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Executive Director
WA Tree Fruit Research Commission (WTFRC)
Education & Research
United States
Since August 17, 2018, Dr. Ines Hanrahan has expertly guided the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission (WTFRC) as its Executive Director, a role she assumed after serving as the Commission’s project manager since 2005. In her current position, she provides strategic direction, oversees staff operations, and ensures that research investments are meticulously aligned with the industry’s most pressing needs. Her focus is unwavering: to empower growers with the tools and knowledge necessary to achieve increased productivity, enhance product quality, and thrive in a competitive global marketplace.
Dr. Hanrahan is a strong advocate for collaborative innovation, fostering vibrant public-private partnerships with leading tree fruit scientists around the world. She believes that active engagement with a diverse range of industry stakeholders is crucial for driving progress and enabling the industry to proactively shape its future. Furthermore, she is deeply invested in nurturing the next generation of tree fruit professionals, serving as both a mentor and an inspiring role model.
Her dedication to agriculture is rooted in her upbringing in East Germany, where her family’s resilience in the face of food insecurity and her grandmother’s passion for gardening instilled in her a deep appreciation for the land. While working in South Africa, she was captivated by the scope of Washington’s tree fruit industry, a fascination fueled by her reading of The Good Fruit Grower. This initial spark ignited a desire to contribute directly to that industry. Consequently, she pursued an agricultural exchange program that brought her to Washington State, establishing a profound and lasting connection to the region. Today, she lives that commitment, managing a thriving commercial orchard with her husband and son near Yakima, a family legacy that spans generations.
Tue 20
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Main Stage
The Growers Experience
Speakers
Andrew Nelson CEO/CIO Nelson Farms, Inc., AgAnswers
Raj Khosla International Society of Precision Agriculture Washington State University/CAHNRS
Matthew Whiting Professor, scientist, Extension Specialist Washington State University
Ines Hanrahan Executive Director WA Tree Fruit Research Commission (WTFRC)
Supported by
Tue 20
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Main Stage 1
The Tech Builder Experience
Speakers
Tim Bucher CEO Agtonomy
Glen Rain University of Georgia, 4D Farms
Matt Darr Iowa State University, BioCentury Research Farm
Charlie Anderson CEO Burro
Troy Peters Director of the Center for Precision and Automated Agricultural Systems Washington State University
Lauren Milligan Content Specialist Women In Ag Tech
Colin Hurd Co-director Ag Startup Engine
Andres Manzanares Investor Stray Dog Capital
Tarquin Stephenson AgTech Investor Cibus Capital
Amber DeWitt Venture Associate Fulcrum Global Capital
Troy Peters Director of the Center for Precision and Automated Agricultural Systems Washington State University
Steve Mantle Founder/CEO Innov8.Ag
Lav Khot Director, AgWeatherNet | Professor, Precision Agriculture Washington State University
Congressman Dan Newhouse Washington State representative United State Congress
Doug Hartfield Agricultural Safety Technical Specialist Division of Occupational Safety and Health Washington State Department of Labor & Industry
Ignacio Marquez Regional Assistant to the Director Washington State Department of Agriculture
Anne Visser Professor University of California, Davis
Lucie Cahierre Program Manager UCANR
Paige Gilligan Secretary California Women for Agriculture
Matthew Whiting Professor, scientist, Extension Specialist Washington State University
Antoon Vanderstraeten Editor Women In Ag Magazine
Aymeric Barthes President GOFAR
Danny Bernstein CEO The Reservoir
Ben Palone Sr. Director of Automation & Commercialization Western Growers
Chrissy Wozniak Vice-President of Communication | Founder American Agri-Women | North American Ag
Alex Russomagno Senior Manager of Strategic Engagement AGCO Ventures
Connie Bowen General Partner Farmhand Ventures
Walt Duflock VP of Innovation Western Growers
Bijoy Shah Director of Growth PF Partners
Maialen Cazenave Co-director GOFAR/FIRA
Ines Hanrahan Executive Director WA Tree Fruit Research Commission (WTFRC)
Tue 20
3:00 PM - 3:45 PM
Main Stage 1
The Tech Builder Experience
Speakers
Charlie Anderson CEO Burro
Troy Peters Director of the Center for Precision and Automated Agricultural Systems Washington State University
Lauren Milligan Content Specialist Women In Ag Tech
Colin Hurd Co-director Ag Startup Engine
Andres Manzanares Investor Stray Dog Capital
Tarquin Stephenson AgTech Investor Cibus Capital
Amber DeWitt Venture Associate Fulcrum Global Capital
Troy Peters Director of the Center for Precision and Automated Agricultural Systems Washington State University
Steve Mantle Founder/CEO Innov8.Ag
Lav Khot Director, AgWeatherNet | Professor, Precision Agriculture Washington State University
Congressman Dan Newhouse Washington State representative United State Congress
Doug Hartfield Agricultural Safety Technical Specialist Division of Occupational Safety and Health Washington State Department of Labor & Industry
Ignacio Marquez Regional Assistant to the Director Washington State Department of Agriculture
Anne Visser Professor University of California, Davis
Lucie Cahierre Program Manager UCANR
Paige Gilligan Secretary California Women for Agriculture
Matthew Whiting Professor, scientist, Extension Specialist Washington State University
Antoon Vanderstraeten Editor Women In Ag Magazine
Aymeric Barthes President GOFAR
Danny Bernstein CEO The Reservoir
Ben Palone Sr. Director of Automation & Commercialization Western Growers
Chrissy Wozniak Vice-President of Communication | Founder American Agri-Women | North American Ag
Alex Russomagno Senior Manager of Strategic Engagement AGCO Ventures
Connie Bowen General Partner Farmhand Ventures
Bijoy Shah Director of Growth PF Partners
Maialen Cazenave Co-director GOFAR/FIRA
Ines Hanrahan Executive Director WA Tree Fruit Research Commission (WTFRC)
Tue 20
3:45 PM - 4:30 PM
Main Stage 1
The Tech Builder Experience
Speakers
Doug Hartfield Agricultural Safety Technical Specialist Division of Occupational Safety and Health Washington State Department of Labor & Industry
Ignacio Marquez Regional Assistant to the Director Washington State Department of Agriculture
Anne Visser Professor University of California, Davis
Lucie Cahierre Program Manager UCANR
Paige Gilligan Secretary California Women for Agriculture
Matthew Whiting Professor, scientist, Extension Specialist Washington State University
Antoon Vanderstraeten Editor Women In Ag Magazine
Aymeric Barthes President GOFAR
Danny Bernstein CEO The Reservoir
Ben Palone Sr. Director of Automation & Commercialization Western Growers
Chrissy Wozniak Vice-President of Communication | Founder American Agri-Women | North American Ag
Alex Russomagno Senior Manager of Strategic Engagement AGCO Ventures
Connie Bowen General Partner Farmhand Ventures
Bijoy Shah Director of Growth PF Partners
Maialen Cazenave Co-director GOFAR/FIRA
Ines Hanrahan Executive Director WA Tree Fruit Research Commission (WTFRC)
Wed 21
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Main Stage 1
Speakers
Sarah Masterson CEO CA Agtech Alliance
Steve Mantle Founder/CEO Innov8.Ag
Lav Khot Director, AgWeatherNet | Professor, Precision Agriculture Washington State University
Anne Visser Professor University of California, Davis
Matthew Whiting Professor, scientist, Extension Specialist Washington State University
Danny Bernstein CEO The Reservoir
Ines Hanrahan Executive Director WA Tree Fruit Research Commission (WTFRC)
Supported by
