founder and a Managing Director of Provenance Capital Group where he helps develop blended capital structures that catalyze resilient biological systems and businesses. Before Provenance, Adrian co-founded the boutique consulting firm Hyphae Partners where he helped companies finance and build regenerative business models. Additionally, he worked at Patagonia within its Venture Capital arm Tin Shed Ventures, helping author a standard for Regenerative Organic Agriculture and exploring Regenerative Organic Land Funds. He is an experienced asset allocator, fundraiser, and business model innovator. Adrian spent six years at Morgan Stanley helping long time horizon investors manage their asset allocations and diligence investment opportunities across asset classes and sectors. He has also lectured on food innovation at the University of California Berkeley Haas School of Business and designed and taught an entrepreneurship intensive for farmers at the Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture. Adrian is a graduate of Berkeley Haas’ full-time MBA program. At Haas, Adrian was a Portfolio Manager of the Haas Socially Responsible Investment Fund and a Member of the Center for Responsible Business’ Student Advisory Board. He also serves as an inaugural advisor for the Investor Resource Council of J.E.D.I. Collaborative, which aims to frame the business case for embedding equity, justice, diversity and inclusion into our entire food ecosystem. He received a B.A. in English from Williams College, studied English literature at Exeter College, Oxford University, and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. He’s an avid chef, backyard farmer, and budding yogi.
Adrian is a Co-Founder and a Managing Director of Provenance Capital Group where he helps develop blended capital structures that catalyze resilient biological systems and businesses. Before Provenance, Adrian co-founded the boutique consulting firm Hyphae Partners where he helped companies finance and build regenerative business models. Additionally, he worked at Patagonia within its Venture Capital arm Tin Shed Ventures, helping author a standard for Regenerative Organic Agriculture and exploring Regenerative Organic Land Funds. He is an experienced asset allocator, fundraiser, and business model innovator. Adrian spent six years at Morgan Stanley helping long time horizon investors manage their asset allocations and diligence investment opportunities across asset classes and sectors. He has also lectured on food innovation at the University of California Berkeley Haas School of Business and designed and taught an entrepreneurship intensive for farmers at the Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture. Adrian is a graduate of Berkeley Haas’ full-time MBA program. At Haas, Adrian was a Portfolio Manager of the Haas Socially Responsible Investment Fund and a Member of the Center for Responsible Business’ Student Advisory Board. He also serves as an inaugural advisor for the Investor Resource Council of J.E.D.I. Collaborative, which aims to frame the business case for embedding equity, justice, diversity and inclusion into our entire food ecosystem. He received a B.A. in English from Williams College, studied English literature at Exeter College, Oxford University, and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. He’s an avid chef, backyard farmer, and budding yogi.
Meghan Rowe
Meghan Rowe | White Leaf Provisions
Meghan is the Co-founder and CEO of White Leaf Provisions with her husband Keith. The daughter of serial entrepreneurs, Meghan grew up surrounded by and working for her family's businesses, assisting and interning wherever she could — notably including a snack foods company that her parents created and sold to Pepperidge Farm. When their son Keegan was six months old, he began having adverse reactions to even the most organic and 'healthy' baby food options available. Meghan and Keith set out down grocery store aisles in search of pure foods with transparent farming behind them to feed him, and came up short. Familiar with European options, they began to import Demeter certified Biodynamic baby food from France and quickly realized that other parents in the US were doing the same. In talking with fellow concerned families, the couple realized how many questions people had regarding food products, farming methods, and health. They envisioned building a company that helped to raise the bar in the US by sourcing and offering better-for-you food options, by encouraging the importance of soil health and the pinnacle of farming, regenerative agriculture. They decided in 2016 to enter and help bring the Regenerative Organic, and Biodynamic® CPG space into the mainstream, with the mission to support and source from regenerative farms and to help families reap the benefits of their nutrient-rich produce in an accessible manner. White Leaf Provisions plans to launch additional lines of products that are 100% Regeneratively Farmed, certified Organic, and glyphosate residue-free products in the US, encompassing the highest standards in taste, purity, transparency, and social accountability. Their mission is to develop into a trusted authentic family brand with regenerative farming at the core of all their offerings. The products are available nationwide at Whole Foods, Wegmans, Natural Grocers, Thrive Market, Patagonia Provisions, and many fine foods and specialty stores across the US. In all they do, Meghan and the team consider the impact on future generations and a planet in need, while sharing in the delight of enjoying delicious and nutrient-dense foods.
