Agriculture faces the demand for efficient and profitable production, while food quality, resource efficiency, and sustainability are becoming increasingly important. This session explores the connection between soil and crop biology, the nutrient density of food, and the technology that can simplify the daily lives of farmers.
Rob Ward, CEO and co-founder of Vitagri, shares insights into the link between how food is grown and its actual nutritional content. The report *Growing Health 2026: From Soil to Human Health* outlines how the same crop can vary significantly in nutritional value, depending on factors such as soil type, variety selection, agricultural inputs, and cultivation methods. He highlights how farming practices can contribute to both improved production outcomes and more nutrient-dense food.
Kristelle Schepens offers perspectives on how advanced science can be translated into solutions that are relevant and understandable for farmers, the media, and investors. Drawing on her experience in commercialization strategy, business development, communications, international expansion, and partnerships, she discusses what is required for research-based innovation to reach the field and deliver practical benefits.
Arjan Mulder, CCO at AgXeed, demonstrates how technological innovation—including autonomous agricultural machinery—can address concrete production challenges. The discussion focuses on how technology can save time, enhance precision, and better equip farmers to manage labor shortages, cost pressures, and rising demands for efficiency.
The panel discussion connects biology, nutrition, and technology with the everyday realities of farming: which solutions create real value on the farm, and how can they simultaneously contribute to better food?