Key Takeaways
- OpenAg Foundation has appointed Dr. Celso Moretti as its new CEO, advancing its mission to strengthen food and water security across developing regions.
- Dr. Moretti brings over 35 years of experience in agribusiness and sustainable agriculture, with expertise in research, innovation, and international collaboration.
- He previously led EMBRAPA, Brazil’s national agricultural research agency, managing 8,000 staff and developing programs in digital and precision agriculture.
- Founded by Jai Shroff in 2024, the OpenAg Foundation focuses on sustainable agriculture and resilience, including a water-security initiative in Southern Africa.
- As CEO, Dr. Moretti will oversee management, project development, fundraising, and advocacy, working closely with the Board to expand the Foundation’s global impact.
OpenAg Foundation Names Dr. Celso Moretti as CEO
The OpenAg Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on food and water security in developing countries, has appointed Dr. Celso Moretti as its Chief Executive Officer. In this role, Dr. Moretti will lead management, project development, fundraising, and advocacy, working closely with the Board to deliver on the Foundation’s strategic priorities.
The appointment marks a key milestone for the Foundation as it expands its operations and partnerships to support sustainable agriculture and rural resilience in the Global South.
Dr. Celso Moretti’s Experience and Contributions
Dr. Moretti brings more than three decades of experience in agribusiness and agricultural research. From 2019 to 2023, he served as President of EMBRAPA, Brazil’s national agricultural research agency, leading 8,000 employees across 43 research centers, including more than 2,000 PhD researchers. During his tenure, he helped strengthen links between the public and private sectors and developed EMBRAPA’s programs in digital farming and precision agriculture.
His international experience includes serving as Vice-Chair of the CGIAR Board, member of the Panel on Agriculture and Food Systems for Nutrition (UK), and previous board roles with ICBA (UAE), CIMMYT (Mexico), and CIP (Peru).
Recognition and Academic Background
Dr. Moretti’s work has been recognized globally. In 2021, he received the Norman Borlaug Award for Sustainability, and in 2023, he was named one of the most influential figures in Brazilian agribusiness. In 2025, he was elected Board Chair of CGIAR.
He holds an MBA in Marketing, an MSc and PhD in Plant Sciences, and is an alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. He also serves as a Courtesy Professor at the University of Florida, Gainesville.
OpenAg Foundation’s Mission and Outlook
Founded in 2024 by Jai Shroff, the OpenAg Foundation brings together experts from policy, research, and global leadership to promote sustainable agriculture and food security. Its current initiatives include a water-security program in Southern Africa, which aims to provide new water sources for rural communities, cropland, and livestock affected by drought.
Jai Shroff, Chairman of the OpenAg Foundation, said: “We are thrilled that Celso has joined the OpenAg Foundation as its CEO. His leadership and experience show how sustainable agriculture can drive resilience and economic uplift. We look forward to advancing our projects across the developing world.”
Dr. Moretti added: “Joining the OpenAg Foundation and contributing to its mission is one of the most exciting opportunities of my career. Agriculture has a vital role in sustainable development, and this organization provides a strong platform for impactful work across developing regions.”
