Dr. Fu Wenge (CHINA) is a visionary leader in agribusiness education and agrifood innovation, renowned for pioneering China’s first agribusiness-focused MBA program and cultivating a generation of agrifood entrepreneurs. His unique blend of corporate leadership—having transformed top-tier agricultural enterprises like Huaxi Hope Group—and global academic influence positions him as a bridge between industry practices and sustainable value chain development. Dr. Fu will speak on the panel "From Farm to Food: Insights into Consumer Movements toward 2050." Drawing from his leadership in advancing China’s agribusiness education and cross-sector innovations through the WAFI Forum, he will highlight the critical role of collaborative ecosystems in aligning farm practices, supply chain agility, and consumer expectations for 2050.

Dr. Decio Zylbersztajn (BRAZIL) is a Senior Professor at the University of São Paulo and was awarded the IFAMA Fellow in 2023, the highest award given by IFAMA, for his outstanding and sustained contributions to food and agribusiness management. A globally respected academic and thought leader in agribusiness, Dr. Zylbersztajn will moderate the panel, “Creating Competitive Advantage through Cooperatives and Associations: The Role of Collective Actions.” As agricultural markets grow increasingly complex, cooperatives are playing a vital role in building more inclusive, efficient, and resilient food systems. Dr. Zylbersztajn will highlight how Agroindustrial Cooperatives have shaped the success of modern Brazilian agriculture—and what lessons they offer the global agri-food community.

Robert Erhard (Switzerland) is a respected dairy industry leader and elected president of the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative Platform. As Functional Head of Dairy Sourcing and Head of Net Zero Livestock Strategy at Nestlé, he drives positive development throughout the dairy sector. Erhard brings proven expertise in milk supply chain management, strategic planning, and multi-regional operations across all zones. Nestlé has been able to map the different sources of emissions on dairy farms, enabling further innovations that address each emissions source – such as the digestive systems of cows, feed production, manure management, fertilization, energy. Robert will bring this insight to the panel, "Sustainable Innovations: Achieving More with Less."

Aurélio Pavinato (BRAZIL) is the CEO of SLC Agrícola. With deep expertise in sustainable farming practices and advanced business management, he brings a strategic understanding of the global food supply chain and the critical challenges ahead. His insights focus on the urgent need to develop innovative technologies that enable farmers to produce more food at lower costs through sustainable practices. He will share his expert vision in the keynote: “The Future of Farming.”

IFAMA is deeply grateful to Mr. Pavinato and SLC Agrícola for sponsoring the 2025 Student Case Competition, empowering the next generation of agribusiness leaders committed to sustainability and innovation.

Dr. Sylvain Charlebois (CANADA) is a renowned food policy expert, professor at Dalhousie University, and Senior Director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab. Recently awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal, Dr. Charlebois is recognized for his outstanding contributions to agri-food policy on a global scale. Dr. Charlebois will bring a unique perspective to the panel “From Farm to Table: Responding to consumer demands to produce nutritious food sustainably,” drawing on his early experience growing up on a Quebec dairy farm, service in the Royal Canadian Air Force, and internationally recognized research. As the Farm to Table movement rapidly reshapes global food systems, his insights will enrich the conversation around improving efficiency, transparency, and sustainability.

Daiana Bisognin Lopes (BRAZIL), CEO of FB Group and Rebate Agro, brings her outstanding leadership to the IFAMA 2025 World Conference to Brazil! With over 20 years of experience in agribusiness communication, strategic partnerships, and business development, Daiana is a trailblazer in Brazil’s ag sector. Through FB Group, a global events company known for creating high-impact international experiences, she has helped shape the way agribusiness connects across borders. As a key partner of IFAMA 2025, her vision and execution have been instrumental to this year’s success in building global bridges through agribusiness.

Marcos Fava Neves (BRAZIL) is one of the most influential voices in global agribusiness strategy. Marcos is a professor, prolific author of 80 books, and founder of Harven Agribusiness School. He specializes in strategic planning and management, has led more than 300 major projects in Brazilian and global agribusiness, and is among the most cited Brazilian scientists worldwide. He holds academic appointments on four continents—including at Purdue University (USA) and the University of Pretoria (South Africa)—and has delivered over 1,850 lectures in 23 countries, making him one of the best-known and most respected Brazilian experts in international agribusiness and strategic planning. Marcos was awarded an IFAMA Fellows award in 2015, the highest award given by IFAMA, for his outstanding and sustained contributions to food and agribusiness management. At IFAMA 2025, Marcos will deliver a powerful keynote: "The Road to COP30: A Proposal for Sustainable Agriculture by 2030."

