Ag Innovation Challenge application sought for startups
The American Farm Bureau Federation has launched its sixth Ag Innovation Challenge for food and agriculture startups. Entrepreneurs will compete for $145,000.
Applicants must be Farm Bureau members to qualify as a top 10 semifinalist. Entrepreneurs and startups with businesses in the following categories may apply - farm, ranch, greenhouse, aquaponics; production support services; retail, agritourism or farm-to-table business; food/beverage/textile product or ingredient; and value-added processing.
Ten semifinalist teams will be announced Nov.5 and awarded $10,000 each. All 10 semi-finalist teams will travel to AFBF's Annual Convention in Austin, Texas, in January 2020, with all expenses paid. They will participate in a live competition to be the Farm Bureau Entrepreneur of the Year.
Final four teams will receive an additional $5,000 and compete live on stage in front of Farm Bureau members, investors and industry representatives. The Farm Bureau Entrepreneur of the Year award winner, chosen by judges, will earn $15,000. The People's Choice award winner will earn $10,000.
To apply for the 2020 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge, competitors may visit {fb.org/aginnovationchallenge} and complete an application by Sept. 30. Startup fund sponsors include Bayer Crop Science, COUNTRY Financial, Farm Bureau Bank, Farm Bureau Financial Services, Farm Credit and John Deere.