Meghan is the Co-founder and CEO of White Leaf Provisions with her husband Keith. The daughter of serial entrepreneurs, Meghan grew up surrounded by and working for her family's businesses, assisting and interning wherever she could — notably including a snack foods company that her parents created and sold to Pepperidge Farm. When their son Keegan was six months old, he began having adverse reactions to even the most organic and 'healthy' baby food options available. Meghan and Keith set out down grocery store aisles in search of pure foods with transparent farming behind them to feed him, and came up short. Familiar with European options, they began to import Demeter certified Biodynamic baby food from France and quickly realized that other parents in the US were doing the same. In talking with fellow concerned families, the couple realized how many questions people had regarding food products, farming methods, and health. They envisioned building a company that helped to raise the bar in the US by sourcing and offering better-for-you food options, by encouraging the importance of soil health and the pinnacle of farming, regenerative agriculture. They decided in 2016 to enter and help bring the Regenerative Organic, and Biodynamic® CPG space into the mainstream, with the mission to support and source from regenerative farms and to help families reap the benefits of their nutrient-rich produce in an accessible manner. White Leaf Provisions plans to launch additional lines of products that are 100% Regeneratively Farmed, certified Organic, and glyphosate residue-free products in the US, encompassing the highest standards in taste, purity, transparency, and social accountability. Their mission is to develop into a trusted authentic family brand with regenerative farming at the core of all their offerings. The products are available nationwide at Whole Foods, Wegmans, Natural Grocers, Thrive Market, Patagonia Provisions, and many fine foods and specialty stores across the US. In all they do, Meghan and the team consider the impact on future generations and a planet in need, while sharing in the delight of enjoying delicious and nutrient-dense foods.
Eric Smith
Eric Smith | Grantham Environmental Trust
Eric Smith is Director for the Grantham Environmental Trust where he manages the Neglected Climate Opportunities venture portfolio. He leads investments in businesses and technology that can abate greenhouse gas emissions at scale. Eric was previously a venture fellow with SJF Ventures and worked for BlackRock in climate finance, in addition to providing advisory and verification for sustainability certification in natural resources and ecosystem markets. He is a graduate of the dual degree program at Duke University, having received his MBA and Master of Forestry, and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Costa Rica.
Eric Smith is Director for the Grantham Environmental Trust where he manages the Neglected Climate Opportunities venture portfolio. He leads investments in businesses and technology that can abate greenhouse gas emissions at scale. Eric was previously a venture fellow with SJF Ventures and worked for BlackRock in climate finance, in addition to providing advisory and verification for sustainability certification in natural resources and ecosystem markets. He is a graduate of the dual degree program at Duke University, having received his MBA and Master of Forestry, and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Costa Rica.
Ethan Steinberg
Ethan Steinberg | Propagate Ventures
Ethan is a startup growth expert, turned soil health geek, who is focused on turning ideas into reality. He has helped scale ventures domestically and internationally in industries such as the sharing economy, consumer packaged goods, and B Corp businesses. Ethan holds a B.A. in Social Justice & Sustainability from Miami University, and is a Board Member at the Association for Temperate Agroforestry. He also manages Propagate.org, a curated news hub on the regenerative economy. Having been born on Earth day, he has been passionate about the environment for his entire life and enjoys living at the intersection of regeneration & technology.
Ethan is a startup growth expert, turned soil health geek, who is focused on turning ideas into reality. He has helped scale ventures domestically and internationally in industries such as the sharing economy, consumer packaged goods, and B Corp businesses. Ethan holds a B.A. in Social Justice & Sustainability from Miami University, and is a Board Member at the Association for Temperate Agroforestry. He also manages Propagate.org, a curated news hub on the regenerative economy. Having been born on Earth day, he has been passionate about the environment for his entire life and enjoys living at the intersection of regeneration & technology.
Evi Steyer
Evi Steyer | Ponderosa Ventures
Evi Steyer is a Co-Founder of Ponderosa Ventures, a venture capital firm backing seed stage companies in the food, agriculture, and ocean sectors. Rooted in the thesis that we will not solve our climate, biodiversity, water, or human health challenges without transforming our food supply chain, Ponderosa invests in resilient, diverse teams. Evi was previously with Astanor Ventures and Generation IM. Her academic work focused on the role of regional processing infrastructure in enabling regenerative livestock production.
