Ag Innovation Challenge
Awards US agriculture startups up to $100,000 in a national pitch competition for rural innovation, backed by $145,000 in total prize funds.
The Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge is run by the American Farm Bureau Federation with Farm Credit, a nationwide network of customer-owned lenders to farmers, ranchers and rural cooperatives, as its partner. After the application window closes, ten semi-finalist teams are chosen and then pitch virtually for a spot in the final four. The final four pitch live for Farm Bureau leaders, investors …
The Challenge looks for US-based startups building innovative solutions for the problems farmers, ranchers and rural communities face - from traditional issues like labor access, yield optimization and operating costs, to newer challenges facing rural America. It is run by the American Farm Bureau Federation in partnership with Farm Credit, and is now in its 13th year as the first national business competition of its kind for rural entrepreneurs.
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