From Farms to Incubators: Women Innovators Revolutionizing How Our Food Is Grown

by Amy Wu

Overview

An exciting look at how women entrepreneurs are transforming agriculture through high technology.

Don't take the food you eat for granted. Farmers today face huge challenges in keeping your food supply secure—climate change, precarious water and soil supplies, and a growing global population projected to reach 10 billion people in 2050. Women innovators are tackling these problems to create a secure and sustainable food supply for the future. Using drones, artificial intelligence, sophisticated soil sensors, data analytics, blockchain, and robotics, these women are transforming agriculture into the growing field of agtech, the integration of agriculture and technology.

From Farms to Incubators presents inspiring stories and practical case studies of how women entrepreneurs from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds are leading the agtech revolution. Each agribusiness leader profiled in From Farms to Incubators tells her own story of how she used agtech innovation to solve specific business problems and succeed. The women profiled speak frankly on the advantages and drawbacks of technological solutions to agriculture and offer lessons in making technology productive in real work. These business cases demonstrate the influence of female innovation, the new technologies applied to agribusiness problems, and the career opportunities young women can find in agribusiness.

A must-read book for everyone interested in tech innovation and food security, From Farms to Incubators offers exhilarating role models for young women, a thought-provoking glimpse into the future of food production, and a fascinating investigation of how women leaders are profitably disrupting the world's oldest industry.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781610355759
Publisher:	Linden Publishing
Publication date:	05/04/2021
Pages:	230
Product dimensions:	8.00(w) x 10.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Amy Wu is an award-winning writer for the women's ag and agtech movement. She is the producer and director of the documentary film From Farms to Incubators, which has been presented at South by Southwest and Techonomy. Wu has spent over two decades as an investigative reporter at media outfits including the USA Today Network and Time magazine, and she has contributed to The New York Times, HuffPost and The Wall Street Journal. She has reported on agriculture and agtech for The Salinas Californian in Salinas, California. Worth magazine listed Wu on their "Groundbreakers 2020 list of 50 Women Changing the World." In 2020 Wu received the Women in Agribusiness Demeter Award of Excellence. Wu earned her bachelor's degree in history from New York Universityand her master's degree in journalism from Columbia University, and she speaks fluent Mandarin Chinese.

Table of Contents

Creating Fertile Soil for Untold Stories to Grow ix

Agtech and the Spirit of Innovation xiii

Introduction xv

Innovation Meets Agriculture 1

Poornima Parameswaran And Diane Wu 19

Jessica Gonzalez 27

Miku Jha 37

Thuy-Le Vuong 47

Pam Marrone 57

Martha Montoya 69

Ellie Symes 77

Christine Su 87

Mariana Vasconcelos 99

Ponsi Trivisvavet 111

Fatma Kaplan 121

Ros Harvey 131

Penelope Nagel 141

Other Trailblazers In Agtech 151

Epilogue 184

The Road Ahead 191

Acknowledgments 193

Contributors to From Farms to Incubators 196

Glossary 198

Supporters of From Farms to Incubators 203

Index 204

Editorial Reviews

"Not only does Wu report on how each woman uses technology to solve a problem, she also covers the pros and cons of tech solutions. It's an essential book for anyone interested in agtech and how to help the next generation of food entrepreneurs." —Civil Eats

"Well crafted and egrossing ... A well-written and engaging look at leaders in agriculture." —Kirkus Reviews

"This bright group of women bring a lightness and enthusiasm to agriculture ... From Farms to Incubators shows that careers in agriculture can be diverse and appropriate for anyone who eats." —Seattle Book Review

"From Farms to Incubators takes us inside the lives and careers of many inspiring women innovators. You will never think about food and farms the same way again." —David Kirkpatrick, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Techonomy Media

"I am very enthusiastic about holding up these stories to inspire others, especially the next generation of women using their STEM backgrounds to make positive impacts in our communities and our world. I am excited about a future that has women in agtech leading change to make a difference for families across the globe." —Karen Ross, Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture

"Amy’s book shows the many possibilities for women to continue moving the agricultural industry forward and should inspire all producers to become leaders in agriculture innovation for high-quality, efficient, and sustainable food production."—Nikki Fried, Florida's 12th Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services

"Amy Wu tells the stories of the underestimated women who are the driving force and changing face of agriculture. This book will serve as inspiration for the countless minority women who seek to be heard in rural America." —Christine Chavez, granddaughter of Cesar Chavez and farm activist

