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INTERNATIONAL FOOD AND AGRIBUSINESS MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION

CONFERENCE DAY 3   |   FORUM DAY 1   |   MONDAY, 20 JUNE

TIME

SESSION

SPEAKERS

Monday, 20 June
08:30-9:00
Room: Hotel Real Intercontinental 2 and 3

Forum Welcome

  • Esteban R. Brenes & Juan Jose Bolaños, IFAMA Conference Co-Chairs

  • Enrique Bolanos, President, INCAE Business School
  • Arturo Condo, President, EARTH University
  • Raj Vardhan, President, IFAMA
  • Irene Alvarado, Co-Chair and Full Professor, EARTH University, Costa Rica

  • Laura Bonilla CotoMinister of Agriculture and Livestock, Costa Rica

  • Francisco Gamboa, Minister of Economy, Industry and Commerce, Costa Rica 

Monday, 20 June

09:00-10:00
Room: Hotel Real Intercontinental 2 and 3


Session 1: Keynote Speech: Food 5.0: How we feed the future

While experts deliberate the optimal foods required to improve and sustain human health, we’re ignoring a truth that affects us all: to support a population nearing 10 billion by 2050, agriculture must become infinitely sustainable.

To feed the world, we have to grow 10,000 years’ worth of food in the next thirty years, which means farmers worldwide must increase food production by 60 to 70 percent.

A small percentage of those “farmers of consequence” are being called upon to grow the vast majority of the world’s staple food supply. While mighty in their ability, they need support from people who increasingly have little understanding of how they operate.

Robert Saik will take you on a journey from the “muscle era” of farming to a future where the convergence of new technologies like sensors, robotics, and machine learning make infinite sustainability achievable. With the veil lifted on modern agriculture practices, you’ll be inspired to contribute to a culture where farmers can adopt the science and tools they need to carry out their mission of feeding the planet.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:

  • Robert Saik, CEO, AGvisorPro, Canada

Monday, 20 June

10:00 - 10:30
Hotel Real Intercontinental Terrace near Real 2 & 3

COFFEE BREAK

Monday, 20 June

10:30 - 12:00
Room: Hotel Real Intercontinental 2 and 3


Session 2: Productivity gaps in the agri-food system: New approaches and technologies

The essence of this panel is to establish the imperative of enhancing productivity gains and sustainability, particularly in emerging economies around the world, in order to achieve food security, income growth in rural areas, and provide a better response to the challenges posed by the developing climate crisis.

There are huge gaps in productivity and sustainability that affect many of the countries in which agriculture still represents a significant portion of employment, and an unfortunate and unnecessary source of poverty in rural areas, malnutrition in rural and urban areas, soil degradation, water misuse and pollution, and a growing dependence on aid or international trade.

The purpose of this panel is to analyze the situation with data and applied conceptual frameworks, present case examples of countries at risk and their implication for the global and local SGDs; explore what some of the proposed solutions imply in terms of fostering an enabling platform for their productive transformation; present and discuss innovative solutions based on technological and scientific innovation, on local and international policy innovations; and the best way to deploy and share them across countries and regions.

Participants will better under the problems and risks affecting agricultural productivity growth and sustainability, particularly in emerging economies; and what are some key ideas and policies to foster and “new green revolution” based on science, technology, continuous innovation, and a commitment to deliver it in such a way that reaches those in need across the world.

MODERATOR:

  • Roberto Artavia, President, Viva Trust, Costa Rica

PANELISTS:

  • Nicola Shadbolt, Chair of the Plant & Food Crown Research Institute; Climate Change Commissioner; and Professor, Massey University, New Zealand
  • Jannik Aaron DresemannAgri benchmark & Thünen Institute of Farm Economics, Germany
  • Arno Van der MadenOwner and CEO, N&S del Trópico S.A, Netherlands & Costa Rica
  • Estefania Puricelli, Lead Economist at the NASA Harvest Hub, University of Maryland, USA

Monday, 20 June

12:00 - 13:30
Rooms: Hotel Real Intercontinental 2 and 3

LUNCH   |   STUDENT CASE COMPETITION FINALS SHOWCASE I

Early Career Professionals

Sponsored by Bayer

Monday, 20 June

13:30 - 15:00
Rooms: Hotel Real Intercontinental 2 and 3




Session 3: What can spiders teach us about regenerative agriculture?

