Key Takeaways:
- Gardin, a UK-based ag-tech company, has appointed Dorn Wenninger as an Advisor.
- Wenninger brings over 30 years of experience in the produce industry, having held senior roles with major grower/shippers and retailers.
- Gardin aims to leverage Wenninger’s global experience and industry connections as it expands internationally.
- Wenninger’s expertise is expected to enhance Gardin’s ability to help farmers optimize crop yields using advanced sensor technology.
Gardin, a UK-based ag-tech company, has announced the appointment of Dorn Wenninger, a seasoned veteran of the produce industry, as an Advisor. This strategic move comes as Gardin ramps up its global expansion efforts, aiming to leverage Wenninger’s extensive experience and industry connections to enhance its presence in the agricultural technology sector.
Dorn Wenninger’s Industry Experience
Dorn Wenninger brings over 30 years of experience in the produce industry, having held senior roles across the value chain, from grower/shippers to major retailers. Wenninger’s career began with Chiquita Bananas, where he gained significant experience as a grower shipper before moving on to lead Driscoll’s European operations. He later transitioned to retail, spending 11 years at Walmart, where he led the produce teams for both Walmart US and Walmart Mexico. Most recently, Wenninger served as Senior Vice President of Produce for UNFI, working with thousands of independent retailers across the United States.
Wenninger’s global perspective is one of his key strengths, having visited farmers and retailers in over 100 countries. His deep understanding of both the production and retail sides of the produce industry is expected to be invaluable as Gardin continues its international growth.
Strategic Vision for Gardin
Gardin’s CEO and Founder, Sumanta Talukdar, expressed enthusiasm about the addition of Wenninger to the team, highlighting the value of his industry knowledge and relationships. “Dorn brings a lifetime of experiences and connections to the most important grower/shippers, breeders, and produce retailers around the world. We’re excited to add Dorn’s deep industry knowledge and relationships to the Gardin team as we ramp up our global penetration,” said Talukdar.
Gardin and Wenninger first connected through the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Technology Accelerator program. Wenninger’s decision to join Gardin was influenced by the company’s innovative approach to helping farmers optimize crop yields through real-time monitoring of plant health.
Wenninger’s Perspective on Gardin’s Technology
Wenninger praised Gardin’s advanced sensor technology, which allows farmers to monitor photosynthesis (chlorophyll fluorescence) in real-time, helping them optimize the use of fertilizers, water, and light to maximize crop yields. “For years, farmers have improved yields by dialing in the use of fertilizers, water, and light. Now, the Gardin sensor allows farmers to monitor the plant, in real-time, to reach its maximum potential,” Wenninger explained. He emphasized that while measuring photosynthesis has been possible for years, Gardin’s sensor and AI platform finally make it deployable at scale as an everyday tool for farmers and breeders.
Wenninger expressed his excitement about joining Gardin, stating, “I’m excited to be a part of the Gardin team as we help farmers around the world be able to consistently reach for higher yields.”
Gardin Latest News
Gardin Honored with Prestigious German Design Award for Phenotyping Platform (2024/07/05)
Thinkable Studio and Gardin received a special mention in the Focus Open 2024 Baden-Württemberg International Design Award for their phenotyping platform. The innovative technology aims to improve food crops, reduce resource usage, and enhance forecasting capabilities. The award-winning sensor will be exhibited at the Haus der Wirtschaft from November 7, 2024, to January 25, 2025, showcasing its role in the future of agriculture.
Gardin Now Integrated in Ridder’s Climate Computer to Offer Real-Time Photosynthesis Insights (2024/06/11)
Gardin’s optical phenotyping technology is now integrated with Ridder climate computers, enabling growers to access real-time photosynthesis insights for monitoring plant health and optimizing climate strategies. The collaboration represents a shift towards data-driven cultivation practices, empowering growers to make informed decisions and achieve higher productivity while working towards increased sustainability and resilience in horticultural operations.
Strategic Collaboration With Bayer Crop Science (2024/04/30)
Water scarcity is a significant challenge for agriculture in southern Europe. Gardin Agritech and Bayer Crop Science are collaborating on a project to develop precise irrigation methods using Gardin’s phenotyping sensor technology. Initial trials show that water usage can be reduced by up to 25% while maintaining crop yields. The collaboration aims to enhance crop yield, reduce environmental impact, and support the long-term sustainability of farming communities facing challenging weather conditions.
Teams Up With Boxford Farms to Boost Glasshouse Yields (2023/02/24)
Gardin and Boxford Farms have joined forces to enhance crop health and yield for commercial glasshouse growers. The company’s technology provides real-time insight into plant health, enabling early detection of stress indicators and intervention before issues escalate. The results of initial trials are promising, demonstrating the technology’s precision and potential impact. As the collaboration extends into the 2023 growing season, the focus remains on monitoring and enhancing strawberry yields.
Gardin & Enza Zaden Further Collaboration (2023/01/06)
Facilities in the Netherlands and Spain will be added to Gardin’s cooperation with Enza Zaden in 2022 and 2023. Without requiring any assistance from our team, Gardin measures key plant performance indicators exactly where the plants were grown. The lead scientist at the company, Dr. Fabrizio Ticchiarelli-Marjot, stated: “We were able to identify unsuspected patterns in the response of some vegetable crop kinds to abiotic stress.”
Image provided by Gardin
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