Dr. Allan Gray (USA) is the Executive Director of the Digital Innovation in Agri-Food Systems Lab at Purdue Applied Research Institute. The lab serves as a venture studio for industry Fellows and a research think tank focused in driving digital innovation in food and agriculture. Dr. Gray has spent his career working directly with agribusiness around the globe to shape business strategies for the changing marketplace. His work focuses on the convergence of technology, economics, supply chain coordination and entrepreneurship—a critical intersection for the future of global agriculture. In 2016, Allan was awarded an IFAMA Fellows award, the highest award given by IFAMA, for his outstanding and sustained contributions to food and agribusiness management. Dr. Gray will share his expertise in the panel: “Sustainable Innovations: Achieving More with Less”

Andréa Veríssimo (BRAZIL) has over 20 years of experience in public affairs and international agribusiness strategy. She brings unmatched expertise in market access, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability across global agri-food value chains. Her science-based approach and deep understanding of both Brazilian and international markets make her perspective especially valuable as we navigate the evolving landscape of bioenergy. Fluent in multiple languages and trusted for her strategic insight, she is uniquely positioned to explore how policy, innovation, and trade can work together to shape the future of bioenergy. Andréa Veríssimo joins a powerhouse panel discussing The Future of Bioenergy.

Marcelo Eskenazi (BRAZIL) is the New Business Innovation Advisor at São Martinho—one of Brazil’s largest sugar and energy groups. Mr. Eskenazi plays a key role in shaping sustainable innovations in bioenergy and agribusiness. São Martinho is a leader in leveraging renewable carbon to create high-value, sustainable products. The company stands out for its integration of tradition, strategic assets, and open innovation. All of its mills are energy self-sufficient, generating electricity from sugarcane bagasse and selling the surplus to the grid, a powerful example of circular agribusiness in action. Marcelo Eskenazi will join the expert panel “Biotechnology: Pioneering Innovation and Sustainability,” offering key insights into the future of bio-based solutions in agribusiness.

Esteban R. Brenes (COSTA RICA) is a professor of Strategy and Agribusiness at INCAE Business School, Dr. Brenes brings a rare blend of academic excellence, public service, and private sector experience to the conversation. He has served as Costa Rica’s Secretary of Agriculture and Livestock and Secretary of Science and Technology, helping shape national policy at the intersection of innovation and food systems. As Founder and President of BAC & Associates, a strategic consulting firm, he continues to advise companies on growth, governance, and transformation across Latin America. Dr. Brenes will moderate the expert session, “Biotechnology: Pioneering Innovation and Sustainability,” a timely and essential conversation on how biotech can drive both resilience and competitiveness in global agribusiness.

Jacyr Costa Filho (BRAZIL), President of the Superior Council of Agribusiness (COSAG) at FIESP, will attend the IFAMA 2025 World Conference. Mr. Costa Filho is one of the most influential figures shaping public policy and strategic direction in Brazilian agribusiness. With over 40 years of leadership across the sugar, energy, and agribusiness sectors—including roles at Brasil Álcool, SCA Trading, and Tereos Brasil—his participation in IFAMA 2025 reinforces the importance of collective dialogue and innovation in the global food system. It is a privilege to welcome such a distinguished leader in support of IFAMA’s mission, and to honor his ongoing contributions to national and international agribusiness strategy.

Aidan Connolly (IRELAND) With a career spanning 30+ years in 100 countries, and fluency in five languages, Aidan Connolly—President of AgriTech Capital and IFAMA—brings unmatched global insight into the future of food and farming. Named a “food & farm futurist” by Forbes, he’s the author of two books (translated into four languages) and a trusted advisor to governments and agribusinesses worldwide. In 2015, Aidan received the IFAMA Fellows award, the highest award given by IFAMA, for his outstanding and sustained contributions to food and agribusiness management. Connolly will deliver a compelling keynote: “The Road to COP30 – A Proposal for Sustainable Agriculture by 2030.”

Juliano Tarabal (BRAZIL) has 28 years of experience in the coffee agribusiness sector and deep expertise in Geographic Indications, cooperatives, branding, and governance. Juliano will share how collective action and territorial strategies can create competitive advantages in agribusiness, highlighting collaboration as a driver of sustainable growth.

