Breaking into agtech when you're not from a farm and "don't look the part"

12/16/20 • 34 min

How do you get a career in agriculture or agtech, when you’re not from a farming background? In this episode, we meet four women who’ve become agtech leaders, despite not having grown up on a farm. At the intersection of two largely white and male dominated industries (agriculture and tech), they have succeeded despite, as they say, ‘not looking the part’. You’ll hear how they first got their foot in the door (from scoring discounted tickets to conferences, to setting up their own networking events, to making elevator pitches to gain on-farm experience), and what challenges they’ve had to overcome to thrive. This episode is for employers looking for talent, as well as anyone looking to get into agtech and agriculture who isn’t sure where to start!On the podcast:

Rayali Banerjee - Communications Manager, Syngenta Australia and New Zealand
Cass Mao - Program Manager, Farmers2Founders and Venture Partner, Tenacious Ventures
Samantha Wan - Wool Business Specialist, Elders
Amy Wu - Writer and Creator, From Farms to Incubators

This is episode has been brought to you by the AgThentic Group in collaboration with Future Farmers Network.
For links from the episode and to find agtech job listings, visit our website.

Rayali Banerjee - Communications Manager, Syngenta Australia and New Zealand
Cass Mao - Program Manager, Farmers2Founders and Venture Partner, Tenacious Ventures
Samantha Wan - Wool Business Specialist, Elders
Amy Wu - Writer and Creator, From Farms to Incubators

This is episode has been brought to you by the AgThentic Group in collaboration with Future Farmers Network.
For links from the episode and to find agtech job listings, visit our website.

Previous Episode

Scaling up Soil Carbon Markets - feat. guests from Cargill, Nori and more!

The race is on globally to scale carbon markets, where farmers can sell the carbon they sequester in their soil to buyers who want to offset emissions. But right now, the space is often confusing for buyers, sellers, and the intermediaries working between them. And further, both public and private market schemes have been criticized for inefficiencies and high costs to participate.
But the game is changing as new technologies and business models seek to lower barriers to entry and improve transparency, and the demand side continues to explore, driven by consumer and regulatory pressures. But with all this activity, what will it take to scale up and deliver worthwhile returns for farmers?In this panel discussion, you’ll hear a variety of perspectives - from those developing new technologies and carbon market methodologies, to organizations helping farmers operate within existing emissions trading schemes.
Today's guests:

Aldyen Donnelly - Co-Founder and Director of Carbon Economics, Nori.
Sam Duncan - Founder, FarmLab
Matt Schmitt, Senior Director of Commercial Carbon, Cargill
Dave Moore - Chief Operating Officer, Green Collar

This episode is an edited version of a live AusAgritech event, organized by the AgThentic Group, Sprout X and Platfarm.
Check out our insights and more on our website.

Next Episode

What it's REALLY like to work in an agtech startup

If you’re looking at a career in agtech, chances are you’re going to spend time working with startups. But what’s it like to work IN an agtech startup?
A fast-paced environment, no red tape, significant responsibility, and a big vision may come to mind. But there can be downsides, too, such as long hours and setbacks due to the inevitable trial and error that comes with bringing new innovations to the world.
The agtech industry is increasingly drawing top talent from all different industries and backgrounds. This episode explores why there are opportunities for everyone- from engineers to electricians to artists- to use their skills within high-growth agtech startups that focus on building the food supply chains of the future.
So, whether you’re just starting on your career path or mid-way through, tune in to learn if working in an agtech startup is right for you. Featuring:

Soroush Pour - Head of Engineering at Vow and 15th employee at Plaid (Visa recently tried to acquire Plaid for $5b+)
Alissa Welker - Farmer Acquisition and Engagement at Steward and 60th employee at Farmers Business Network
Kerryn Thomas - Head of Operations at Goterra and former electrical technician in the mining and concrete industries.

For more links and resources from this episode, visit our website.