Dr. Venkata K. Kishore Joins FFAR Board of Directors

Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON (November 28, 2022) – The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) is pleased to announce that Dr. Venkata K. Kishore, vice president and head of smallholders and sustainability – vegetable seeds at Bayer, is joining the FFAR Board of Directors.

Mark E. Keenum
Dr. Kishore’s expertise in nutritious food and decades of experience with emerging technologies, crop research and sustainable practices will be an asset to the Foundation,” said FFAR Board Chairman Dr. Mark Keenum. “We are excited to welcome his leadership and global perspective to the board. Mark E. Keenum, Ph.D.
Chair, FFAR Board of Directors
President
Mississippi State University

In 2018, Kishore joined Bayer as the head of vegetable seeds breeding and testing for Europe, Middle East and Africa in the Netherlands, where he led vegetable seed research and development (R&D), transforming the company’s R&D process. In 2020, he was promoted to vice president and head of smallholders and sustainability – vegetable seeds based in St. Louis, MO. In this role, Kishore develops sustainable agribusiness models with a focus on climate-resilient solutions and develops long-term strategies for R&D, commercial operations and business innovations. Kishore also serves on the boards of Hunger Free America and International Development Enterprises.

Venkata Kishore
I am excited to join the board of directors of FFAR and contribute to pioneering science and innovation that will help transform food systems and provide access to sustainably grown nutritious food,” said Dr. Kishore. Venkata Kishore, MBA-Ph.D.
Vice President and Head of Smallholders and Sustainability – Vegetable Seeds
Bayer Crop Science

Kishore was previously the vegetable research and development lead – Asia and solanaceous breeding lead – Europe, Middle East and Africa at Monsanto, now Bayer. In 2017, he was awarded the Excellence in People Leadership Award by Monsanto for his work integrating teams and building communication initiatives to expedite program execution. Prior to working at Monsanto, Kishore was the global genetic technology platforms lead for Syngenta Biotechnology, Inc., advancing from an individual contributor to team lead.

I am delighted to welcome Dr. Kishore to FFAR’s Board of Directors,” said FFAR Executive Director Dr. Saharah Moon Chapotin. “Dr. Kishore’s impressive experience in R&D and innovation will certainly bolster FFAR’s expertise in delivering sustainability and better health through food and agriculture research. Saharah Moon Chapotin, Ph.D.
Executive Director

Kishore received a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from the Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth College of Agriculture, a master’s degree in cytogenetics and plant breeding from the Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth College of Agriculture, a doctorate in crop science from Oregon State University and a corporate Master of Business Administration degree from Illinois State University.

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Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) builds public-private partnerships to fund bold research addressing big food and agriculture challenges. FFAR was established in the 2014 Farm Bill to increase public agriculture research investments, fill knowledge gaps and complement the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s research agenda. FFAR’s model matches federal funding from Congress with private funding, delivering a powerful return on taxpayer investment. Through collaboration and partnerships, FFAR advances actionable science benefiting farmers, consumers and the environment.

Connect: @FoundationFAR