Women Innovators in Food and Farming https://thespoon.tech/womeninnovators/ en Copyright, The Spoon, 2025 Join award-winning journalist Amy Wu on Women Innovators in Food and Farming, a podcast spotlighting inspiring conversations with women entrepreneurs driving change in agri-food tech. From groundbreaking advancements in seed breeding and soil innovation to cutting-edge robotics and automation, Amy explores the stories and insights behind the innovations shaping the future of food and farming. Whether you're a professional in the field, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about these transformative technologies, tune in and be part of this exciting journey. https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/688e4744-c94f-11ef-87d8-d7b7ef06d94a/image/77bc8f4f3bf6ceb4181d5be87ab70e6d.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress Women Innovators in Food and Farming https://thespoon.tech/womeninnovators/ episodic Women Innovators in Food and Farming Amy Wu Join award-winning journalist Amy Wu on Women Innovators in Food and Farming, a podcast spotlighting inspiring conversations with women entrepreneurs driving change in agri-food tech. From groundbreaking advancements in seed breeding and soil innovation to cutting-edge robotics and automation, Amy explores the stories and insights behind the innovations shaping the future of food and farming. Whether you're a professional in the field, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about these transformative technologies, tune in and be part of this exciting journey. Join award-winning journalist Amy Wu on Women Innovators in Food and Farming, a podcast spotlighting inspiring conversations with women entrepreneurs driving change in agri-food tech. From groundbreaking advancements in seed breeding and soil innovation to cutting-edge robotics and automation, Amy explores the stories and insights behind the innovations shaping the future of food and farming. Whether you're a professional in the field, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about these transformative technologies, tune in and be part of this exciting journey.

]]> Amy Wu mike@thespoon.tech Guest: Cris Argueso, Agricultural Biologist Cris Argueso -- agricultural biologist who specializes in plant molecular biology and plant genetics based out of Colorado. Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:32:00 -0000 full Amy Wu Cris Argueso -- agricultural biologist who specializes in plant molecular biology and plant genetics based out of Colorado. Cris Argueso -- agricultural biologist who specializes in plant molecular biology and plant genetics based out of Colorado.

]]> 2457 no Susan Njihia -- IoT Driven Tractors for Small Farmers in Africa Susan Njihia -- IoT Driven Tractors for Small Farmers in Africa Fri, 27 Mar 2026 17:05:00 -0000 full Amy Wu Susan Njihia -- IoT Driven Tractors for Small Farmers in Africa Susan Njihia -- IoT Driven Tractors for Small Farmers in Africa

]]> 2380 no Toni Bucci: AG and Biotech Leader with a Passion for Feeding the World Sustainably Amy sits down with Toni Bucci. AG and Biotech Leader with a Passion for Feeding the World Sustainably. Thu, 26 Feb 2026 19:15:00 -0000 full Amy Wu Amy sits down with Toni Bucci. AG and Biotech Leader with a Passion for Feeding the World Sustainably. Amy sits down with Toni Bucci. AG and Biotech Leader with a Passion for Feeding the World Sustainably.

]]> 2664 no Ag Is for People: Rethinking the Future of Farming With Connie Bowen In this episode, host Amy Wu welcomes Connie Bowen, the founding general partner at Farmhand Ventures. Connie shares her journey from growing up in New Jersey with family ties to farming in Iowa to her current role in ag tech investment. With a background in engineering and a passion for food, she discusses her early experiences in agriculture, including her work with food computers and her time at the Yield Lab, an ag tech accelerator. Connie emphasizes the importance of integrating human labor with technology to create a more resilient agricultural future. The conversation delves into the challenges facing ag tech today, particularly regarding labor shortages and the need for innovative solutions. Connie highlights her investment strategy at Farmhand Ventures, focusing on early-stage companies that address labor issues in agriculture. She also discusses her collaboration with the University of California Ag and Natural Resources, which aims to develop sustainable solutions for California growers. The episode concludes with insights on the current state of ag tech funding and the importance of diversity in the industry, particularly for women in venture capital. Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:37:00 -0000 full Amy Wu In this episode, host Amy Wu welcomes Connie Bowen, the founding general partner at Farmhand Ventures. Connie shares her journey from growing up in New Jersey with family ties to farming in Iowa to her current role in ag tech investment. With a background in engineering and a passion for food, she discusses her early experiences in agriculture, including her work with food computers and her time at the Yield Lab, an ag tech accelerator. Connie emphasizes the importance of integrating human labor with technology to create a more resilient agricultural future. The conversation delves into the challenges facing ag tech today, particularly regarding labor shortages and the need for innovative solutions. Connie highlights her investment strategy at Farmhand Ventures, focusing on early-stage companies that address labor issues in agriculture. She also discusses her collaboration with the University of California Ag and Natural Resources, which aims to develop sustainable solutions for California growers. The episode concludes with insights on the current state of ag tech funding and the importance of diversity in the industry, particularly for women in venture capital. In this episode, host Amy Wu welcomes Connie Bowen, the founding general partner at Farmhand Ventures.

