Women Innovators in Food and Farming

The Spoon Podcast Network
  • 5.0 (1)
  • FOOD

Join award-winning journalist Amy Wu on Women Innovators in Food and Farming, a podcast spotlighting inspiring conversations with women entrepreneurs driving change in agri-food tech. From groundbreaking advancements in seed breeding and soil innovation to cutting-edge robotics and automation, Amy explores the stories and insights behind the innovations shaping the future of food and farming. Whether you're a professional in the field, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about these transformative technologies, tune in and be part of this exciting journey.

  1. FEB 3

    Ag Is for People: Rethinking the Future of Farming With Connie Bowen

    In this episode, host Amy Wu welcomes Connie Bowen, the founding general partner at Farmhand Ventures. Connie shares her journey from growing up in New Jersey with family ties to farming in Iowa to her current role in ag tech investment. With a background in engineering and a passion for food, she discusses her early experiences in agriculture, including her work with food computers and her time at the Yield Lab, an ag tech accelerator. Connie emphasizes the importance of integrating human labor with technology to create a more resilient agricultural future. The conversation delves into the challenges facing ag tech today, particularly regarding labor shortages and the need for innovative solutions. Connie highlights her investment strategy at Farmhand Ventures, focusing on early-stage companies that address labor issues in agriculture. She also discusses her collaboration with the University of California Ag and Natural Resources, which aims to develop sustainable solutions for California growers. The episode concludes with insights on the current state of ag tech funding and the importance of diversity in the industry, particularly for women in venture capital.

    45 min

  2. 12/03/2025

    Day to Day at the Department of Agriculture with Christine Birdsong

    Amy sits down with the Department of Agriculture for California to discuss her day-to-day work there, her backstory, and what she loves the most about the job.

    38 min

  3. 11/21/2025

    From Plant Science to Agri-Food VC with Maddie Mitchell

    In this episode of Women Innovators in Food & Farming, Amy Wu sits down with Maddie Mitchell, investment principal at Tenacious Ventures and a plant scientist turned agri-food tech investor. Maddie shares her journey from researching novel biotech crops at Cambridge to backing deep-tech startups shaping the future of sustainable agriculture. She talks about the rise of AI-enabled breeding technologies, robotics adoption on farms, Australia’s unique role as a testbed for climate-resilient ag innovation, and how Tenacious Ventures supports diverse founders pushing the sector forward. It’s a thoughtful, wide-ranging look at the science, strategy, and passion behind building a more sustainable and food-secure future.

    39 min

  4. 10/15/2025

    Lindsey Lusher Shute and Elizabeth Vaughan: Igniting Agtech Among Small Farmers

    Join Amy Wu as she chats with Lindsey Lusher Shute, CEO of Farm Generations, and Elizabeth Vaughan, and Elizabeth Vaughan of Community Alliance with Family Farmers, as they discuss bringing innovation through ag tech to small farmers.

    29 min

  5. 09/29/2025

    Julia Streuli: Spotlighting Natural Alternatives

    Amy talks with Julia Streuli about bringing blue spirulina to the market.

    37 min

  6. 08/14/2025

    Hubba Khatoon Connector and Convener

    Hubba Khatoon connects food innovators at the Canadian Food Innovation Network

    33 min

  7. 07/30/2025

    Farming Sugar Kelp with Gretchen Aro

    A videographer shares her adventures kelp farming on the Pacific Northwest’s Vachon Islands

    36 min

  8. 07/08/2025

    Growing Almonds with Christine Gemperle

    Agtech helps an almond grower in California’s Central Valley.

    40 min
See All (14)

About

Join award-winning journalist Amy Wu on Women Innovators in Food and Farming, a podcast spotlighting inspiring conversations with women entrepreneurs driving change in agri-food tech. From groundbreaking advancements in seed breeding and soil innovation to cutting-edge robotics and automation, Amy explores the stories and insights behind the innovations shaping the future of food and farming. Whether you're a professional in the field, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about these transformative technologies, tune in and be part of this exciting journey.

Information

More From The Spoon Podcast Network