Ron Sloan

Florida sued over lab meat ban, winter wheat planting is underway, and USDA to allow H5N1 vaccine trials for dairy cows. Farmer confidence is falling, Impossible and Motif end legal dispute, and a new app matches strangers for a meal. Common questions I get from ag stakeholders: What #agtech should I be looking for? Do I need agtech? Where do I go to find the right agtech? What should it cost? It’s difficult to navigate the dynamic agtech landscape. We could use a trusted advisor in agtech. The agtech entrepreneurs that become trusted advisors will unlock enormous value. I’ll explain how in this week’s newsletter. #agtechfriday #agriculture #advisor #trust #startups #innovation #trustedtech #agtwitter #agtechadvisor https://lnkd.in/gBgcGDEy

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I just listened to Beyond Meat's Q1 earnings call and the results were not good, with sales down across all channels. CEO Ethan Brown largely blamed outside forces, like "macroeconomic issues," which is something he has been doing for quite some time. I couldn't help but think of the food company founders I spoke with for my latest column, successfully navigating the very same macroeconomic issues and still selling premium products at premium prices and, importantly, making a profit. John Foraker at Once Upon A Farm and Rashid Ali and Pete Maldonado at Chomps are just some of the entrepreneurs who have figured out that consumers will, even in these inflationary times, spend a little more for something a lot better. And in many ways—with consumers seeking out better-for-you options, retailers looking to offer them, and social media allowing brands to connect directly with their audiences—the wind can actually be in the sails of food companies, not blowing against them. Or as organic kid food maker John Foraker put it, "If the brand does a good job getting going, the opportunity for those businesses to get big is bigger than it’s ever been." Read my column for more:

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With roots in food systems investing, I know how complex and entrenched the issues are when it comes to ensuring communities have fresh, accessible, nutritional, and sustainable food options. The PATH Foundation’s grant work with 4P Foods is an excellent case study for how to drive meaningful change in local food systems. It also underlines that such transformative efforts require radical collaboration, mission alignment across stakeholders, and various forms of capital. This evaluation report from Hudson Varick Resources is a valuable read for anyone in food systems-oriented impact investing, philanthropy, grantmaking, etc!

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Technomic's 2024 report reveals that 70% of consumers still prefer beef, even amidst rising prices and environmental debates. This choice is deeply rooted in cultural values and the high protein content that beef offers. Companies like Omaha Steaks are witnessing a surge in demand for premium, sustainably sourced beef, suggesting a shift towards quality and ethical consumption. Explore why beef remains a popular choice and how consumer preferences are evolving: https://lnkd.in/ehnEQew7 #ConsumerTrends #SustainablySourced #FoodNews

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How can plant-based meat and alternative proteins escape the “fake food” trap? Not by making factual arguments. It's time to unpack the complex web of emotional and cultural factors that drive individual food choices so you can tailor your message accordingly. Brands mentioned in this new episode include Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat I share some of the ideas I've experimented with at Plantega. The Eat For The Planet Podcast is available on all podcast platforms. https://eftp.co/vibes

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