| INTERNATIONAL FOOD AND AGRIBUSINESS MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION |
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FAO Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol to Keynote IFAMA 2025 World Conference on Future Food Markets FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IFAMA) is pleased to announce that Beth Bechdol, Deputy Director-General at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), will deliver a keynote address at the IFAMA 2025 World Conference on: "Creating resilient and sustainable food markets for the future" in Ribeirao Preto, Brazil on June 26, 2025. "Beth Bechdol brings unique insights to our conference theme through her exceptional leadership at FAO and lifelong commitment to agricultural innovation," says Aidan Connolly, IFAMA President and CEO of Agritech. "Her pioneering work on world hunger, advancement of women in agriculture, dedicated support for smallholder farmers, and championing of regenerative farming practices represents exactly the forward-thinking leadership our industry needs.” he said. "Bringing the IFAMA World Conference to Brazil now is critical—it creates an international forum for food and farming leaders to address sustainability challenges and showcase Brazil's success stories ahead of COP-30," said Marcos Fava Neves, Chancellor at Harven Agribusiness School and Conference Chair. "Having the UN FAO Deputy Director-General participate will be both exciting and educational." Ms. Bechdol oversees FAO's work on Emergencies and Resilience, providing emergency agricultural assistance and addressing food crises worldwide. She also leads FAO's Resource Mobilization and South-South and Triangular Cooperation efforts while managing technical work on land, water, and plant production. Her background includes serving as President and CEO of AgriNovus Indiana, Director of Agribusiness Strategies at Ice Miller LLP, and Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. About IFAMA IFAMA is an international nonprofit organization with more than 2,200 members in 60+ countries. For over 35 years, IFAMA has brought together experts from industry, academia, government, and NGOs to exchange knowledge, learn, and advance the field of food and agriculture by leveraging the latest global trends, innovations, and research findings. Its mission is to enhance the strategic focus, transparency, sustainability, and adaptability of the food and agribusiness system. www.ifama.org About the IFAMA 2025 World Conference IFAMA is hosting the IFAMA 2025 World Conference in Ribeirao Preto, Brazil, from June 23-26, 2025, on Leveraging Food and Bioenergy through Innovation and Sustainability, in partnership with the Harven Agribusiness School and FbGroup. The 4-day conference offers keynotes from renowned experts, interactive discussion panels, workshops, live-streamed tracks, and post-conference agri-tech field trips. It is comprised of a Business Forum, Academic Symposium, and the Student Case Competition. Key conference topics include innovations in sustainability and regenerative agriculture, digital transformation and automation, talent development and diversity, renewable energy and bioenergy, global market trends and food security, development of cooperatives, and biotechnology advancements in precision agriculture. # # #
Three Leading Global Seed Companies Collaborate with International Seed Federation FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IFAMA) is pleased to announce a collaboration with the International Seed Federation (ISF) and three of its member seed companies: Gautier Semences, Sakata Vegetables Europe and Semillas Fitó, that are sponsoring the IFAMA 2024 Student Case Competition. "As agribusiness leaders, it is our responsibility to develop future generations of talented individuals who are passionate about creating and implementing solutions that ensure we overcome the food security challenges of the future," says Aidan Connolly, President of IFAMA. "We believe that partnerships like this one are foundational to the success of the food and agribusiness sector." IFAMA, which has hosted the Student Case Competition for 18 years, offers the only international competition specifically tailored for students and young professionals in the agribusiness industry. "Working with the next generation of agriculture professionals is a primary focus of ISF," said Ben Rivoire, ISF Crop Value Chain and Sustainability Manager. "Partnering with IFAMA and collaborating with our colleagues and members is an excellent example of how ISF works on behalf of our industry to build bridges that create an enabling environment to develop strong future leaders not only for the seed sector but for the entire agri-food value chain." The IFAMA 2024 Student Case Competition will mobilize international teams of top students and young professionals from around the world to tackle a real-world challenge faced by the seed industry. Participating teams will expand their industry knowledge, gain invaluable experience, and develop vital leadership skills that will set them apart in their future careers. "As the most critical starting point of food production – noting that 80% of food is plant-based – seeds are essential in agriculture. High-quality seeds support global food and nutrition security," says Michael Keller, Secretary General of ISF. "Rural development and farmers' livelihoods greatly rely on new improved varieties and high-quality seeds. In the wake of rapid climate changes and increasingly unpredictable growing conditions, these discussions on sustainability