Spiders are abundant predators in agricultural ecosystems – they can both help and hinder our work. But what can they teach us about regenerative agriculture?

Regenerative agriculture can be a powerful tool in reducing in-field GHG emissions, cutting the environmental impact of crop protection, and empower smallholder farmers worldwide. This session explores the topic of regenerative agriculture and why it is a vital component of sustainability.

Key stakeholders from Solidaridad, SAN, Triptolemos, IICA, and Bayer will discuss projects and initiatives they are conducting in the private sector and we’ll reveal just what spiders are teaching us about this topic.

MODERATOR:

  • Beatriz ArrietaRegional Manager Food Value Chain, Bayer, Colombia
PANELISTS:
  • Yvonne Colomer, Executive Director, Fundación Triptolemos, Spain
  • Oliver Bach, Innovation & Knowledge Manager, Sustainable Agricultural Network, Costa Rica
  • Lloyd Day, Sub-General Director, IICA, Costa Rica
  • Flavio Linares, Technical Head Manager CA&C, Fundación Solidaridad, Central América, México & Caribbean Region

Monday, 20 June

15:00 - 15:30
Room: Hotel Real Intercontinental Terrace near Real 2 & 3


COFFEE BREAK

Monday, 20 June

15:30 - 17:00
Room: Hotel Real Intercontinental 2 and 3

Session 4: The future of agri-food education

Agribusiness education is a commitment to the future of the planet. The skills required of agri-food professionals are rapidly changing as we enter a new era that is growing increasingly technological and, must also become eminently sustainable. Graduates must be equipped to recognize the possibilities and take full advantage of opportunities found in global markets. Educational systems in Agribusiness must be ready to face this reality. Are our agribusiness education systems ready to take the plunge?

MODERATOR:

  • Tanya Müller García, President, Zamorano University, Honduras

PANELISTS:

  • Larry Robertson, Founder and President, Lighthouse Consulting, USA
  • Jorge Raul Rivera, Professor, Coffee Science & Technology, Zamorano University, Honduras
  • Tony Salas, CEO and Founder of Shared-X

Monday, 20 June

17:00 - 19:00
Room: Hotel Real Intercontinental 2 and 3, and Robles (parallel sessions)

Session 5: Student Case Competition Finals Showcase II

2022 marks the 16th year for the IFAMA Global Student Case Competition. Twenty teams of students and early career professionals from around the world have traveled to Costa Rica to compete in the only global case competition specifically geared for the agribusiness sector. The top advancing teams will demonstrate analytical and problem solving skills before a panel of judges. All conference attendees are invited and encouraged to attend this capstone  round of the competition.

Team Level: Graduate and Undergraduate 

MODERATORS:

  • Juan José Bolaños & Esteban R. Brenes, IFAMA Conference Co-Chairs

Monday, 20 June

19:00 - 19:30
Room: Hotel Real Intercontinental 2 and 3

Founder, CEO and Owner and CEO and propagandist featured in 2022 Student Case Competition 

Monday, 20 June

19:30
Hotel Real Intercontinental Salón Arboleda

WELCOME COCKTAIL

Sponsored by the AJE Group

CONFERENCE DAY 4   |   FORUM DAY 2   |   TUESDAY, 21 JUNE

TIME

SESSION

SPEAKERS

Tuesday, 21 June

08:30 - 10:00

Room: Hotel Real Intercontinental 2 and 3

Session 1: Nature-positive food systems

Accelerating the transition to food systems that are net-zero and nature-positive, and increase farmers' resilience requires three fundamental elements to achieve a successful transition: First is to support and include food systems and farmers as part of solutions to address climate change and nature loss. Second, to accelerate and facilitate collective action through multi-stakeholder partnerships that work with farmers to drive action and deliver on net-zero, nature-positive targets. And, third to activate a change of scale to reach consumers and most producers to move to sustainable agriculture and to support the environment.