Evi Steyer is a Co-Founder of Ponderosa Ventures, a venture capital firm backing seed stage companies in the food, agriculture, and ocean sectors. Rooted in the thesis that we will not solve our climate, biodiversity, water, or human health challenges without transforming our food supply chain, Ponderosa invests in resilient, diverse teams. Evi was previously with Astanor Ventures and Generation IM. Her academic work focused on the role of regional processing infrastructure in enabling regenerative livestock production.
Phil Taylor
Phil Taylor | Mad Agriculture
Phil grew up in rural Maryland on farmland at the top of the Chesapeake Bay, raised by a family that taught him stewardship and his place in the world. He’s always felt a deep purpose to ensure the beauty and wellbeing of the Earth, which humans are part and parcel of. He is drawn to agriculture because food is at the heart of our existence, and how we eat largely determines how the world is used. Humans are increasingly disconnected from food and the farmers that feed us all, which has driven a dramatic deterioration of global ecosystems, culture and economy. Phil’s life work is to create a world where people and ecosystem flourish together. He longs to see coastal rivers rife with migrating fish, the prairies abundant with buffalo, the oceans churning with anchovies and whales, the Amazon rainforest left to stand, the bays rich with oysters and blue crabs, the mountains with glaciers and snow, and people living in their rightful place among it all. Seeking this vision of what was and could be requires wild creativity. Radical love must be the root of all action.
He is also a fellow at the University of Colorado, where he teaches The Future of Food in the Masters of the Environment Food Systems program. He has diverse international experience in both private and public sectors, and has led research and outreach campaigns throughout Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia. From 2013-2014 he co-founded Aethos Energy, an exploratory PE fund for accelerating renewable energy in the global south.
Phil grew up in rural Maryland on farmland at the top of the Chesapeake Bay, raised by a family that taught him stewardship and his place in the world. He’s always felt a deep purpose to ensure the beauty and wellbeing of the Earth, which humans are part and parcel of. He is drawn to agriculture because food is at the heart of our existence, and how we eat largely determines how the world is used. Humans are increasingly disconnected from food and the farmers that feed us all, which has driven a dramatic deterioration of global ecosystems, culture and economy. Phil’s life work is to create a world where people and ecosystem flourish together. He longs to see coastal rivers rife with migrating fish, the prairies abundant with buffalo, the oceans churning with anchovies and whales, the Amazon rainforest left to stand, the bays rich with oysters and blue crabs, the mountains with glaciers and snow, and people living in their rightful place among it all. Seeking this vision of what was and could be requires wild creativity. Radical love must be the root of all action.
He is also a fellow at the University of Colorado, where he teaches The Future of Food in the Masters of the Environment Food Systems program. He has diverse international experience in both private and public sectors, and has led research and outreach campaigns throughout Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia. From 2013-2014 he co-founded Aethos Energy, an exploratory PE fund for accelerating renewable energy in the global south.
Renée Vassilos
Renée Vassilos | The Nature Conservancy
Renée Vassilos is a Dutch-American Agricultural Economist with twenty years of agriculture industry, investor relations, and investment experience. She is a recognized critical thinker on how innovation will transform agribusiness and the farm towards a regenerative model. Her thinking has been informed by her time with USDA, decade with John Deere, and running her agribusiness consultancy- Banyan Innovation Group.
Renée has lived and worked in Amsterdam and Beijing contributing to her robust global experience, cultural competence, and network. She has a BS and MS in Agricultural Economics from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana and University of California, Davis, respectively.
Today, Vassilos shares her expertise through her role as the Director of Agriculture Innovation with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Board Director positions. For TNC, she manages investments in solutions that will scale soil health building practices. She serves as a Board Director for Seedlinked, the future of seed- leveraging crowdsourcing to revolutionize variety testing and informed sales. She also serves as Board Director for GrainPro, Ultra-Hermetic™ dry good and seed storage solution.
Renée Vassilos is a Dutch-American Agricultural Economist with twenty years of agriculture industry, investor relations, and investment experience. She is a recognized critical thinker on how innovation will transform agribusiness and the farm towards a regenerative model. Her thinking has been informed by her time with USDA, decade with John Deere, and running her agribusiness consultancy- Banyan Innovation Group.
