Technology
Fresh Field Catalyst
an IFPA Technology Accelerator
Thank You to Our Partners
Fresh Field Catalyst Program Cohort Selected
Feed the Future with Reusable Packaging Solutions
Thank you to all who showed interest in leading the way toward sustainable packaging solutions for the global fresh produce industry. The selection process is now complete, and our newest cohort is ready to help feed the future with reusable packaging innovation. Scroll down to meet the cohort.
This groundbreaking initiative is brought to you by the Foundation for Fresh Produce (FFP), International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), Clemson University, Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), and the USDA.
Who Should Apply?
We’re calling on any startups, established companies, and inventors to revolutionize packaging for fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables.
We’re seeking innovative thinkers with packaging solutions that replace single-use packaging, including single-use plastics, economically and sustainably.
Why Participate?
1. NEW! Exclusive Funding Opportunities
New this year, gain access to non-dilutive funding, with awards ranging from $50,000 to $250,000, provided through the Sustainable Packaging Innovation Lab under the Assisting Specialty Crop Exports program (ASCE-SPIL). This funding accelerates innovations that comply with evolving regulations and boost U.S. specialty crop exports.
2. Industry Expertise & Collaboration
Engage directly with C-level executives, researchers, and packaging leaders to gain actionable insights and scale your solutions effectively.
3. Market Readiness
Ensure your innovation complies with packaging regulations in key markets, including the EU, UK, Canada, and Japan.
4. Strategic Tools & Insights
Access life cycle assessments, regulatory guidance, and consumer behavior analytics to refine your packaging solutions for maximum impact.
5. Unparalleled Networking
Collaborate with researchers, exporters, and industry leaders to take your innovations to the global stage.
What Solutions Are We Looking for?
- Increasing post-consumer recycled (PCR) content in primary food packaging
- Increasing reusability in transport and group packaging including traceability
- Compostable (home and/or industrially) packaging
- Finding new formats to replace banned materials such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) coatings
- Alternatives to shrink-wrapped individual containers, and containers for produce under 1.5 kg
- Developing sticky labels for fresh fruit and vegetables that are both home and industrially compostable
- Laser etching
- Edible coatings
- Compostable pads for absorbing moisture in clamshells or lidded trays
- Compostable or reusable inserts or satchels for sequestering ethylene or carbon dioxide
- Food-safe antimicrobial coatings for reusable packaging
Program Highlights
- Immersion Week in California
Experience hands-on industry exposure, corporate visits, and valuable field insights. - Webinars
Join virtual sessions led by industry experts on public and private funding, trade information, success stories, and more. - One-on-One Mentorship
Work closely with industry veterans and IFPA members to refine your ideas. - Demo Day
Present your innovation to key stakeholders in the fresh produce sector. - Global Produce & Floral Show
Exhibit your solutions at this premier event in Anaheim, CA, on October 16–18, 2025, and connect with global leaders.
For more information, contact Vonnie Estes.
Program Timeline:
December 11, 2024: Applications Open
February 12, 2025: Applications Close
February 13 - April 14, 2025: Selection Process
May 4-9, 2025: Immersion week in California
August 2025: Demo Day
May-October 2025: 1:1 mentorship
May-October 2025: Webinars
Oct. 16-18, 2025 in Anaheim, CA: Global Produce & Floral Show
Meet the 2025 Participants
Akorn Technology, Inc
Sezin Yigit
CTO
Berkeley, California
Sezin Yigit is CTO at Akorn Technologies, where she drives R&D and innovation to reduce food waste and extend product life across the supply chain. A co-founder of Mori, she’s led product development, fundraising, and regulatory efforts in sustainable packaging. Sezin also hosts FoodHack Boston, building community around food tech and climate solutions. She holds a PhD from Tufts and completed postdoctoral work at Yale. Based near Boston, she enjoys cooking and adventuring with her husband and two kids.
SAVRpak
Grant Stafford, CEO
San Juan Capistrano, California
Grant Stafford is the CEO and co-founder of SAVRpak, with 17 years of experience bringing innovative products to market across startups and mid-size companies. His career centers on solving complex problems and leading talented teams. At Fisher & Paykel, he developed indoor and outdoor appliances for the DCS brand. He also co-created the original robotic chef with Miso Robotics. Grant has led operational pilots with major clients including Levy, Kitchen United, Yum Brands, and Walmart.
Corumat, Inc
Mike Waggoner, CEO and Co-Founder
Yakima, Washington
Mike Waggoner is an engineer-turned-entrepreneur on a mission to make all packaging 100% plant-based, compostable, and recyclable with food waste. He holds a master’s in mechanical engineering from the University of Washington and has secured over $5M in funding from USDA, EPA, and NSF. With $750K+ in pilot sales, his work is gaining traction in sustainable packaging. A former ski mountaineer and bike racer, he’s also a proud dad to two young daughters.