MODERATOR:

  • Arturo Condo, President, EARTH University, Costa Rica

PANELISTS:

  • Javier Artiñano, Director of the EARTH Futures program at EARTH University, Costa Rica
  • Oliver Vasquez, General Manager, MARS, Ecuador
  • Kai Robertson, Senior Corporate Sustainability Advisor & Food Loss and Waste Protocol, World Resources Institute, Washington D.C., USA
  • Pedro Beirute, General Manager Procomer, Costa Rica

Tuesday, 21 June

10:00 - 10:30
Room: Hotel Real Intercontinental Terrace near Real 2 & 3

COFFEE BREAK

Tuesday, 21 June

10:30 - 12:00

Room: Hotel Real Intercontinental 2 and 3

Session 2: From science to business: Collaborative science in action

Numerous studies highlight the need to increase food production while simultaneously reducing its environmental impact. Science-based solutions are key to developing new technologies that will achieve more sustainable agriculture. Since the late 90s, FONTAGRO has promoted multi-stakeholders teams that are discovering new knowledge, innovations and solutions. More recently, collaborations among the private sector, scientists and entrepreneurs are  spawning new business. This panel shares cases from FONTAGRO and other successful case studies.

MODERATOR:

  • Nevio Bonilla, Executive Director, INTA, Costa Rica and Fontagro Board Member, Washington DC, USA

PANELISTS:

  • Edward Perello, New Sustainable Agri Ventures & Innovation Partnerships; Associate Director DSV, United Kingdom
  • Elizabeth Arroyave, Founder of StockSafe Costa Rica, Costa Rica
  • Claudia Ewquivel Villalobos, Manager Visa La-Grupo VISA, Guatemala
  • Francisco Buchara, Co-founder & Managing Partner SF500 Life, Argentina

Tuesday, 21 June

12:00 - 13:00

Room: Hotel Real Intercontinental Salón Arboleda


LUNCH — Keynote Speech

The use of technology and innovation of GLOBALG.A.P 

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:

  • Kristian Moeller, CEO, GlobalG.A.P., Germany

Tuesday, 21 June

12:00 - 13:30
Room: Hotel Real Intercontinental CEDRO III

CINDE Lounge Private Event

by invitation only

Tuesday, 21 June

13:30 - 15:00

Room: Hotel Real Intercontinental 2 and 3

Session 3: Circular economy: A new model to support social development

In a circular economy, the value of resources is maximized through sustainable design, repair, reuse, renewable resources, composting and recycling. Ideally, nothing is wasted, and the products of one industry form the resources for another, thus replacing the extraction of new resources.

A successful transition to a fully circular economy requires a significant change in the way companies work as well as consumer thinking. Instead of defining success solely by last quarter's earnings, companies will need to make decisions based on the environmental and social impact of their actions.

MODERATOR:

  • Irene Alvarado, Full Professor, EARTH University, Costa Rica
PANELISTS:
  • Alberto HoyosCEO, NUTRESA Cookies Division & International Vice President, Colombia & Latin America
  • Michael Ben-Eli, Founder and President of The Sustainability Laboratory, USA/Project Wadi Attir, Israel
  • Gonzalo Chaves, CEO Dos Pinos Cooperative, Central América and Caribbean, Costa Rica
  • Adim De, Scientific Leader, Biomaterials Innovation, CINDE, Costa Rica

Tuesday, 21 June

15:00 - 15:30

Hotel Real Intercontinental Terrace near Real 2 & 3

COFFEE BREAK

Tuesday, 21 June

15:30 - 17:00

Room: Hotel Real Intercontinental 2 and 3

Session 4: From pains to solutions: How to address innovation in an ESC world

The world is going through a huge process of change after several events that happened in the last 5 to 10 years. Just-in-time policies are under challenge, building capacity, inventories and secure supply chains are back again in the headlines. In this new scenario of 3V’s “violent variation of the variables” innovation is crucial to adapt and to create margins. This panel will show cases of companies that are very innovative in their markets and fully driven by environmental, social and governance activities towards a ESG behavior.