José Antonio Rossato (BRAZIL)  Dr. Rossato’s journey in the cooperative movement began as a participant in a youth farming program and evolved into leadership roles at the highest levels—including serving as Chairman of Coplana, where he championed corporate governance and value creation for members. Today, he is a professor of agribusiness, cooperativism, and governance at institutions including Fafram, UNESP, Fundação Dom Cabral, and Fundação Instituto de Administração. His deep, hands-on experience in cooperatives and associations informs his thoughtful approach to fostering resilience and competitiveness in today’s agri-food systems. He will bring this insight to the panel, "Creating Competitive Advantage through Cooperatives and Associations: The Role of Collective Actions."

Tony Salas (PERU) holds advanced degrees in biology, plant breeding, agribusiness, and crop and soil science, and is the founder and President of ACM Consulting, where he has led hundreds of projects in more than 30 countries and has facilitated nearly $1 billion in investments across global agribusiness value chains. He is a recognized pioneer of the Impact Farming model, with extensive experience supporting sustainable innovations for smallholder farms in Latin America and Africa. As co-founder of Shared-X in Silicon Valley, Dr. Salas led integrated ventures in fresh fruit, regenerative ag biotech, reaching over 650 retail outlets. He has also served in top public and academic roles and has been active on numerous international boards and carbon initiatives. 

At IFAMA 2025, Dr. Salas will moderate the panel, “Sustainable Innovations: Achieving More with Less.” With deep, hands-on experience in regenerative agriculture, carbon initiatives, and inclusive biotech ventures, he understands what it takes to scale solutions that align productivity with long-term sustainability

Carlos Guilherme Nosé (BRAZIL) is CEO and partner of Ecossistema FESA, a global executive talent business and one of the world’s most specialized firms in executive recruitment and leadership development for agribusiness. Since joining FESA Group in 2002, he has played a key role in transforming the firm’s market positioning and global reach, especially across the agribusiness, consumer, and retail sectors. Carlos also founded the FESA C.R.O.M.A Institute, a nonprofit focused on boosting employability for youth in vulnerable communities. At IFAMA 2025, Carlos will share his expertise on the panel, “The Challenge of Training New Leaders in Agribusiness," a timely discussion on preparing the next generation of executives to lead in a rapidly evolving global food system.

Caio Carvalho (BRAZIL) is an agricultural engineer with decades of leadership experience, Mr. Carvalho serves as President of ABAG (Brazilian Agribusiness Association) and Director of Canaplan. A respected voice in Brazil’s sugar-energy sector, he brings deep expertise in improving productivity, reducing emissions, and building more balanced, sustainable production chains. Under his leadership, ABAG has championed innovation in logistics, bioeconomy, and sustainability, while shaping public policy to strengthen agribusiness competitiveness and environmental stewardship.

Edson Barros (BRAZIL) is the Vice President of Strategic Marketing at Kerry. With dual Brazilian-Italian citizenship and more than 20 years of experience across four countries, Mr. Barros brings a rich multicultural and consumer-driven perspective to the agrifood conversation. His career spans leadership in sales, marketing, production, project management, and corporate strategy, with a passion for building collaborative teams that exceed expectations. Edson will join the panel "From Farm to Table: Responding to Consumer Demands to Produce Nutritious Food Sustainably," offering insight into how efficiency and empathy across the value chain can drive meaningful results—for business, people, and the planet.

Juliana de Lavor Lopes (BRAZIL) is the Director of ESG, Communication, and Compliance at AMAGGI, one of Brazil’s largest agricultural companies. Juliana is one of Brazil’s most influential voices in sustainable agribusiness. Her leadership at AMAGGI and the André and Lucia Maggi Foundation has helped shape transformative ESG practices in the sector. Recognized by Forbes as one of the “100 Most Powerful Women in Agribusiness,” Juliana brings invaluable insight to the global conversation on innovation, governance, and sustainability.

Paulo Rigolin (BRAZIL) is Vice President of Latin America at Alltech. Since joining Alltech in 2001, Paulo has held key leadership positions across Brazil and globally—particularly in the poultry sector. As Global Product and Poultry Director, he oversaw operations on multiple continents. He has a veterinary degree and advanced training in marketing and business administration from Fundação Getulio Vargas. Alltech Brazil accounts for 10% of Alltech’s global revenue. Its two Brazilian production plants export to markets worldwide, reinforcing Brazil’s leadership in global agribusiness. Paulo will join the expert panel, "The Challenge of Training New Leaders in Agribusiness," where he will share insights on how to develop future-ready talent for a sector that represents 33% of Brazil’s GDP, 42% of exports, and 37% of domestic jobs.

