The fresh produce industry is facing many challenges. Labor, severe weather crises, resource scarcity, increased pest pressure and a changing climate are just some of the issues U.S. growers are confronting right now.
The International Fresh Produce Association is focused on addressing these thorny issues with industry advocates and innovators. Through a climate-smart agriculture technology accelerator program, IFPA aims to spearhead solutions with innovative and scalable technologies connected to production, manufacturing, logistics and distribution of food and agriculture products in the produce industry.
The best news? The program seeking new projects and people for its 2023 cohort.
The second-year IFPA Fresh Field Catalyst tech accelerator program is accepting applications for its next session, taking place May through October 2023.
Goals for these technologies include increasing productivity in the produce supply chain, helping farms and the produce supply chain adapt to a changing climate, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Deadline for applications is March 20, 2023.
Who should apply to the IFPA Fresh Field Catalyst program?
IFPA says it’s looking for companies with technology products that solve problems in climate-smart agriculture for the produce industry.
“We will evaluate a wide range of innovative and scalable technologies connected to the production, manufacturing, logistics and distribution of food and agricultural products in the produce industry. These technologies should increase productivity in the produce supply chain, help farms and the produce supply chain adapt to climate change and reduce emissions,” the association said in a news release.
Competitive applicants will be in late-stage trials or have a product in the market and are earning revenue. Products are not limited to agriculture, row crops or the produce industry. Products need to be launch-ready, poised to generate revenue and scale in the produce market within two years.
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Technologies the Fresh Field Catalyst program seeks for its 2023 cohort
Plant nutrition.
Crop protection.
Crop genetics.
Emissions reduction and regenerative ag.
Irrigation and water management.
Fresh Field Catalyst program highlights
The IFPA’s six-month technology accelerator program presents an opportunity for companies to develop innovative solutions for a healthier world, and it includes:
- One week cohort immersion on the West Coast.
- Virtual meet ups with experts.
- Support to help translate technology to agriculture or the U.S. market.
- Shared exhibit space with other members of the cohort at the Global Produce & Floral Show, to be held Oct. 19-21, 2023, in Anaheim, Calif.
Next steps to participate in the program
- March 20: Applications close.
- March 20-April 10: Selection process.
- May 7-12: Program immersion week.
- May-October: Bimonthly webinars and 1-to-1 mentorship.
- Oct. 16-20: IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show.