MODERATOR:

  • Marco Fava Neves, Professor at FGV and USP (Brazil) and Director of Markestrat Organization

PANELISTS:

  • Marlon Masis Campos, CEO, Mesofoods, Colombia
  • Alvaro Villalobos, Chairman of the Board Dos Pinos Cooperative, Central America and the Caribbean
  • Alessandra Fajardo, Food Chain Partnerships Director - Strategy & Sustainability, Bayer, Brazil

Tuesday, 21 June

17:00 - 18:30

Room: Hotel Real Intercontinental 1 or Terrace

IFAMA Young Board Networking Session

Tuesday, 21 June
19:00

Restaurant Los Faroles, Costa Rica Country Club, Escazú

IFAMA Board of Directors and Young Board Dinner (By invitation only)

CONFERENCE DAY 5   |   FORUM DAY 3   |   WEDNESDAY, 22 JUNE

TIME

SESSION

SPEAKERS

Wednesday, 22 June

08:30 - 10:00
Room: Hotel Real Intercontinental Robles II

FELLOWS BOARD MEETING / BREAKFAST

Wednesday, 22 June

08:30 - 10:00
Room: Hotel Real Intercontinental 2 and 3

Session 1: Digital transformation in the agri-food system

In a world where new innovations appear on a weekly basis; how do we capture the insight, understand the impact, and leverage the immense opportunity presented when different innovations collide?

In this interactive session, we showcase a series of emerging innovation accelerators and apply a simplified foresight impact framework to understand how emerging entrepreneurial tools and techniques could help us to achieve meaningful progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

MODERATOR PART 1:

  • Edeoba Edobor, IFAMA Young Board President, Purdue University, USA
PANELIST PART 1:
  • Nele Hermann Valente, NextGen Agricultural Leaders at Bayer CropScience Global, Germany

MODERATORS PART 2:

  • Verena Otter, IFAMA Young Board, Wageningen University, Netherlands
  • Melissa Van der Merwe, IFAMA Young Board, Stellenbosch University, South Africa

PANELIST PART 2:
  • Jack Keeys, Lead coordinator of KPMG's Global Agri-Food Network,  IFAMA Young Board, New Zealand

Wednesday, 22 June

10:00 - 10:30
Room: Hotel Real Intercontinental Terrace near Real 2 & 3

COFFEE BREAK

Wednesday, 22 June

10:30 - 12:00
Room: Hotel Real Intercontinental 2 and 3

Session 2: Agribusiness strategy: Pursuing sustainable growth after the pandemic

During the 2020-2022 period the coronavirus pandemic, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, shaped the world economy. These events enhanced social unrest and political risk, disrupted global value chains, and caused supply bottlenecks and extreme price volatility. Meanwhile, pressures for business to improve sustainable practices have intensified. Agribusiness, responsible for a high share of deforestation in the developing world, as well as water resource depletion and CO2 emissions, is becoming a common target of criticism. How can agribusinesses adapt to this context? Can sustainability, resilience and efficiency co-exist?

MODERATOR:

  • Luciano Ciravegna, Associate Professor, INCAE Business School, Costa Rica and UK

PANELISTS:

  • Augusto Bauer, CEO, AJE Group, Peru
  • Pablo E. Vargas, Executive Chairman, Grupo Britt, Latin America
  • José Guillermo López, General Manager of Aseguradora Rural S.A.

