Bringing an innovative idea to life—one with the power to transform an industry—is no small feat. The journey from concept to reality is often filled with challenges and unknowns. The second annual ReACH AgriFood Innovation Summit, hosted by BioSTL, is designed to bridge that gap.
The ReACH Summit (Regen AgriFood Coalition in the Heartland) is a catalyst for change. This dynamic platform brings together farmers, innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry leaders to explore cutting-edge technologies and drive the future of regenerative agriculture. By fostering collaboration across the agrifood value chain, the summit accelerates innovation and advances the vision of a sustainable, resilient, and thriving agricultural system.
Dr. Aaron Waltz, Ph.D., chief technology officer, and his colleague Ron Restum, chief commercial officer, have experienced the power of this collaboration with their participation in last year’s ReACH AgriFood Innovation Summit generating numerous opportunities for them. The second annual Summit will be held February 4 and 5.
“BioSTL has introduced us to the right people and helped us craft a story for our product, Crystal Green, that resonates in the market,” says Ron. “Their feedback has been invaluable, and their proactive approach has amplified our impact. They have been the perfect sounding board.”
Ron and Aaron’s journey exemplifies the spirit of ReACH. Their company, OSTARA, is pioneering solutions for one of agriculture’s most pressing challenges: efficient, sustainable and affordable phosphate fertilization.
Crystal Green, is revolutionary. Born from an engineering solution for wastewater treatment plants, the product emerged as a high-value fertilizer that solves multiple problems facing the global agriculture industry. By recovering phosphate and building scalable manufacturing in St. Louis, the innovative product addresses both environmental and economic challenges.
“We’re bringing the future of phosphate fertilization to farmers,” says Aaron. “Our product allows for better yields at the same cost per acre, all while significantly benefiting the environment. And it’s made in the U.S."
The ReACH Summit brings the right people to the table.
“We’re not looking for growers who wait for change; we’re looking for leaders,” Aaron explains. “The ones at the coffee shop who are trying new technologies, setting examples for their communities.” For Ron and Aaron, connecting with these forward-thinking farmers and industry leaders is critical, and the ReACH Summit provides the perfect venue to do so.
Through the ReACH AgriFood Innovation Summit, Aaron and Ron have connected with growers and industry groups who share their passion for innovation and sustainability. These connections are vital for scaling their operations and bringing their transformative product to market.
For all the international participants, the ReACH Summit is a catalyst for progress. It’s a place where ideas meet action and where the future of regenerative agriculture takes shape. Aaron and Ron will build on their initial relationships and continue to learn and collaborate with a network of like-minded individuals.
“Innovation requires partnership,” Ron emphasizes. “The ReACH Summit is where those partnerships begin. It’s where we find the growers, investors, and industry leaders who believe in what we’re doing and want to be part of the change.”
As the agrifood industry grapples with mounting challenges and the urgent need for innovation, the ReACH AgriFood Innovation Summit stands as a catalyst for transformative change. With diverse voices gathered at the table, groundbreaking dialogues make it possible to shape the future of regenerative agriculture while fueling a global movement to revolutionize how we nourish our communities and protect our planet.
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