Future Farm Agritech

My Journey

Roads Worth Taking are Often Bumpy but Worth the Effort

My Journey

I began Future Farm AgriTech in February of 2021 with the goal of improving the agricultural industry and, by doing so, enhancing the quality of the food we consume. My vision was never just to support large commercial farms that generate significant profits annually, but also to assist small farms, especially those in local communities. It might surprise you to learn that there are over 500 million family farms worldwide, which collectively provide more than 56% of our food, feed, and fiber (Popescu Slavikova, 2019). A recent USDA study also revealed that 89% of vegetables are grown by small- and medium-sized farms. This is why the core mission of Future Farm AgriTech is to offer efficient solutions that reduce costs and increase yields—making it easier for small-scale farmers to manage their land and pass their livelihoods down to future generations.

However, my journey has not been without challenges. Just a few months after founding the company, my life took an unexpected turn. I was transported to the ER as an unidentified patient—later, my family was able to track me down after calling local hospitals. Over the past two years, I have faced eleven setbacks, ten of which resulted in hospitalizations. These included broken facial bones, memory loss, seizures, and immense pain. Despite these hurdles, I have remained focused on my goal, driven by a deep passion for the cause.

Through it all, I have continued to make progress. The National Science Foundation recently approved my pitch, and the full proposal is now ready for submission. I also qualify for non-equity funding from organizations such as the USDA, DOE, and EPA, and have reached out to local customers already lined up to review the finished product.

In the meantime, I quickly assembled a Board of Advisors, built a team, and partnered with a lab to build the first prototype of our product. Joining local tech associations like NC Tech and participating in programs such as SCORE, SBTDC, the Nussbaum Center for Entrepreneurship, UNCW-CIE, and the First Flight Venture Center have been crucial steps in the growth of my business.

Lisa York, My Journey