Nov 28, 2022

Bayer’s Venkata Kishore joins foundation board

Venkata K. Kishore, vice president and head of smallholders and sustainability for vegetable seeds at Bayer Crop Science, is joining the board of directors of the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR).

“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,” Mark Keenum, FFAR board chairman, said in a news release. “We are excited to welcome his leadership and global perspective to the board.”

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, transforming the company’s R&D process. In 2020, he was promoted to vice president and head of smallholders and sustainability for vegetable seeds based in St. Louis. 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.

“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,” Kishore said in the release.

Kishore was previously the vegetable research and development lead for Asia and solanaceous breeding lead for 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,” FFAR Executive Director Saharah Moon Chapotin said in the release. “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.”

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.