St. Louis, MO – February 3, 2025 – Visionaries in agriculture are gathering in St. Louis to showcase their cutting-edge innovation for the future of farming and our food supply at the second annual ReACH Innovation Summit, organized by BioSTL. The annual event is part of BioSTL’s mission to elevate St. Louis’ global leadership in solving important challenges in agriculture and human health.
The Summit is a core initiative of ReACH (Regenerative Agrifood Coalition in the Heartland), a collaboration of regional food and agriculture corporations, farmers, national commodity organizations, research institutions and farm bureau’s representing the entire ag value chain, convened by BioSTL. These groups are leveraging global innovation and collaborating to build a more sustainable agrifood system by tackling critical challenges like feeding a growing global population with diminishing arable land, water and labor.
Current Coalition members include AB InBev, ADM, Bayer, Bunge, Burger King, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Growmark, ICL, Illinois Farm Bureau, Missouri Farm Bureau, National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), Nestlé Purina, Post, Taylor Geospatial Institute, the United Soybean Board (USB), Gates Ag One, Washington University, and 39 North.
St. Louis is a powerhouse of agrifood innovation and business,” said Donn Rubin, CEO of BioSTL. “With our deep concentration of talent, farmer organizations, research institutions, and industry leaders, there is no better place in the country to develop meaningful, collaborative change in regenerative agriculture. The ReACH Summit is a testament to our commitment to innovation that will drive sustainability and economic growth.
Following the success of the inaugural summit in 2024, which featured 13 startups from across the globe pitching their innovations to ReACH members, this year's summit aims to further solidify St. Louis as a hub for agricultural innovation. The 2024 event addressed critical challenges such as end-to-end measurement, monitoring, reporting, and verification (MMRV), increased nutrient efficiency, improving soil health, and biocontrol pesticides.
Farmer Insights: Sessions where farmers share real-world experiences and challenges with adopting regenerative farming practices in the face of a challenging farming economy.
Region’s global corporations sharing the state of play of Regenerative Agriculture and the innovations needed to meet global challenges of feeding the world more sustainably
Innovator Pitches: Presentations from startups offering bold solutions in regenerative agriculture.
The ReACH Summit takes place at the Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis, MO, USA.
Tuesday, February 4th, 4:00-6:00pm —Opening Reception
Wednesday, February 5th, 8:00am - 3:30pm —Pitch Presentations & Panel Discussions
Media availability upon request
How does the ReACH Coalition define Regenerative Agriculture?
The ReACH Coalition defines regenerative ag as “producing more with less” while supporting farmers’ transition to a farming and land management approach that restores soil health, improves water eficiency and quality, and enhances ecosystem resilience. The ReACH coalition sees global innovation and collaboration as critical to building a regenerative ag system. This approach aligns with BioSTL’s commitment to advancing bioscience innovations that support a healthier, more resilient future for both agriculture and the environment.
About BioSTL
BioSTL is a nonprofit organization driving bioscience innovation and economic growth in St. Louis. Since 2001, BioSTL has built a dynamic ecosystem that fosters the launch, growth, and attraction of startups, talent, and investment in the region. Through its investment arm, BioGenerator Ventures, and strategic initiatives in innovation, talent development, and global partnerships, BioSTL is strengthening St. Louis’ position as a leader in healthcare, agriculture, and industrial bioscience. By supporting entrepreneurs, advancing cutting- edge technologies, and championing inclusive economic growth, BioSTL is transforming scientific breakthroughs into real-world impact. Learn more at www.biostl.org.
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