Dr. Trey Malone (USA) brings a valuable lens to the agri-food conversation, blending academic research with direct engagement in entrepreneurial ecosystems and supply chain logistics. His work bridges traditional agribusiness economics with real-time innovation trends in agri-food supply chains, and explores how trust, behavioral shifts, policy, and consumer movements will drive future industry-led adaptation. Dr. Malone will moderate the expert panel, "From Farm to Food: Insights into Consumer Movements towards 2050." This session promises fresh perspectives on how industry must adapt to shifting consumer values and policy landscapes in the years ahead.

Anathi Makamane (South Africa) is a lecturer at the University of the Free State in South Africa and a member of the IFAMA Young Board. With seven years in academia and hands-on experience across the public and development sectors in South Africa, her expertise is at the intersection of agribusiness, policy, and rural development. Anathi's work focuses on capacity building, agricultural extension, and youth engagement. She will bring a grounded, real-world view of what it takes to equip the next generation of agribusiness leaders on the panel "The Challenge of Training New Leaders in Agribusiness." At a time when food systems are rapidly evolving, Anathi’s perspective underscores the importance of practical skills, systemic support, and inclusive strategies to empower young professionals in agriculture.

Dr. Brian Briggeman (USA) is Director of the Arthur Capper Cooperative Center at Kansas State University. He is a leading voice in advancing agricultural cooperatives. His work focuses on strengthening cooperative strategy, education, and research—helping farmers pool resources, access markets, and improve agricultural practices. Cooperatives are essential to global food security and rural prosperity. Dr. Briggeman will share his expertise on the panel: "Creating Competitive Advantage through Cooperatives and Associations: The Role of Collective Actions."

Michelle Marais (SOUTH AFRICA) is an agricultural economist and advocate for smallholder farmers. As Business Unit Manager at Urban Farmer, she supports farmer training and capacity-building across multiple African countries. She is also deeply committed to youth development in agriculture and its role in economic growth. As the recipient of the IFAMA 2024 Rising Star Award, Michelle exemplifies the next generation of leadership transforming global food systems. She will join the expert panel "The Challenge of Training New Leaders in Agribusiness."

Alessandro Gardemann (BRAZIL) is CEO of Geo bio gas&carbon and Co-Founder of the Brazilian Biogas Association (ABiogás), Mr. Gardemann brings exceptional leadership to the renewable energy sector, combining expertise in social entrepreneurship, innovative business development, and financial markets. His contributions have helped drive the growth of Brazil’s biogas industry, a key pillar in sustainable agribusiness.

Luciano Thomé e Castro (BRAZIL) is a Board Member and Coordinator of the Business Administration program at Harven Agribusiness School. He brings a unique blend of academic leadership and industry experience. His work in strategic marketing, sales, and communication channels has shaped the way agribusiness companies engage and grow. At Harven, Luciano has helped pioneer the Harven Experience—a hands-on, interdisciplinary teaching methodology designed to prepare undergraduates to lead in an increasingly complex food and agribusiness landscape. He will share insights from this innovative approach during the expert panel, “The Challenge of Training New Leaders in Agribusiness,” a conversation on how to equip future executives with the skills and mindset needed to navigate a changing global food system.

Johann Coelho (BRAZIL) is the CEO of BemAgro. A rising star in agri-tech, Johann is an early career entrepreneur already recognized by Forbes as a leading voice in AI for agribusiness. He brings a strategic vision of how artificial intelligence is transforming every stage of the agricultural value chain. At the forefront of innovation, he offers a bold vision for the future of farming—one where AI enhances productivity, sustainability, and impact across the global agri-food system. His keynote, “The Future of Agriculture with the Use of Artificial Intelligence,” will explore how data-driven innovation can revolutionize agricultural production, boost efficiency, and promote sustainability.

Professor Thia Hennessy (IRELAND) has over 20 years of research experience in sustainable food systems and is a leading authority in agricultural economics. Her research focuses on how policy and market developments affect farm performance. As a trusted advisor, she frequently contributes to major policy-making bodies, including the European Parliament and the OECD. Professor Hennessy will moderate the expert panel: "From Farm to Table: Responding to Consumer Demands to Produce Nutritious Food Sustainably."