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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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."

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.

Jack Keeys (NEW ZEALAND) is a global agri-food specialist leading the Innovation Hub at the International Fertilizer Association, while also providing bespoke consulting services and heading two startup businesses in next generation alternative coffee and a nature investment platform. A former IFAMA Student Case Competition winner and Chair of the IFAMA Young Board, he is passionate about supporting the sector through volunteer work and empowering young people. Jack will moderate the expert panel, “The Challenge of Training New Leaders in Agribusiness.”

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.