Kwik Lok
Ryan Towry, VP of Engineering & Innovation
Yakima, Washington
Ryan Towry is Kwik Lok’s VP of Engineering and Innovation with 17 years of experience. He previously served as Director of Engineering at Yakima Chief Hops, leading complex capital projects. Ryan has worked across the food, beverage, and power industries, honing skills in project management, leadership, and continuous improvement. He holds engineering degrees from Washington State University and Spokane Falls Community College.
Nat4Bio
Joaquin Fisch, CEO & Co-Founder
San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
Joaquín Fisch is co-founder and CEO of Nat4Bio, an Argentina-based startup developing bio-based coatings to reduce post-harvest produce loss. With a background in industrial engineering and experience in biotech commercialization, he leads efforts to scale science-backed solutions. Under his leadership, Nat4Bio has patented novel formulations, launched pilots with global agribusinesses, and gained recognition from the Inter-American Development Bank. Joaquín is passionate about translating deep science into practical, customer-focused innovations for a more sustainable food system.
NNZ Inc
Steve Greenfield, Director of Sales & Marketing
Lawrenceville, Georgia
Steve Greenfield, Director of Sales & Marketing at NNZ Inc., brings 26 years of experience in produce packaging. He leads the commercialization of sustainable solutions, including recyclable and compostable options, and builds global supply chain partnerships. With a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Alabama, Steve bridges materials and machinery to deliver practical, scalable packaging. He spearheaded the Q-Bic project in the U.S. and, with FFAR Grant support, continues driving industry-wide adoption of innovative, sustainable packaging technologies.
PakItGreen, Inc
Jerold Zwas, CEO
East Lansing, Michigan
Jerold Zwas is an experienced advisor, investor, and entrepreneur with a decade of work supporting early-stage tech companies. He was interim CFO for a startup acquired by BAE Systems after 800% growth, and co-founded Advanced Battery Concepts, raising over $2M in equity and securing grants and loans. His focus is now on cleantech, with past experience in automotive, real estate, medical, and telecom sectors. Jerold holds a B.A. and M.B.A. from the University of Michigan and began his career in investment banking.
PeelON
Taraka Ramji Moturu, CEO and Co-Founder
Austin, Texas
Dr. Taraka Ramji Moturu is the Co-Founder and CEO of PeelON Inc., a sustainable packaging company developing biodegradable, shelf-life-extending film for fresh produce. With a Ph.D. in Plant Biology and over 10 years of experience in plant sciences, he has led global R&D projects in food preservation and biopolymer innovation. Taraka is passionate about climate-smart packaging and actively mentors in international STEM networks, combining science and entrepreneurship to drive sustainable impact.
Sway
Matt Mayes, COO and Co-Founder
Berkeley, California
Matthew Mayes is the Co-founder and COO of Sway, leading operations and strategic partnerships to bring seaweed-based, home-compostable packaging to market. With over a decade of experience in scaling climate-positive technologies, Matthew focuses on sustainable materials and supply chains. Raised in a California farming community, he values land stewardship and agricultural resilience. He holds degrees in Political Economy and Development Practice from UC Berkeley and is committed to advancing climate solutions that balance business and nature.
2024 Cohort Alumni
Susterre - Ontario, Canada
L5 Automation, Inc. - La Canada Flintridge, CA
Farm-ng - Watsonville, CA
Mirai Solar - San Francisco, CA
innov8.ag - Walla Walla, WA
Responsive Drip Irrigation, LLC - Bradenton, FL, USA and Abu Dhabi, UAE
Neolithics LTD - Tel Aviv, Israel
Helios Artificial Intelligence, Inc. - Tysons, VA
ClearLeaf - Wilmington, DE
Agragene Inc. - St. Louis, MO
Root Applied Sciences - Oakland, CA
Sufresca - Ness Ziona, Israel
2024 Fresh Field Catalyst Mentors
Pete Donlon, Vice President, Missionero
Matt Hoffman, Plant Health Technology Lead, Driscoll's
Curtis Garner, Founder, CCO, Verdant Robotics
Eric Morgan, VP Environmetal Science & Resource, Braga Fresh
Garland Perkins, Director of Innovation and Sustainability, OPPY
Bryant Woolsey, Senior Director, Walmart Sourcing, WalMart
Marty Craner, CEO/Founder, B&C Sales
Steve Brazeel, Founder/CEO, SunTerra
Mareese Keane, Co-founder, Opengate Partners
Kristen Smith Eshaya, President, JV Smith Companies
Erika Descoust, Wonderful Sales, Regional Sales Manager, NorCal
Dr. Duncan T. Aust, Chief Technology Officer of AgroFresh
2023 Cohort Alumni
Agrology - Alexandria, VA
Arable – San Francisco, CA
Avo Solutions - Chile
Bloomfield – Pittsburgh, PA
BloomX – Israel
FireFly-One – Texas
Four Growers – Pittsburgh, PA
Fyteko - Belgium
Gardin – United Kingdom
Intelligent Growth Solutions –Scotland
Moleaer – California
Spornado – Toronto, Ontario
2023 Fresh Field Catalyst Mentors
Matt Lingard, VP R&D, Bright Farms
Garland Perkins, Sr Manager Innovation and Sustainability, Oppy
