From agtech adoption problems to high performance farming teams, with Kevin Boyle, EFI

From agtech adoption problems to high performance farming teams, with Kevin Boyle, EFI

When the agtech is not working in the field, we can be quick to search for answers in the product itself. But sometimes, the solution is not there. That’s because it’s not a technical problem, but rather a social systems challenge.

Kevin Boyle is the Director of Organizational and Workforce Development at the Equitable Food Initiative (EFI). He argues that a key component of the farming and food system is often overlooked; and that’s the people who work on the ground. Farm workers can be seen as low-skilled, with little more to offer than the set tasks they perform. However, Kevin is seeking to change this approach, to better recognize the knowledge these workers have, and to create recognizable career paths for them.

Kevin also believes that focusing on the workforce will ultimately benefit the development and adoption of agtech. He spent much of his career in telecommunication tech, where he helped integrate the new digital technologies of the 1990s into the system, including the workers.

Sarah and Kevin discuss:

· Kevin’s unique career background, from growing up on a farm, to working in telecommunications tech, and consulting across Europe and the United States.

· How the perception of farm workers as ‘tools’ rather than humans with skills, knowledge, and desires has hindered tech adoption.

· How to better recognize the skills and knowledge of farm workers, to build high performance farming businesses

· How applied university research can be used to test a product in the broader system before it goes to market.

Useful links:

· Can robotics solve the farm labor problem? With Connie Bowen and Sophie Thorel

· How policy hamstrings agtech in California - Walt Duflock

Jaksot(203)

How Small Growers Think about AgTech, with Sam Godwin, Washington Apple Grower

How Small Growers Think about AgTech, with Sam Godwin, Washington Apple Grower

There are few areas of the ag sector that are more in need of tech solutions than tree fruits. All around the world, factors like labor shortages, an aging farm workforce, mounting regulations, and ri...

7 Helmi 202430min

AgTech News …So What? January 2024 with Shane Thomas

AgTech News …So What? January 2024 with Shane Thomas

This week, in a new experimental format, we’re breaking down the freshest announcements from leaders in the agribusiness, agtech, and ag production worlds to share insights and ask “so what?” Sarah is...

24 Tammi 202438min

AgTech 2023… So What? A Wrap-up

AgTech 2023… So What? A Wrap-up

Somehow it’s December again, and another year has come and nearly gone. We've spent a lot of time reflecting on the highs and lows of a particularly unpredictable year for Tenacious Ventures, our port...

6 Joulu 202327min

Reflecting on Nowadays, a Tenacious Portfolio Company Wind Down

Reflecting on Nowadays, a Tenacious Portfolio Company Wind Down

Hearing the stats about startup failure rates (70 - 90%), and how one - only one- investment drives returns for most VC funds, is one thing. Actually experiencing it, is another. In line with our lear...

22 Marras 202334min

How Can Agtech Startups and Corporates Do More Together?

How Can Agtech Startups and Corporates Do More Together?

There's a persistent myth in the startup space, and in agtech especially, that the most important way that corporates can support startups is through direct investments. In our experience, this is an ...

8 Marras 202332min

What do LPs Look for In AgTech Funds?

What do LPs Look for In AgTech Funds?

2023 has been a year of both investing and fundraising for us here at Tenacious Ventures. And sitting on both sides of the table has highlighted to us just how much of the investing world is stuck in ...

25 Loka 202340min

How Outside Forces are Shaping the Food System with Ian Proudfoot, KPMG

How Outside Forces are Shaping the Food System with Ian Proudfoot, KPMG

We've spent a lot of time this year talking about the future of specific sub-spaces of the food system– fertilizer, vertical farming, alternative protein, and ag retail, just to name a few. We’ve focu...

11 Loka 202335min

Methane and the Climate Commitments that Matter Most Today

Methane and the Climate Commitments that Matter Most Today

As 2030 looms and the climate commitments made in the last decade come into clear (and often disappointing) focus, one important lesson we’ve learned is that not all greenhouse gasses are created equa...

27 Syys 202335min

Suosittua kategoriassa Liike-elämä ja talous

sijotuskasti
psykopodiaa-podcast
mimmit-sijoittaa
rss-rahapodi
rss-rahamania
rss-lahtijat
ostan-asuntoja-podcast
rahapuhetta
rss-neuvottelija-sami-miettinen
rss-h-asselmoilanen
rss-laakispodi
inderespodi
rss-porssipuhetta
rss-startup-ministerio
rss-bisnesta-bebeja
sijoituspodi
rss-strategian-seurassa
asuntoasiaa-paivakirjat
rss-merja-mahkan-rahat
rss-paasipodi