"The future of sustainable agriculture depends on a growing connection between farming and technology. Amy Wu passionately sheds light on the women responsible for leading this movement. From Farms to Incubators is essential reading for anybody concerned with the future of food systems." —Antonio Mancini Albano, Founder & CEO, beet & pear

"From Farm to Incubators captures through personal and human stories and photographs the emerging relevance of the intersection of agriculture and technology and its impact on our changing world. Amy Wu is, above all, a riveting storyteller who gives voice to unsung heroines of innovation and advancement." —Anne Rosen, lecturer at the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland and freelance journalist

"It should come as no surprise to anyone that there are few women innovators in Ag tech. Even fewer minority women innovators. The questions are: Why? What are we missing? What can we learn from successful minority women innovators? In From Farms to Incubators, Amy Wu documents stories, successes and struggles of such women. It contains a trove of information for inspired women (or men), minority (or not) to enter the field (sometimes literally). More inspiration and innovation is necessary in our societies in which an explosive number of people must share resources that do not grow as fast. Good quality good will become ever more important in developing as well as developed countries. Amy Wu does not only use words to tell the personal stories of the minority women entrepreneurs and their innovations in Ag tech, the book contains many pictures, making you feel like you are chatting with the entrepreneurs themselves." —Laurens Debo, Dartmouth College School of Business

"We learn about the world through stories, and through From Farms to Incubators, Amy Wu offers us tangible stories of leaders and innovations that are so often unseen because they are driven by women, especially women of color. May the stories in this collection inspire us to discover and learn from more of these creative leaders who are working to transform our food system." —Pei-Yee Woo, Director at Kitchen Table Advisors

"In this beautiful and inspiring book, Amy Wu has revealed a membrane of connectivity and creative possibility among women in agriculture all over the world. These galvanizing portraits are both place-based and unconfined, suggesting the viability and applicability of revolutionary innovation that can link visionary women well beyond borders." —Adele Negro, founder and CEO, ECOPA: Intersections for Sustainable Living

"Finally, there's a book that celebrates the incredible women who will inspire the next generation of fabulous female foodpreneurs." —Gail Becker, Founder and CEO, Caulipower

"Amy Wu is a masterful storyteller and voice for the unsung hero's of agriculture today." —Tonya Antle, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of the Organic Produce Network

"Amy Wu has written a book that not only celebrates women innovators and entrepreneurs in food and agriculture, but also inspires the next generation of women to follow in their path." —Kara Goldin, Founder and CEO of Hint, Inc., and author of Undaunted: Overcoming Doubts and Doubters

"I have seen young women from around the world coming up with creative solutions to food system challenges. Their approach is refreshing and urgently needed to get rid of polarized thinking. From Farms to Incubators injects inspiration and empowers the next generation of female leaders in the food and agriculture space." —Christine Gould, Founder and CEO, Thought For Food

"By telling the stories of amazing women in agtech, like Amy Wu does in this book, we can help to prove that different approaches are to be celebrated and can yield great success." —Louisa Burwood-Taylor, Head of Media and Research, AgFunder

"Amy Wu has done a phenomenal job collecting the stories of women founders in agtech. Their creativity, vision and passion for using technologies to solve some of the biggest challenges that farmers face is something that we celebrate." —Carolyn Leighton, Founder and CEO, Women in Technology International

"Amy's book of women in agriculture beautifully illustrates the diversity, passion, and commitment of an amazing group of women who are remaking modern agriculture through innovation and sustainable practices. Her storytelling is a powerful tool for highlighting the impactful work being done by these women and encouraging others like them to join this important movement of building a better food system." —Mareese Keane, Co-Founder, Opengate

"From Farms to Incubators not only shines a fascinating spotlight on a growing and evolving industry but is another necessary catalyst for gender equality, providing a platform to the often voiceless and inspiration for the next generation of female leaders in this space." —Juliet Scott-Croxford, CEO, Worth Media

"In her book From Farms to Incubators, Amy Wu has captured the stories of agtech's future pioneers. Using their life experiences to inspire others, these women are breaking down barriers while holding onto family values." —Karen Washington, farmer and activist

"By far the best book on women contribution in modern farming technology and sustainable agricultural practices." —Amit Kalkal, CEO, AgReads

"This book will serve as inspiration for the countless minority women who seek to be heard in rural America and for the next generation of female leaders in agriculture." —Maria Palacio, Founder of Revolution Me Film Festival

"It's about time that a bright light is shone onto the many more women who are in ag business and agtech." —Karen Caplan, President and CEO, Frieda's Specialty Produce

