Key Takeaways
- Jessica Staha shares insights on her transition from molecular biology to leading LPC Naturals as CEO.
- Under her leadership, the company focuses on microbial solutions that enhance plant resilience across indoor and outdoor farming systems.
- A major challenge remains educating growers on the role and benefits of beneficial microbes like Beauveria bassiana.
- Staha emphasizes the importance of cross-industry collaboration, including grower-led and academic trials.
- Looking ahead, she aims to scale LPC Naturals’ impact while maintaining a tight-knit, agile team.
Jessica Staha’s Path from Science to AgTech Leadership
Jessica Staha, CEO of LPC Naturals, brings over two decades of experience across biotechnology, genomics, and controlled environment agriculture (CEA). Her scientific background in molecular biology and genetics has been instrumental in her multidisciplinary approach, shaping how she guides LPC Naturals in delivering microbial-based plant health solutions.
Reflecting on her journey during an interview on the Vertical Farming Podcast, Staha discussed her early work at Synthetic Genomics and Phylos, where she honed her expertise in microbial systems, genetic diagnostics, and communication between R&D and end users. These roles laid the groundwork for her leadership style — one that emphasizes clarity, collaboration, and user education.
“I realized I was addicted to startups — the energy, the pace, the creativity. That’s what drives me,” Staha noted.
Jessica Staha on LPC Naturals’ Role in a Changing Agriculture Landscape
Since taking over LPC Naturals in 2023, Jessica Staha has led the company’s effort to commercialize a proprietary isolate of Beauveria bassiana, a beneficial fungus known for its dual action: promoting plant health from within and acting as a biological control agent.
The company’s two main products — Endoglo for broadacre farms and Prime Superior for high-density indoor settings — are designed to meet the specific needs of growers operating in distinct environments. Both products are built around the same microbial organism but differ in delivery systems and field applications.
Staha emphasized the importance of microbial education. “Microbials aren’t like synthetic inputs. They work with plants as part of a system, not as a one-trick pony,” she explained.
Bridging Science and Grower Experience
A key aspect of Jessica Staha’s leadership approach at LPC Naturals involves empowering growers through education and open communication. She and her team often encounter skepticism or confusion from growers unfamiliar with microbial products — especially in indoor or highly sanitized operations.
Through webinars, field trials, and one-on-one support, LPC Naturals walks farmers through expected outcomes and best practices, especially in managing cleaning routines that might compromise microbial viability. “Sometimes it’s not about convincing someone; it’s about helping them see that it’s simpler than they think,” said Staha.
She also stressed that microbials should not be seen as replacements but as additions to a holistic crop strategy: “They offer a layer of insurance for the plant against abiotic and biotic stresses — from drought to equipment failure.”
A Call for Collaboration and Trial Partnerships
Jessica Staha believes the future of agriculture — particularly in vertical farming and greenhouse production — hinges on the integration of biological inputs with high-tech systems. She highlighted the need for more grower-led and university-backed trials to understand how microbial products like LPC Naturals’ offerings perform in dynamic, real-world settings.
As she put it, “This is a community response, like the human gut. The more we understand how microbes interact with crops and technology, the better we can support growers.”
What’s Next for Jessica Staha and LPC Naturals
Looking ahead, Jessica Staha envisions wider adoption of microbial tools in both conventional and organic systems. Her goals include expanding LPC Naturals’ reach, forming strategic partnerships, and ensuring that microbial education continues to demystify plant biology for growers at all scales.
With a core team of 10–15 people and a strong startup mindset, Staha remains committed to agility, transparency, and sustainable growth. “If we can help farmers have a favorite microbe the way they have a favorite seed or tool — that’s a success,” she concluded.