and innovation, especially those spearheaded by the world’s future food and agribusiness leaders, are vital,” he added. "IFAMA is a unique platform," says Eduard Fito of Semillas FITO and chairman of the ISF Value Chain Working Group. "Rarely do you come across a single event that brings together such a diverse range of stakeholders, which is crucial for problem-solving. The Competition and the Business Forum will be excellent opportunities for us to raise awareness about our sector, educate others, and build even stronger networks," he said. About IFAMA IFAMA is an international nonprofit organization with more than 2,200 members in 80+ countries. For over 34 years, IFAMA has brought together experts from industry, academia, government, and NGOs to exchange knowledge, learn, and advance the field of food and agriculture by leveraging the latest global trends, innovations, and research findings. Its mission is to enhance the strategic focus, transparency, sustainability, and adaptability of the food and agribusiness system. www.ifama.org About the IFAMA 2024 World Conference IFAMA is hosting the IFAMA 2024 World Conference in Almeria, Spain, from June 17-20, 2024, on Food Security through Innovation and Sustainability, in partnership with the International School of Agri Management. The 4-day conference offers keynotes from renowned experts interactive discussion panels, workshops, live-streamed tracks, and post-conference agri-eco field trips. It is comprised of a Business Forum, Academic Symposium, and the Student Case Competition. About ISF ISF is the voice of the global seed sector. Since 1924, it has represented the interests of its members who make up 96% of international seed trade today. Its global reach extends to seed associations and seed companies around the world, and it has official observer status in key intergovernmental and international organizations. Contact ISF: Airah Cadiogan, ISF Communication Manager: airah.cadiogan@worldseed.org # # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IFAMA) is pleased to announce the appointment of seven highly regarded global food industry and academic experts to its Board of Directors. These new members bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and diverse perspectives that will further contribute to organization's strategic mandate. Joining IFAMA's Board of Directors are: 1. Jack Bobo, Director of the Food Systems Institute, University of Nottingham and CEO of Futurity (USA). Jack Bobo advises companies, foundations and governments on emerging food trends and consumer attitudes and behaviors related to the future of food. Jack is a global thought leader who has delivered more than 500 speeches in 50 countries. In 2015, Jack was named as Scientific American's 100 Most Influential People in Biotechnology. He also serves as the Director of Global Food and Water Policy at The Nature Conservancy and is author of “Why smart people make bad food choices.” 3. Catherine Keogh, Chief Corporate Affairs, Brand Officer for the Kerry Group (Ireland). Catherine Keogh is responsible for Public Affairs, Sustainability, Brand Strategy, and Communications, where she has a proven track record of delivering in strategic marketing leadership, B2B brand building, integrated communications and developing innovative strategies to fuel rapid business growth. Kerry has more than 22,000 employees in 80 countries. The company’s mission to position itself as a world leader in sustainable nutrition aligns with IFAMA mission as an advocate of producing healthy food while addressing food insecurity. 5. Jayson Lusk, Vice President and Dean of Agricultural Programs, Oklahoma State University (USA). Jayson Lusk leads the Ferguson College of Agriculture and two state agencies: OSU Extension and OSU Ag Research. He has published more than 270 articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals and written and co-authored six books. His expertise in food policy, emerging food issues, consumer behavior, and livestock, meat technology make him a sought-after speaker and expert media source, both nationally and internationally. 6. Damien McLoughlin, Anthony C. Cunningham Professor of Marketing and Marketing Subject Area Head at UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School (Ireland). Damien McLoughlin specializes in agribusiness strategy and B2B marketing, teaching, and research. He has consulted and led executive programs in Europe, North America, Asia, Australasia, and Africa, while working with some of the worlds’ leading organizations such as Alltech, Agricultural Bank of China, Allianz, Bobst, Bord Bia (The Irish Food Board), Bunge, FAO, Google, Hewlett-Packard, and ICON. Damien's work in domestic and international markets have earned him several recognitions, distinctions, and teaching awards. He is a notable media authority and commentator in Ireland. 7. Bernardo Piazzardi, Executive Director of the MBA program in Agribusiness, Universidad of Austral (Argentina). Bernardo Piazzardi is also an international consultant in South America and Africa. He specializes in business strategy and value chain analysis and promotes the use of teaching case studies as a problem-solving tool within organizations and classrooms, aligning with IFAMA's focus on teaching cases. "We are delighted to welcome these exceptional individuals to our Board of Directors," said Aidan Connolly, President of IFAMA. Their extensive networks and strategic insights will undoubtedly contribute to driving positive change on a global and regional scale.” About IFAMA Importance of this news: # # # |
