Farm to Fork: The Innovators with David Maloni
Welcome to Farm to Fork: The Innovators, the podcast where decades of industry expertise meet the future of the food supply chain. I'm David Maloni, your host, and with over 40 years in the food production, distribution, and operations sectors, I've seen the industry evolve. But now, it's time to push the boundaries of innovation further.
Every other week, join me as I sit down with pioneers from the past, the game-changers of today, and the visionaries shaping the future of our field. Together, we'll explore new ideas, technologies, and strategies that can revolutionize how we farm, produce, move, and serve food to the world.
I invite you, our listeners, to be a part of this journey. If you know someone or have a topic in mind that aligns with our mission, please reach out. Your input matters, and it could be the spark that ignites the next big breakthrough in the food supply chain.
For more insights and to connect with my consultancy, visit www.DatumFS.com. Thank you for tuning in. Together, let's drive innovation and transform the way we nourish our communities
Farm to Fork: The Innovators with David Maloni
Sun, Soil, and Sustainability: Peter Schmitt on Agrivoltaics and Food Industry Collaboration
Welcome! Ttoday we’re diving into the intersection of solar energy and agriculture with our guest, Peter Schmitt, the Director of Project Development at U.S. Solar. With decades of experience in the food supply chain, I aim to uncover the transformative strategies shaping how we produce and serve food. Today’s topic, agrivoltaics, is an innovative blend of solar farming and agriculture that promises to reshape how land is used sustainably.
In this episode, Peter walks us through the exciting potential of agrivoltaics, from raising sheep beneath solar panels to growing crops under carefully designed solar arrays. We discuss how this approach not only boosts agricultural efficiency but also contributes to energy independence and environmental stewardship. If you’ve ever wondered about the impact of solar energy on farming or how companies like U.S. Solar are leading this revolution, you won’t want to miss this conversation.
Connect with David:
David Maloni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/
Connect with Peter:
Peter’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-schmitt-24187645/
https://www.us-solar.com/
Timestamps:
00:00 Farming Meets Solar: Introduction to Agrivoltaics
01:05 Agrivoltaics Explained: Combining Solar Panels with Agriculture
06:00 Solar-Powered Agriculture: The Growth of Solar Energy in the U.S.
13:00 Case Studies in Agrivoltaics: Real-Life Examples of Success
24:00 Soil and Sustainability: Improving Land Health with Solar
35:00 Big River Farms: Providing Land Access to Aspiring Farmers
42:00 Challenges and Opportunities: Scaling Agrivoltaics Nationwide
47:00 The Future of Agrivoltaics: Farming and Energy in 10 Years
48:00 Call to Action: Partner with Datum Advisors for Food Supply Chain Solutions
I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company.
Click here to find out more:
https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors