Salinas, Calif.-based fresh produce sustainability consulting firm Measure to Improve has hired Kyle Cosgrove to join the team as director of agronomy.
With a wealth of experience in agronomy, a commitment to sustainable practices and a passion for supporting growers, Cosgrove is to play a pivotal role in advancing MTI’s on-farm services and support, according to a news release.
Cosgrove will be the subject matter expert for farming practices, healthy soils and regenerative agriculture within the fresh produce industry, according to MTI. This role is particularly significant as he will lead MTI’s participation in the A Vibrant Future program, a collaborative effort involving the International Fresh Produce Association and other industry leaders funded through a USDA Climate-Smart Commodities grant. The program aims to develop a comprehensive system to track climate-smart outcomes, create demand and a marketplace for climate-smart produce, the release said.
“We are excited to have Kyle join the MTI team. His background and agronomy experience will be an asset to our team of sustainability experts,” Nikki Cossio, CEO and founder of MTI, said in the release.
MTI is receiving increasing more requests for support related to agronomy as buyer requests continue trickling down to the grower level, and Cosgrove’s experience will allow the firm to expand its on-farm services, according to the release.
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As the primary point of contact between the project team and the growers, Kyle’s role will include supporting and building relationships with 80 West Coast growers, aiding in tasks such as identifying and implementing climate-smart practices, managing grower inquiries, facilitating training and overseeing data collection, according to the release.
“I am honored to join the MTI team,” Cosgrove said in the release. “I look forward to leveraging my expertise to support growers and play a pivotal role in advancing sustainability in the agriculture industry through MTI’s services and its role in A Vibrant Future.”
With Cosgrove, MTI is poised to make strides in promoting climate-smart practices, fostering collaboration between growers and building a more sustainable and resilient future for the fresh produce industry, the release said.