"Amy's book comes at a timely moment where a new breed of role models start to emerge: inspiring female agtech entrepreneurs and innovators the world needs to build a better food future." —Isabelle Decitre, Founder of Rooted

"I love seeing these women in agtech be in the spotlight. Women have always been an important part of agriculture and hopefully reading these stories will inspire more young women to pursue a career in agriculture and give these talented women the kudos they deserve." —Becky Bazabal, President, Salinas Valley California Women for Agriculture

"Nicely illustrated and informative throughout, From Farms to Incubators is exceptionally well organized, unique, and presented study, making it an especially and unreservedly recommended for community, college and university library Agricultural, Horticultural, Entrepreneurship, and Contemporary Women's Studies collections and supplemental studies curriculum lists." —Midwest Book Review

From the Publisher

"I am very enthusiastic about holding up these stories to inspire others, especially the next generation of women using their STEM backgrounds to make positive impacts in our communities and our world. I am excited about a future that has women in agtech leading change to make a difference for families across the globe."

Secretary of the California Department of Food and Karen Ross

"Longtime journalist Amy Wu arrived in Salinas, California, and discovered a sometimes-hidden treasure — the women pioneering agricultural innovation. Ever since, she has devoted her life to explaining how critical woman are to agtech, and to promoting the revolution they are helping lead. From Farms to Incubators takes us inside the lives and careers of many inspiring women innovators. You will never think about food and farms the same way again."

David Kirkpatrick

"The stories of women in agriculture often go untold. Amy brings those stories to the forefront and shines a light on these leaders' impact and innovation in the world of agtech."

Jacob Martinez

"Amy's book of women in agriculture beautifully illustrates the diversity, passion, and commitment of an amazing group of women who are remaking modern agriculture through innovation and sustainable practices. Her storytelling is a powerful tool for highlighting the impactful work being done by these women and encouraging others like them to join this important movement of building a better food system."

Mareese Keane

"The women whose stories are told in From Farms to Incubators have devised creative technological solutions to the challenges of contemporary farming in California. Amy Wu's portraits are a good reminder that women of highly diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds have made significant contributions to agtech. These pioneers will also inspire the next generation: women can have important roles not only in agriculture but also across the technology industry."

professor of journalism and director of the ADVANC Linda Steiner

"It's about time that a bright light is shone onto the many more women who are in ag business and agtech. Amy and I met at an agtech conference in 2017, and I'm thrilled that she is sharing her passion about telling our stories. And more importantly, to inspire young women to join us. #girlpower."

Karen Caplan

"Women in leadership positions are relatively rare in both ag and tech, and quite rare in agtech. The field will benefit from more women in positions of leadership, and these stories are important in making that transition. If women can see themselves in these roles, they will step forward."

Sallie Calhoun

"Women for centuries have played a vital role in farm operations across the country and globally. We are thrilled that Amy Wu has chosen to tell the stories of minority women entrepreneurs in Agtech in the Salinas Valley and beyond in a book and in an exhibition at the National Steinbeck Center."

Michele Speich

2021-04-27
A debut agriculture book offers an introduction to women changing the field.

In this volume, a companion to her 2016 documentary, Wu profiles women working in agriculture who are revolutionizing the industry. Twelve women are the subjects of their own chapters, and there are 11 shorter profiles in the book’s final chapter.The author presents women from a variety of sociocultural and educational backgrounds who work in different aspects of the industry, including as farm managers, data scientists, biologists, and software engineers. The women are primarily based in the United States, but Wu also includes several from other countries. The profiles explore the women’s personal and professional backgrounds, the insights that led to their discoveries and innovations, and how they see their roles in the companies they run. Although many of the women are involved in highly specialized research and technical work, the author makes their activities both intriguing and comprehensible to readers with no knowledge of the agriculture sector (Thuy-Le Vuong “developed an extraction method that retains the nutrients from the redmelon fruit while avoiding the use of organic solvents”). Readers who are more interested in the business side of agriculture will also find plenty of noteworthy tidbits, as the profiles examine the companies themselves, from finding startup funding and leasing lab space to managing and mentoring. Wu does an excellent job of delivering many different aspects of the agriculture industry and explaining how the women featured in the book fit into the broader context of the field. The text is generally well crafted and engrossing, and even readers who have never before considered how the temperature of a beehive is a representation of its overall health or calculated how many days of fodder are available in a given pasture are likely to be both captivated and informed by it. A wealth of photographs taken by Wu and contributed by the book’s subjects give readers a clear picture of who these women are and what they do.

A well-written and engaging look at leaders in agriculture.

Kirkus Reviews