Root Applied Sciences is building a global monitoring platform for pests and disease that measures organisms by their DNA in the air, before they land on plants and cause disease. The near-real-time spatial and temporal information is giving growers resilience despite unpredictable outbreaks due to climate change. Growers with Root’s pathogen monitoring service are using pesticides more efficiently (reducing 20%-80%), saving money (3.5X ROI), increasing produce quality, and improving sustainability all while safeguarding their crops. Root is developing fully automated monitoring systems that collect particles from the air and quantify pests and pathogens by their DNA autonomously within the units for a 2026 launch. + Platform technology – already with 4 pathogens and 1 insect pest + Validated assay robustness with >7000 customer samples, dirt, and fungicide spike-ins + Superior capture technology as published independently by USDA scientists + Repeat customers for 4 years
Nat4Bio
Nat4Bio is an ag-biotech startup developing fully edible coatings that reduce supply chain waste. These coatings act in a dual way by preventing fungal infections after harvest through the use of natural molecules, and also by preserving moisture and quality thanks to the select permeability of the film. Their product pipeline includes biological coatings for citrus, pears, apples, avocados and berries that can be deployed with zero or minimal infrastructure using regular sprayers or off-the-shelf ultra-low volume equipment. The company is conducting field trials on citrus, pear and apple packinghouses in Argentina and is looking for partnerships to launch pilots in US.
Americold
Americold (NYSE: COLD) is a global leader in temperature-controlled logistics and real estate, with a more than 120-year legacy of innovation and reliability. With more than 230 facilities across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and South America – totaling approximately 1.5 billion refrigerated cubic feet – Americold ensures the safe, efficient movement of refrigerated products worldwide. Our facilities are an integral part of the global food supply chain, connecting producers, processors, distributors, and retailers with tailored, value-added services supported by responsive and reliable supply chains. Leveraging deep industry expertise, smart technology, and sustainable practices, Americold delivers world-class service that creates lasting value for our customers and the communities we serve. Visit www.americold.com to learn more.
Alive Grower Network
Alive Network is redefining the floral and plant industry through collaboration and innovation. By uniting leading live goods growers with premium hard goods brands like Sol Soils, Mossify, and Momma Pots, Alive delivers cohesive, retail-ready solutions that inspire consumers and simplify sourcing for retailers. Our integrated approach turns plants, pots, and accessories into complete lifestyle experiences — driving category growth, sustainability, and creativity across grocery, retail and home décor channels. Alive Network — Growing Partnerships. Cultivating Innovation. Inspiring Lifestyle.
Akorn Technology
Akorn’s mission is to reduce fresh produce losses in the supply chain with all-natural, easy to use solutions that include: Edible coatings to extend shelf life; Biological fungicides to reduce decay and natural antibacterials to improve food safety; products to reduce or eliminate plastic packaging. Our products are made only from all-natural sustainable ingredients, some are upcycled. No petroleum-based or synthetic/chemical components.
AgroFresh
AgroFreshTM is a global leader in post-harvest quality and freshness solutions, dedicated to enhancing the quality and extending the shelf-life of fresh produce while reducing food loss and waste. From a legacy of innovation that stretches back more than 40 years, AgroFresh addresses fresh produce supply chain challenges from all angles, offering a full suite of integrated storage, packing line and digital solutions. AgroFresh has what it takes to help growers, packers and retailers succeed in their business of delivering fresh, quality and sustainable produce from harvest to home. As a global leader in sustainability, Agrofresh also offers solutions that save the resources of the planet and your business. Whether seeking to reduce storage room energy consumption, minimize pack-out yield waste, reduce water use or maintain produce quality along the supply chain, our broad portfolio of near-harvest solutions supports sustainability and empowers the business of fresh at every step.