Connie shares her journey from growing up in New Jersey with family ties to farming in Iowa to her current role in ag tech investment. With a background in engineering and a passion for food, she discusses her early experiences in agriculture, including her work with food computers and her time at the Yield Lab, an ag tech accelerator. Connie emphasizes the importance of integrating human labor with technology to create a more resilient agricultural future.


The conversation delves into the challenges facing ag tech today, particularly regarding labor shortages and the need for innovative solutions. Connie highlights her investment strategy at Farmhand Ventures, focusing on early-stage companies that address labor issues in agriculture. She also discusses her collaboration with the University of California Ag and Natural Resources, which aims to develop sustainable solutions for California growers. The episode concludes with insights on the current state of ag tech funding and the importance of diversity in the industry, particularly for women in venture capital.

]]> 2728 no Day to Day at the Department of Agriculture with Christine Birdsong Amy sits down with the Department of Agriculture for California to discuss her day-to-day work there, her backstory, and what she loves the most about the job. Wed, 03 Dec 2025 18:17:00 -0000 full Amy Wu Amy sits down with the Department of Agriculture for California to discuss her day-to-day work there, her backstory, and what she loves the most about the job. Amy sits down with the Department of Agriculture for California to discuss her day-to-day work there, her backstory, and what she loves the most about the job.

]]> 2265 no From Plant Science to Agri-Food VC with Maddie Mitchell In this episode of Women Innovators in Food & Farming, Amy Wu sits down with Maddie Mitchell, investment principal at Tenacious Ventures and a plant scientist turned agri-food tech investor. Maddie shares her journey from researching novel biotech crops at Cambridge to backing deep-tech startups shaping the future of sustainable agriculture. She talks about the rise of AI-enabled breeding technologies, robotics adoption on farms, Australia’s unique role as a testbed for climate-resilient ag innovation, and how Tenacious Ventures supports diverse founders pushing the sector forward. It’s a thoughtful, wide-ranging look at the science, strategy, and passion behind building a more sustainable and food-secure future. Fri, 21 Nov 2025 13:52:00 -0000 full Amy Wu In this episode of Women Innovators in Food & Farming, Amy Wu sits down with Maddie Mitchell, investment principal at Tenacious Ventures and a plant scientist turned agri-food tech investor. Maddie shares her journey from researching novel biotech crops at Cambridge to backing deep-tech startups shaping the future of sustainable agriculture. She talks about the rise of AI-enabled breeding technologies, robotics adoption on farms, Australia’s unique role as a testbed for climate-resilient ag innovation, and how Tenacious Ventures supports diverse founders pushing the sector forward. It’s a thoughtful, wide-ranging look at the science, strategy, and passion behind building a more sustainable and food-secure future. In this episode of Women Innovators in Food & Farming, Amy Wu sits down with Maddie Mitchell, investment principal at Tenacious Ventures and a plant scientist turned agri-food tech investor. Maddie shares her journey from researching novel biotech crops at Cambridge to backing deep-tech startups shaping the future of sustainable agriculture. She talks about the rise of AI-enabled breeding technologies, robotics adoption on farms, Australia’s unique role as a testbed for climate-resilient ag innovation, and how Tenacious Ventures supports diverse founders pushing the sector forward. It’s a thoughtful, wide-ranging look at the science, strategy, and passion behind building a more sustainable and food-secure future.

]]> 2317 no Lindsey Lusher Shute and Elizabeth Vaughan: Igniting Agtech Among Small Farmers Join Amy Wu as she chats with Lindsey Lusher Shute, CEO of Farm Generations, and Elizabeth Vaughan, and Elizabeth Vaughan of Community Alliance with Family Farmers, as they discuss bringing innovation through ag tech to small farmers. Wed, 15 Oct 2025 16:55:00 -0000 full Amy Wu Join Amy Wu as she chats with Lindsey Lusher Shute, CEO of Farm Generations, and Elizabeth Vaughan, and Elizabeth Vaughan of Community Alliance with Family Farmers, as they discuss bringing innovation through ag tech to small farmers. Join Amy Wu as she chats with Lindsey Lusher Shute, CEO of Farm Generations, and Elizabeth Vaughan, and Elizabeth Vaughan of Community Alliance with Family Farmers, as they discuss bringing innovation through ag tech to small farmers.

