Regenerative Ag, Food Safety Change Agent, Inside the Genomics Institute

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Omnivore

Episode Description

In this “Best of 2023” episode of Omnivore, Food Technology revisits the top food science and thought leader interviews of the year.

Dr. Elizabeth Rieke sheds light on how regenerative agriculture practices and new DNA technologies can improve soil health and help the agriculture sector reach net zero Scope 3 emissions. We have a chat with microbiologist and food industry executive Theo Morille to discuss key food safety learnings from her 35-plus year career that has taken her from the lab to the C-suite. Dr. Brad Ringeisen, executive director of the Innovative Genomics Institute, offers a fascinating overview of the institute’s research initiatives related to the use CRISPR gene-editing to bring about next-gen agricultural advances.

Plus: Find out more about IFT’s new Product Development Bootcamp, a comprehensive, 10-module online course designed to equip food and beverage professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to elevate and accelerate product development. Learn more at www.ift.org/bootcamp.

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Featured Guests

Dr. Elizabeth (Liz) Rieke

Dr. Elizabeth (Liz) Rieke is a soil microbiome scientist at the Soil Health Institute. She is currently developing DNA sequence-based indicators to describe changes in soil functionality not captured by current soil health indicators.
Theo Morille Microbiologist

Theo Morille is a microbiologist and global food safety and quality executive with more than 35 years of experience in driving food safety implementation initiatives at Kraft Foods/Mondelez International and Kellogg Co.
Brad Ringeisen PhD

Brad Ringeisen, PhD, is executive director of the Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI) at the University of California, Berkeley. The IGI is a groundbreaking research institute founded in 2014 by Nobel Laureate Jennifer Doudna to advance applications of CRISPR gene-editing technology to address challenges in the areas of agriculture, health, and climate change.

Omnivore

IFT’s Omnivore and Omnivore Presents: SciDish podcasts spark lively, thought-provoking conversations with the science, business, and regulatory leaders shaping the future of food. Each episode delivers sharp analysis, practical insights, and bold ideas designed to challenge assumptions, ignite innovation, and energize your work across the global food system.

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