Monsanto and Borlaug Institute speakers join keynote Dylan Ratigan at GAI AgTech Week

SAN FRANCISCO, June 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- For the more than 300 attendees expected at the second annual GAI AgTech Week here, pivotal topic discussions of sustainability, partnerships and reinvention aimed at changing the trajectory of the global food system will provide the most engaging and opportune moments for collaboration in the agtech sector.

Speaking faculty highlighting these opportunities at the June 21-23 conference at the Hilton San Francisco Financial District include:

• Robert Fraley, executive vice president and chief technology officer at Monsanto Company
• Julie Borlaug, associate director of external relations for the Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture
• Dylan Ratigan, sustainability entrepreneur, New York Times Bestseller, Former MSNBC Host-The Dylan Ratigan Show

"All of us in the agtech space have a clear mission – we must discover and invest in new ways to reinvent agriculture," said Fraley, who will provide "Perspectives from a Pioneer" in the executive interview on Wednesday, June 22. "At Monsanto, we believe in the importance of collaboration and partnering with organizations of all sizes. As part of this effort, we work with thousands of companies, start-ups, universities and even our competitors. This conference is a great opportunity to build on these collaborative efforts, and reach out to all involved in ag innovation, emphasizing its importance."

Fraley, who will be interviewed on stage by Joshua Hofheimer, a partner at Sidley Austin, will share some of his experiences from the early biotech days and how the future of agtech is evolving. "I am amazed by the amount of innovation we are seeing across the industry and I think there is real opportunity in integrating these solutions for growers," he said in a pre-event interview, noting possibilities in improving the genetics of the seed and advancing the microbials and biologicals for healthier growth.

Also working to advance the mission to feed the world is Julie Borlaug of the Borlaug Institute. Since the passing of her grandfather – Dr. Norman E. Borlaug – Julie has continued his legacy to develop agricultural partnerships between public, private and philanthropic groups in an effort to "recommit ourselves to educating, mentoring and training the next generation of 'hunger fighters' who will continue the work to end hunger and eliminate poverty."

Chief among the topics for Julie's presentation, "Fostering Cooperation & Collaboration in the Ag Biotech Space," will be stressing the need for research and technology in agriculture, as well as promoting innovation in the field.

Bringing all these thought-provoking ideas together will be keynote speaker Dylan Ratigan, who will present "Kilowatts, Calories, Gallons & Gigabytes" on day three of the conference. Ratigan is best known for his strong voice for economic justice on Bloomberg and NBC, Ratigan now serves as chief skeptic at Tastytrade, "Truth and Skeptism with Dylan Ratigan," and Advisor to CyndX. He speaks out daily for transparency, integrity, choice and aligned interests as a commentator, film producer and author of New York Times Best-Seller "Greedy Bastards."

Ratigan is now involved with hydroponic farming and is a partner and co-founder of a Louisiana-based manufacturer that integrates systems to grow food, purify water, produce solar electricity, establish wireless connectivity, create jobs and provide essential community services.

Learn more about GAI AgTech week – where agriculture meets technology and finance – at www.agtechweek.com. With a view from the forefront of the industry, presentations and panel discussions will cover the entire value chain and include hours of networking. This year's conference features the debut of The Capital Grill, where vetted entrepreneurs will pitch a panel of allocators and accelerators for instant feedback. Join us on LinkedIn or @agtechweek.

GAI AgTech Week is hosted by Global AgInvesting, a product of HighQuest Group and the world's most well-attended agriculture investment conference series and leading resource for events, research and insight into the global agricultural sector. www.highquestgroup.com   

CONTACT:
Michelle Pelletier-Marshall
[email protected]

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SOURCE HighQuest Group

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