Fresh Field Catalyst: An IFPA Technology Accelerator

Fresh Field Catalyst, an IFPA Technology Accelerator" with a leaf and circuitry motif and the "Foundation for Fresh Produce.

Thank You to Our Partners

Sustainable Packaging Innovation Program– Accelerating Export Solutions
$5M USDA investment connecting packaging innovators with global market opportunities through IFPA's Foundation for Fresh Produce

The International Fresh Produce Association's Foundation for Fresh Produce has launched the Sustainable Packaging Innovation Lab with a groundbreaking $5 million USDA investment. This initiative addresses the urgent need for packaging solutions that comply with rapidly changing export market regulations while maintaining the quality, shelf life, and safety of fresh fruits, vegetables, berries, and nuts.

Building on three years of IFPA's successful Fresh Field Catalyst Accelerator program, the Innovation Lab focuses on removing barriers to trade and ensuring continued access to international markets as packaging regulations evolve across Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the European Union.

Key Program Elements:

Non-dilutive funding awards ranging from $50,000 to $250,000
Direct access and collaboration with C-level executives and industry leaders
Market readiness support for EU, UK, Canada, and Japan compliance
Life cycle assessments and regulatory guidance
Strategic partnerships with exporters and global stakeholders

Applications will open October 15, 2025. For more information, contact Vonnie Estes.

Program Events:

October 15: Applications open on FFAR portal

Oct. 16-18: Global Produce & Floral Show

November 10: Program Webinar - Comprehensive overview of funding opportunities and application process.

 December Virtual Collaboration Event (Date TBD): Multi-stakeholder workshop with international buyers and regulatory experts

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.

Akorn Technology logo

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.

Kwik logo

Joaquin Fisch

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.

Nat4 Bio logo

Steve Greenfield

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.
NNZ logo

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.

PakIt Green logo

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.

Peel on logo

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.

Sway Innovation Company logo

2025 Fresh Field Catalyst Mentors

Julie Zorb, Walmart

Tony Freytag, CrunchPak

Tyler Weinbender, Superfresh Growers

Aaron Brookes, Driscoll's

Jose Morales, Keany Produce

Josh Ruiz, Duda

Jeffrey Brandenburg, Q Fresh Labs

Pete Donlan, Misionero

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.

Thank you to our 2025 Supporters

Questions?

Vonnie Estes

VP, Technology

International Fresh Produce Association

+1(650)666-9006 Email Vonnie Estes

Industry sponsorship opportunities

Peter S. Wilder

Sales and Engagement Manager

International Fresh Produce Association

+1(302)607-2115 Email Peter S. Wilder

Fresh Field Catalyst

Sponsorship Opportunities

See All Opportunities

Sustainable Packaging Innovation Program

an IFPA Technology Accelerator

Sustainable Packaging Innovation Program– Accelerating Export Solutions $5M USDA investment connecting packaging innovators with global market opportunities through IFPA's Foundation for Fresh Produce

Meet the 2025 Participants

2025 Mentors

2025 Fresh Field Catalyst Mentors

2024 Cohort and Mentors

2024 Cohort Alumni

2024 Fresh Field Catalyst Mentors

2023 Cohort and Mentors

2023 Cohort Alumni

2023 Fresh Field Catalyst Mentors

2022 Cohort and Mentors

2022 Cohort Alumni

2022 Fresh Field Catalyst Mentors

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the program look like?

What are the benefits of participation?

How does the application process work?

What am I committing to if I join this program?

What is the funding availability?

Are there any travel funds?

Can I apply if our company and founders are not from the USA?

Will the information I submit be treated as confidential?

Thank you to our 2025 Supporters

Questions?

Industry sponsorship opportunities

Related Resources

Sustainable Packaging Innovation Program– Accelerating Export Solutions
$5M USDA investment connecting packaging innovators with global market opportunities through IFPA's Foundation for Fresh Produce