“You’ll never think about food and farms the same way again.”
David Kirkpatrick, Techonomy
Climate change, water shortages and an ever-growing global population are making the world’s food supply more precarious than ever, but a new generation of female entrepreneurs is using high technology to secure the future of agriculture, as documented in the new book “From Farms to Incubators: Women Innovators Revolutionizing How Our Food Is Grown” (Craven Street Books, publication date May 4, 2021) by award-winning journalist Amy Wu.
Speaking of the inspiration for her new book, Wu noted, “‘From Farms to Incubators’ strives to document a time in history that captures an intersection when agriculture and technology and the workforce behind it began a shift that will be of value years, decades and generations from now.”
“From Farms to Incubators” presents nearly 30 inspiring case studies of how women entrepreneurs from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds are meeting the challenge of feeding a global population projected to reach 10 billion by 2050. The women profiled in “From Farms to Incubators” are leaders in using drones, artificial intelligence, sophisticated soil sensors, targeted microbes, data analytics, blockchain and robotics to transform agriculture into the growing field of agtech—the integration of agriculture and technology.
“These women are trailblazers in the sectors of agriculture and technology that are traditionally male dominated. Their intelligence, knowledge, creativity and passion for tackling big-impact issues have led to tangible solutions that are helping growers be more successful in producing food for all of us,” said Wu.
Agtech has become essential to farm profitability and securing a sustainable food supply, as more agribusiness firms seek out technological solutions to increase productivity and profitability. Women who care about community health, wellness and nutrition are turning toward agribusiness opportunities, and grower families are becoming more likely to pass their land to daughters interested in farming.
Each agribusiness leader profiled in “From Farms to Incubators” tells her own story of how she used agtech innovation to solve specific business problems and succeed. These business cases demonstrate the influence of female innovation, the new technologies applied to agribusiness problems, and the career opportunities young women can find in agribusiness. The women profiled speak frankly on the advantages and drawbacks of technological solutions to agriculture and offer lessons in making technology productive in real work.
A must-read book for business leaders, policy makers, and everyone interested in tech innovation, “From Farms to Incubators” offers inspiring role models for young women, a thought-provoking glimpse into the future of food production, and a fascinating investigation of how women leaders are profitably disrupting the world’s oldest industry.
About Amy Wu:
Amy Wu is an award-winning agtech journalist and the producer/director of the documentary film “From Farms to Incubators,” which has been presented at SXSW and Techonomy. Her reporting has appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, USA Today and Time magazine. In 2019 Wu was named one of Food Tank’s “15 Inspiring Women Leading the AgTech Sector,” and in 2020 Wu was named to Worth magazine’s “Groundbreakers 2020 list of 50 Women Changing the World” list.
Book Details:
- Title: From Farms to Incubators: Women Innovators Revolutionizing How Our Food Is Grown
- Author: Amy Wu
- Publisher: Craven Street Books, an imprint of Linden Publishing
- Publication Date: May 4, 2021
- Price: $24.95 US
- Category: BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Women in Business
- ISBN 978-1-61035-575-9
- 8″ x 10″ trade paperback, 230 pages, 300 full color photos, index.
Available from bookstores, online booksellers and Craven Street Books (1-800-345-4447, CravenStreetBooks.com).
Editorial Reviews
“Well crafted and egrossing … A well-written and engaging look at leaders in agriculture.” ―Kirkus Reviews
“From Farms to Incubators takes us inside the lives and careers of many inspiring women innovators. You will never think about food and farms the same way again.” ―David Kirkpatrick, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Techonomy Media
“I am very enthusiastic about holding up these stories to inspire others, especially the next generation of women using their STEM backgrounds to make positive impacts in our communities and our world. I am excited about a future that has women in agtech leading change to make a difference for families across the globe.” ―Karen Ross, Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture
“Amy Wu tells the stories of the underestimated women who are the driving force and changing face of agriculture. This book will serve as inspiration for the countless minority women who seek to be heard in rural America.” ―Christine Chavez, granddaughter of Cesar Chavez and farm activist
“Finally, there’s a book that celebrates the incredible women who will inspire the next generation of fabulous female foodpreneurs.” ―Gail Becker, Founder and CEO, Caulipower
“Amy Wu is a masterful storyteller and voice for the unsung hero’s of agriculture today.” ―Tonya Antle, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of the Organic Produce Network
“Amy Wu has written a book that not only celebrates women innovators and entrepreneurs in food and agriculture, but also inspires the next generation of women to follow in their path.” ―Kara Goldin, Founder and CEO of Hint, Inc., and author of Undaunted: Overcoming Doubts and Doubters
“I have seen young women from around the world coming up with creative solutions to food system challenges. Their approach is refreshing and urgently needed to get rid of polarized thinking. From Farms to Incubators injects inspiration and empowers the next generation of female leaders in the food and agriculture space.” ―Christine Gould, Founder and CEO, Thought For Food
“By telling the stories of amazing women in agtech, like Amy Wu does in this book, we can help to prove that different approaches are to be celebrated and can yield great success.” ―Louisa Burwood-Taylor, Head of Media and Research, AgFunder
“Amy Wu has done a phenomenal job collecting the stories of women founders in agtech. Their creativity, vision and passion for using technologies to solve some of the biggest challenges that farmers face is something that we celebrate.” ―Carolyn Leighton, Founder and CEO, Women in Technology International
“Amy’s book of women in agriculture beautifully illustrates the diversity, passion, and commitment of an amazing group of women who are remaking modern agriculture through innovation and sustainable practices. Her storytelling is a powerful tool for highlighting the impactful work being done by these women and encouraging others like them to join this important movement of building a better food system.” ―Mareese Keane, Co-Founder, Opengate
“From Farms to Incubators not only shines a fascinating spotlight on a growing and evolving industry but is another necessary catalyst for gender equality, providing a platform to the often voiceless and inspiration for the next generation of female leaders in this space.” ―Juliet Scott-Croxford, CEO, Worth Media
“In her book From Farms to Incubators, Amy Wu has captured the stories of agtech’s future pioneers. Using their life experiences to inspire others, these women are breaking down barriers while holding onto family values.” ―Karen Washington, farmer and activist
“By far the best book on women contribution in modern farming technology and sustainable agricultural practices.” ―Amit Kalkal, CEO, AgReads
“This book will serve as inspiration for the countless minority women who seek to be heard in rural America and for the next generation of female leaders in agriculture.” ―Maria Palacio, Founder of Revolution Me Film Festival
“It’s about time that a bright light is shone onto the many more women who are in ag business and agtech.” ―Karen Caplan, President and CEO, Frieda’s Specialty Produce
“Amy’s book comes at a timely moment where a new breed of role models start to emerge: inspiring female agtech entrepreneurs and innovators the world needs to build a better food future.” ―Isabelle Decitre, Founder of Rooted
“I love seeing these women in agtech be in the spotlight. Women have always been an important part of agriculture and hopefully reading these stories will inspire more young women to pursue a career in agriculture and give these talented women the kudos they deserve.” ―Becky Bazabal, President, Salinas Valley California Women for Agriculture
“Nicely illustrated and informative throughout, From Farms to Incubators is exceptionally well organized, unique, and presented study, making it an especially and unreservedly recommended for community, college and university library Agricultural, Horticultural, Entrepreneurship, and Contemporary Women’s Studies collections and supplemental studies curriculum lists.” ―Midwest Book Review
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