Key Takeaways
- Seed4Growth program unites six Farm Credit institutions with Plug and Play to drive ag-finance innovation
- Program will scout and pilot digital solutions in FinTech and AgTech
- Farm Credit East joins existing partnership between AAC, FCSAmerica, CoBank, and others
- Goal is to support farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses with future-focused technologies
- Leaders say collaboration is critical to navigating disruption and enhancing strategic vision
Seed4Growth Initiative Aims to Bridge AgTech and FinTech
A coalition of leading Farm Credit organizations—American AgCredit (AAC), Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica), Frontier Farm Credit, AgCountry Farm Credit Services, Farm Credit East, and CoBank—have launched Seed4Growth, a collaborative innovation program in partnership with global accelerator Plug and Play. The initiative seeks to drive digital transformation in agricultural lending and financial services through access to cutting-edge technology and startup solutions.
Farm Credit System Deepens Innovation Commitment
Building on prior engagements with Plug and Play since 2023, AAC and FCSAmerica expanded the collaboration in 2024 by adding CoBank and now Farm Credit East. The partners are part of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of borrower-owned lending institutions supporting U.S. agriculture.
“We are thrilled to expand our partnership and launch the Seed4Growth program. This initiative will drive innovation and collaboration, ultimately benefiting the agricultural community,” said Mark Jensen, CEO of AgCountry, FCSAmerica, and Frontier Farm Credit.
Krista McDonald, EVP and Chief Strategy Officer at the same institutions, added: “This partnership is a testament to our commitment to working together to become more future-focused.”
Insights, Disruption, and Strategic Alignment
Through the Seed4Growth program, participating organizations aim to stay ahead of rapid technological changes in agriculture and finance. Plug and Play will facilitate access to early-stage innovations, support pilot projects, and guide strategy around commercialization.
“The collaboration provides significant insights into technological disruptions,” said Alp Basol, Head of Innovation and Center of Excellence at CoBank. “Plug and Play facilitates the comprehension of next-generation advancements in technology and innovation that are critical to the core business of Farm Credit organizations.”
Mike Lancaster, Chief Customer Value Officer at American AgCredit, noted: “Plug and Play’s proactive approach and deep industry insights have been instrumental in enhancing our strategic vision.”
Seed4Growth: Advancing Support for Farmers and Agribusinesses
Seed4Growth will explore innovation opportunities across FinTech and AgTech to improve services for farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses. By identifying and integrating digital tools that enhance lending, advisory, and operational efficiency, the program reinforces the Farm Credit System’s commitment to sustainable and competitive agriculture.
With this launch, Seed4Growth marks a milestone in industry collaboration, aiming to deliver scalable, technology-driven solutions to agriculture’s financial and operational challenges.