Dorn Wenninger, VP of Produce, UNFI
Jim DiMenna, President, Red Sun Farms
Leonard Batti, VP, Taylor Farms
Raina Nelson, CEO, Westfalia Fruit
Eric Morgan, VP of Environmental Science & Resources, Braga Fresh
Miles Kohl, Chairman of Northwest Hort Association
Dan Kurdys, Director of Horticulture and Seed Growth, Bayer
Dwight Ferguson, CEO, California Agricultural Leadership
Nikki Cossio, CEO, Measure to Improve
Joe Barsi, President, Cal Giant
2022 Cohort Alumni
Provision - Calgary, Canada
Routeique Inc – Calgary, Canada
Nexus Robotics - Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Canada
Ten Carbon Chemistry Pty Ltd – Melbourne, Australia
Morphix Technologies – Virginia Beach, United States
Netled – Prikkala, Finland
Clarifruit – Rishon Le’zion, Israel
DiMuto - Singapore
The Yield Technology Solutions Pty Ltd – Sydney, Australia
Vitiport – Bratislava, Slovakia
SoundAg – Emeryville, United States
CarbonSpaceTech – Dublin, Ireland
2022 Fresh Field Catalyst Mentors
Gary Wishnatzki, CEO, Wish Farms
Judy Clark, CEO, Fresh From Texas, LLC
Jennifer Petersen, EVP / Chief Science Officer, Sun World International
Andy Hamilton, CEO, Markon
Jan DeLyser, Vice President Marketing at California Avocado Commission
Scott Komar, Senior Vice President of Global R&D, Driscoll’s
Ted Taylor, Head of New Ventures & Business Development at Taylor Farms
Curtis Garner, COO, Co-Founder Verdant Robotics
Max Teplitski, CSO, IFPA
Dorn Wenninger, Sr VP Produce UNFI
Dave Vosburg, Chief Innovation Officer, Local Bounti
Frequently Asked Questions
The Fresh Field Catalyst Technology Accelerator is a unique opportunity for scale-ups and innovative sustainable packaging companies wanting to learn about the produce industry and how to enter this market. The program includes:
- One week immersion program on the U.S. West Coast (field visits, corporate visits)
- Bi-weekly virtual meet-ups with industry experts (growers, shippers, IFPA staff) on topics relating to industry statistics, tech success and failure stories, challenges and access to funding
- Access to IFPA proprietary data and analytics
- Support to translate technology to agriculture or U.S. market
- 1-1 mentoring from IFPA members
- Shared exhibit space with other members of the technology accerlator cohort and introductions to industry leaders at the Global Produce and Floral Show, Anaheim, California, October 16-18, 2025.
The Fresh Fields Catalyst Accelerator is a unique opportunity to connect and engage with relevant members of the fresh produce industry and learn directly from them how technology solutions can work best.
- You can apply to the program by filling in the application form which closes on 3/20/23. Once received, your application will be reviewed by our team and a selection committee.
- Shortlisted companies will attend a video conference meeting to discuss their goals and objectives of participation in the program.
- 10-12 companies will be selected and notified 4/3/23 - 4/10/23 and will be expected to attend the immersion week program in California 5/7/23 -5/12/23.
- You are committing to a senior team member from your company traveling to the U.S. West Coast for a one-week immersion program, on the week of May 4-9, 2025.
- You are committing to a senior team member participating in video conference meetings twice per month for the duration of the six-month program.
- You are committing to a senior team member participating at the Global Fresh Produce Show in Anaheim, CA on October 16-18, 2025.
- No fees are required for any of these events but travel costs and associated expenses are the responsibility of the participating company via their grant funding.
Funding will be provided for awards of between $50,000 and $250,000 each. The performance period for awards will be 12 months. In addition to funding, awardees will gain access to collaboration and networking opportunities, fresh produce industry and consumer insights, LCA analyses and legal reviews of emergent packaging regulations.
No. If you are selected to participate in the Fresh Fields Catalyst Accelerator, you must be in a position to fund your own travel and accommodation for the key events you will be required to attend.
IFPA will assist by arranging blocks of hotel rooms to be available for participants in the program, but participants are expected to cover their own room and board.
Applications from international entities are invited as long as there is a clearly described collaboration with US-based researchers, packaging companies or exporters of specialty crops.
Please do not submit any business plans, trade secrets, or “secret sauce.” Your application must include only non-confidential information. All information disclosed to us in your application will be considered non-confidential public information. FFP and IFPA will only treat information as confidential if the information is covered by a formal, written confidentiality agreement signed by all entities prior to disclosure.
Questions?
Vonnie Estes
VP, Technology
International Fresh Produce Association
Industry sponsorship opportunities
Peter S. Wilder
Sales and Engagement Manager
International Fresh Produce Association