DAY 1 - America/Los_Angeles (UTC-08:00)
For those who did not collect their badge yesterday please come to the registration desk to register to the event.
- Patrick Brown - Scientific Committee Co-Chair - Distinguished Professor & Vice Chairman for the Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis
- Karen Ross - Secretary, CDFA at State of California
- Mark Tester - Professor and Chair, Center of Excellence for Sustainable Food Security, KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology)
This theme explores the role of plant biostimulants in enhancing cropping system resilience and optimizing yield. It focuses on identifying yield gaps, understanding where yield is being lost, and how biostimulants can address these challenges. The session will highlight critical thinking and evidence-based approaches to improving crop performance under varying environmental and management conditions.
- Patrick du Jardin - Scientific Committee Co-Chair - Professor and Head of the Plant Biology Laboratory at Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech - University of Liège (Belgium), Agro-Bio Tech - University of Liège
- Patricio Grassini - PhD Sunkist Endowed Professor in Agronomy , Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Manel Cervera - Managing Partner, Dunham Trimmer
- Tim Nuss - CFO, Nuss Farms
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- Patrick du Jardin - Scientific Committee Co-Chair - Professor and Head of the Plant Biology Laboratory at Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech - University of Liège (Belgium), Agro-Bio Tech - University of Liège
With many biostimulants on the market, how do we innovate to ensure a unique difference?
Case study example of innovation in action
What 3 factors do we need to consider when innovating ?
How did we demonstrate this with our new technology ?
- Francisco Manzano - Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer, CH Biotech R&D Co Ltd
- Biostimulants – what challenges do investors face?
- Investor feedback – what do we need to see in order to make a technology a viable investment? Learning from recent investments in the biological space
- C-level insight - when do we decide to seek external investment , if at all?
- C-level insight - how do we use our investment capital ie R&D
- Securing investment - successful steps you must take
This theme focuses on microbial biostimulants and biofertilizers, particularly in the context of regulatory challenges and the need to define boundaries around microbial products. It highlights the role of microbes in enhancing plant growth, nutrient uptake, and stress resilience. Discussions will address the latest research, regulatory frameworks, and the potential of microbial consortia to revolutionize sustainable agriculture
- Marta Vasconcelos - Scientific Committee Member - Deputy Director of the Center for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry, Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP)
- Mariangela Hungria - Researcher, Embrapa
Join us for an unforgettable evening
Join an exclusive evening of networking and entertainment. Immerse yourself in the captivating atmosphere while enjoying premium drinks, delicious canapés, and engaging conversations with fellow attendees.
After two hours of memorable experiences at an exclusive location in Sacramento, you'll have the perfect opportunity to continue the festivities at the vibrant restaurants and bars just steps away in the surrounding area.
Don't miss this unique blend of culture, cuisine, and connection – we can't wait to see you there!

