At last week’s Commodity Classic farm show in Houston Texas the stage was set for the announcement of the “The Radicle Corn Value Chain Challenge sponsored by US Corn Farmers.”
The challenge comes from Radicle Growth, a company that invests in early stage ag and food tech. The challenge will invest in startup and growth companies from around the world whose technology and business models are creating new uses for corn and long-term sustainable demand.
Kirk Haney, Managing Partner of Radicle Growth says his company will invest in entities that are utilizing new technologies to find new uses for U.S. corn.
According to the Iowa Corn Growers Association, corn is grown on nearly 100 million acres in the United States. Approximately 48% of corn production is used for animal feed, 30% is used for biofuels, and 22% is for exports and other uses. Corn production is typically responsible for more than $80B of annual value in the United States.
As more technologies and new business models continue to develop in the corn value chain, there will be new opportunities for corn in sustainable fuels, bioproducts, corn derived products, and other uses.
Stan Nelson, Iowa Corn Promotion Board President and a farmer from Middletown Iowa says that The Radicle Corn Value Chain Challenge will help increase demand for Iowa grown corn.
Nelson says that because United States corn farmers are so efficient, production levels are very high. Now it is important to find additional revenue streams for farmers with the surplus of corn.
A minimum of US $1.5 million investment will be made in The Radicle Corn Value Chain Challenge to one or more winners to accelerate their growth.
Apply now at https://radicle.vc/the-radicle-corn-value-chain-sponsored-by-us-corn-farmers/
Investment decisions will be made during a “Pitch Day” in the Fall of 2024. A judging panel of industry experts will hear from 4 finalists who will be chosen from the global applicant pool. In addition to the funding, the winners will also get access to advice from both corn industry experts and Radicle senior executives to help accelerate their company’s business and technical efforts.