Renée has lived and worked in Amsterdam and Beijing contributing to her robust global experience, cultural competence, and network. She has a BS and MS in Agricultural Economics from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana and University of California, Davis, respectively.
Today, Vassilos shares her expertise through her role as the Director of Agriculture Innovation with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Board Director positions. For TNC, she manages investments in solutions that will scale soil health building practices. She serves as a Board Director for Seedlinked, the future of seed- leveraging crowdsourcing to revolutionize variety testing and informed sales. She also serves as Board Director for GrainPro, Ultra-Hermetic™ dry good and seed storage solution.
Tripp Wall
Tripp Wall | Trailhead Capital
Tripp Wall is an entrepreneur, investor, fiduciary, and is a Managing Partner at Trailhead Capital. Prior to becoming a partner at Trailhead, Tripp worked at Alliance Bernstein for over a decade helping to source and manage alternative investments for the firm’s private wealth platform. Tripp was also a member of an investment group that acquired Alfalfa’s Market in Boulder, CO, where he also served at one point as CEO. Outside of his Trailhead responsibilities, Tripp is Chairman of the Colorado Wildlife Foundation and part of the Governor’s Western States Water commission. He has both undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Colorado - Boulder.
Tripp Wall is an entrepreneur, investor, fiduciary, and is a Managing Partner at Trailhead Capital. Prior to becoming a partner at Trailhead, Tripp worked at Alliance Bernstein for over a decade helping to source and manage alternative investments for the firm’s private wealth platform. Tripp was also a member of an investment group that acquired Alfalfa’s Market in Boulder, CO, where he also served at one point as CEO. Outside of his Trailhead responsibilities, Tripp is Chairman of the Colorado Wildlife Foundation and part of the Governor’s Western States Water commission. He has both undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Colorado - Boulder.
Gabriel Wilmoth
Gabriel Wilmoth | Ascribe Bio
Gabriel Wilmoth is a consultant, executive, and investor focused on agtech and sustainability. Currently, he is COO of Ascribe Bio and on the board of Regrow Ag. Previously, Gabriel was COO of the digital ag firm Growers, which was acquired in 2020. Prior to Growers, he was a Director at Syngenta Ventures, where he made early investments in start-ups like Blue River Technology, GreenLight Bio, and Sound Ag.
Gabriel Wilmoth is a consultant, executive, and investor focused on agtech and sustainability. Currently, he is COO of Ascribe Bio and on the board of Regrow Ag. Previously, Gabriel was COO of the digital ag firm Growers, which was acquired in 2020. Prior to Growers, he was a Director at Syngenta Ventures, where he made early investments in start-ups like Blue River Technology, GreenLight Bio, and Sound Ag.
Kristen Wharton
Kristen Wharton | Handsome Brook Farms
Kristen Wharton is the VP of Corporate Responsibility for Handsome Brook Farms, an organic, pasture-raised egg brand and private-label provider. In her role, Kristen works equally as a strategic leader and executor; designing and operationalizing the path to achieve company wide impact targets.
She designed and garnered cross-departmental buy-in for Handsome Brook’s Sustainability and Regenerative Agriculture Plan, and led the company to become a certified Benefit Corporation (B-Corp) earlier this year.
Kristen is an active member of the Organic Trade Association and the Impact Lab, a cohort of sustainability professionals organized by the Sustainable Food Lab.
Prior to joining Handsome Brook 5 years ago, Kristen worked for an online farmers market platform called Farmigo, after having completed a year of Americorps service in the DC-metro area. Kristen holds a Masters in Public Policy (MPP) from Maastricht University in the Netherlands, and a BA from Florida State University. She lives in Brooklyn, NY with her fiancé and their pup.
Kristen Wharton is the VP of Corporate Responsibility for Handsome Brook Farms, an organic, pasture-raised egg brand and private-label provider. In her role, Kristen works equally as a strategic leader and executor; designing and operationalizing the path to achieve company wide impact targets.
She designed and garnered cross-departmental buy-in for Handsome Brook’s Sustainability and Regenerative Agriculture Plan, and led the company to become a certified Benefit Corporation (B-Corp) earlier this year.
Kristen is an active member of the Organic Trade Association and the Impact Lab, a cohort of sustainability professionals organized by the Sustainable Food Lab.
Prior to joining Handsome Brook 5 years ago, Kristen worked for an online farmers market platform called Farmigo, after having completed a year of Americorps service in the DC-metro area. Kristen holds a Masters in Public Policy (MPP) from Maastricht University in the Netherlands, and a BA from Florida State University. She lives in Brooklyn, NY with her fiancé and their pup.