  • Adrián Alonso, Vice President of Operations, Auto Mercado, Costa Rica

Wednesday, 22 June

12:00 - 13:30
Hotel Real Intercontinental 2 and 3

LUNCH — Keynote Speaker

Sponsored by Cargill

Supply Chain Disruptions

Join us in a conversation about the prolonged challenges the world is facing with the Supply Chain disruptions with one of Cargill’s Operational Director in Latam.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:

  • Luis Rivera, Supply Chain Leader and Operations, Cargill Proteína, Latin-American

Wednesday, 22 June

13:30
Shuttles

TRANSPORTATION TO INCAE BUSINESS SCHOOL

Wednesday, 22 June

14:30 - 15:00
INCAE Business School

COFFEE BREAK

Sponsored by Café Britt

Wednesday, 22 June

15:00 - 16:30
INCAE Business School, Room Manuel Jimenez and Room Lorenzo Giordano

Session 3: Case Study Showcase: Cacao Oro

This case recreates the decision that Cacao Oro was facing in 2018 about choosing an appropriate business strategy to become one of the largest cocoa producers in the world. Giif Laube, the Operations Manager, had identified three different options. First, to specialize in “conventional” cocoa, with moderate prices and high-volume transactions. Second, to specialize in "fine" cocoa, with lower-volume/higher-price and barriers to entry. Finally, to enter the market under a "hybrid" strategy, combining both approaches.

The case allows conducting analysis of the global cocoa industry, the productive conditions in Nicaragua (the host country), and the capabilities of Cacao Oro to make a more informed strategy selection.

MODERATOR:

  • Brent Ross, Professor, Michigan State University, USA
PANELISTS:
  • Octavio Martinez, Professor, INCAE Business School, and Director of the Latin American Center for Competitiveness and Sustainable Development (CLACDS), Costa Rica
  • John Warrington, CEO, Cacao Oro de Nicaragua

Wednesday, 22 June

16:30 - 18:00
INCAE Business School, Room Manuel Jimenez and Room Lorenzo Giordano 

Session 4: Agribusiness 4.0

Society is currently experiencing profound technological changes. So profound are these changes that the founder of the Global Economic Forum declared it the fourth industrial revolution. Some of these better-known technologies include the Internet of Things (IoT), commercial platforms such as Uber, Airbnb; and cyber-physical systems such as cloud computing. These technological advancements are reshaping agricultural production and the entire agri-food chain.

While Precision Agriculture was first introduced in the 1980s, it continues to grow more sophisticated as sensors optimize the efficiency of many inputs—especially water and soil. At the same time, these sensors are generating enormous amounts of information, which makes it necessary to master data mining.  Blockchain technology is also offering new ways to manage traceability throughout the entire food supply chain. All this change is occurring while the world and agriculture faces historic climate change challenges and global population growth.

This panel will discuss the most important technological advancements occurring in agriculture and how these technologies will transform the ag-sector and its implications for producing more food with diminishing resources. Members of this panel are leaders in technological change in the ag industry and will share their experiences and their vision for the future.

MODERATOR:

  • Dean Bernard Kilian, Dean, INCAE Business School, Costa Rica
PANELISTS:
  • Gustavo Fabian Grobocopatel, President & Founder, Grupo Los Grobo, Argentina
  • Billy Martín Pineda Flores, Disagro, Guatemala

  • Francisco Carrete, Precision Ag Specialist, John Deere Corp, Mexico & USA, Matra John Deere Dealer, Costa Rica

  • Anderson Franca, Head Latam, Cropin Technology Solutions Pvt Ltd, Brazil

Wednesday, 22 June

18:00 - 21:00
INCAE Business School, Foro Luis Poma

Presidential Banquet

The Presidential Banquet is a gala affair that includes the presentation of several awards including the winners of the 2022 Student Case Competition, the Best Paper, Best Case Study, Fellows Award, Rising Star Award, Distinguished Service Awards and more.





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