]]> 1724 no Julia Streuli: Spotlighting Natural Alternatives Amy talks with Julia Streuli about bringing blue spirulina to the market. Mon, 29 Sep 2025 16:22:00 -0000 full Amy Wu Amy talks with Julia Streuli about bringing blue spirulina to the market. Amy talks with Julia Streuli about bringing blue spirulina to the market.

]]> 2214 no Hubba Khatoon Connector and Convener Hubba Khatoon connects food innovators at the Canadian Food Innovation Network Thu, 14 Aug 2025 00:41:00 -0000 full Amy Wu Hubba Khatoon connects food innovators at the Canadian Food Innovation Network Hubba Khatoon connects food innovators at the Canadian Food Innovation Network

]]> 1996 no Farming Sugar Kelp with Gretchen Aro A videographer shares her adventures kelp farming on the Pacific Northwest’s Vachon Islands  Wed, 30 Jul 2025 19:33:00 -0000 full Amy Wu A videographer shares her adventures kelp farming on the Pacific Northwest’s Vachon Islands  A videographer shares her adventures kelp farming on the Pacific Northwest’s Vachon Islands 

]]> 2169 no Growing Almonds with Christine Gemperle Agtech helps an almond grower in California’s Central Valley. Tue, 08 Jul 2025 20:38:00 -0000 full Amy Wu Agtech helps an almond grower in California’s Central Valley. Agtech helps an almond grower in California’s Central Valley.

]]> 2427 no Discovering New Foods with Chidimma Ifeh A young researcher shares her passion for uncovering new foods that can help feed the world. Tue, 27 May 2025 14:45:00 -0000 full Amy Wu A young researcher shares her passion for uncovering new foods that can help feed the world. A young researcher shares her passion for uncovering new foods that can help feed the world.

]]> 2237 no How To Feed The World with Wendy Ulrich How To Feed The World with Wendy Ulrich of Radical Agronomics Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:17:00 -0000 full Amy Wu How To Feed The World with Wendy Ulrich of Radical Agronomics How To Feed The World with Wendy Ulrich of Radical Agronomics

]]> 1880 no Advanced Multiplex Gene Editing with Ponsi Trivisvavet Born in Thailand, Ponsi is the CEO & Director of Inari, the SEEDesign™ company using predictive design and advanced multiplex gene editing to unlock the full potential of seed. She earned her undergraduate degree in electrical engineering, focusing on fiber optics. Realizing that she wanted to work more closely with people, she earned an MBA at Cornell University and then joined McKinsey & Company. Thu, 17 Apr 2025 18:36:00 -0000 full Amy Wu Born in Thailand, Ponsi is the CEO & Director of Inari, the SEEDesign™ company using predictive design and advanced multiplex gene editing to unlock the full potential of seed. She earned her undergraduate degree in electrical engineering, focusing on fiber optics. Realizing that she wanted to work more closely with people, she earned an MBA at Cornell University and then joined McKinsey & Company. Born in Thailand, Ponsi is the CEO & Director of Inari, the SEEDesign™

company using predictive design and advanced multiplex gene editing

to unlock the full potential of seed. She earned her undergraduate

degree in electrical engineering, focusing on fiber optics. Realizing

that she wanted to work more closely with people, she earned an MBA

at Cornell University and then joined McKinsey & Company.

]]> 1630 no Climate Smart Pest Controls with Fatma Kaplan A scientist and entrepreneur shares her journey starting Pheronym, an agbio company that provides eco-friendly pest control. Mon, 07 Apr 2025 21:18:00 -0000 full Amy Wu A scientist and entrepreneur shares her journey starting Pheronym, an agbio company that provides eco-friendly pest control. A scientist and entrepreneur shares her journey starting Pheronym, an agbio company that provides eco-friendly pest control.

]]> 2373 no The Story Behind Caulipower with Gail Becker The Story Behind Caulipower with Gail Becker Mon, 17 Mar 2025 20:29:00 -0000 The Story Behind Caulipower full 1 2 Amy Wu The Story Behind Caulipower The Story Behind Caulipower with Gail Becker The Story Behind Caulipower with Gail Becker

]]> 1909 no Women Innovators in Food and Farming - Teaser Women Innovators in Food and Farming - Teaser Mon, 20 Jan 2025 21:55:55 -0000 Women Innovators in Food and Farming - Teaser full 1 1 Amy Wu Women Innovators in Food and Farming - Teaser Women Innovators in Food and Farming - Teaser Women Innovators in Food and Farming - Teaser

]]> 33 no