Frank Wooten
Frank Wooten | Vence
Frank is the Founder and CEO of Vence, the leading provider of virtual fencing and cattle management tools globally. Under Frank’s leadership, the company has gone from a concept to being deployed on 50,000+ head and supporting the management of in excess of 3 million acres by the end of 2022 - quickly becoming a leading voice in the sustainable grazing movement. Prior to founding Vence, Frank worked spent 12 years on Wall Street and co-managed an investment fund.
Frank is the Founder and CEO of Vence, the leading provider of virtual fencing and cattle management tools globally. Under Frank’s leadership, the company has gone from a concept to being deployed on 50,000+ head and supporting the management of in excess of 3 million acres by the end of 2022 - quickly becoming a leading voice in the sustainable grazing movement. Prior to founding Vence, Frank worked spent 12 years on Wall Street and co-managed an investment fund.
Stay tuned as we continue to add more great speakers to the line-up!
Thank you to Our Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
| Trailhead Capital is a mission-driven investment firm seeking to create outstanding financial, societal, and ecological returns by backing entrepreneurs who are building the regenerative future of food and agriculture. |
| Further information |
Diamond Sponsor
| Iroquois Valley Farmland REIT works with mission-driven investors to provide organic and regenerative farmers land security through long-term leases and mortgages. Their REIT is incorporated as a Public Benefit Corporation & B Corp. |
| Evanston, IL | Further information | Contact Us |
Reception Sponsor
| Propagate helps farmers & landowners make regenerative agriculture work for them by balancing short-term income with long-term returns.Propagate is a Techstars backed company, and a portfolio company of Elemental Excelerator. |
| Further information |
Closing Drinks Sponsor
| The #NoRegrets Initiative is a relationship-centered approach to land and asset management. Many of the soil solutions developed by ranchers, farmers and practitioners are on the cutting edge of what’s possible. The #NoRegrets Initiative looks for those forward-thinking innovations and invests in those places overlooked by the mainstream so they can grow. |
| Further information |
Gold Sponsor
| PCG is a financial services firm, based in San Francisco, that focuses on allocating capital into regenerative natural resource investments. We challenge the assumption that the capital markets should be driven by short term financial thinking. Instead, we collaborate with clients, companies, and other stakeholders to transition to an economy that includes people, planet, and profit. |
| Further information |
Table Sponsors
Event Activators
Become a Sponsor
Sponsors of the RFSI Forum are the organizations on the forefront of the transition to a more regenerative food system. Sponsorship packages offer value and flexibility for diverse types of businesses:
- Increased visibility and awareness among a unique investor/investee community
- Media coverage before, during and after event
- Branding throughout the event
- Opportunity to showcase your expertise and services
Attend
The RFSI Forum is the only event that exclusively brings together the investors and critical stakeholders of this space. Listen and learn from the leaders of regeneration. Meet existing and new connections to advance your goals in this movement.
Who should attend?
- Investors, fund managers, foundations, and financial advisors
- Entrepreneurs, advocates, and producers
- Food companies, ag and food service providers, and media members
Register Now |
Join this growing list of companies who have committed to attend
Venue
The 2021 RFSI Forum will be held at the beautiful Oakland Scottish Rite Center. Situated on the shores of Lake Merritt, the OSRC was built in 1927 with over 1,000 craftsmen working to complete the ornate building known for its hand-carved ceilings and majestic staircases. This art-deco treasure offers the kind of ambiance that is rarely found in meeting venues today.
The OSRC offers free parking for meeting attendees
Oakland Scottish Rite Center | 1547 Lakeside Dr | Oakland, CA 94612
Hotel
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RFSI has secured a room block at a special rate for conference attendees at the Oakland Marriott City Center. This modern, vibrant hotel is conveniently located less than one mile from the Oakland Scottish Rite Center, close to Jack London Square, and within walking distance of a large selection of brewpubs and restaurants. Enjoy farm-to-table cuisine and networking with fellow attendees in the signature restaurant and bar, Iron & Oak, located on the second floor.
Reservation Deadline: Monday, September 20, 2021
| Oakland Marriott City Center | 1001 Broadway | Oakland, CA 94607-4019 |
| (510) 451-4000 | | | Hotel Information | Map & Directions |