Okanagan Specialty Fruits, developer of the bioengineered Arctic apple, successfully hosted Envisioning the Farm of the Future on April 30. Held across OSF’s Moses Lake facility, Arctic apple orchards and Big Bend Community College, the full-day event brought together growers, technologists, educators and industry leaders to explore the future of food production. 

The day began with guided tours of OSF’s processing facility and orchard operations, where guests experienced firsthand the company’s innovative approach to sustainable agriculture. Attendees then gathered at Big Bend Community College for two dynamic symposium sessions.

Session 1, moderated by Vonnie Estes, vice president of innovation at IFPA, featured a forward-looking discussion on how genetics, robotics, and AI are reshaping the agriculture industry. Panelists included:

• Steve Mantle, CEO, Innov8.ag
• Karina Gallardo, professor, Washington State University
• Neal Carter, CEO, OSF
• Dave Brown, almanac product manager, Semios

 Session 2, led by Walt Duflock, vice president innovation, Western Growers Association, addressed the labor challenges facing the tech-driven ag sector and showcased strategies to recruit and retain a high-tech workforce. Speakers included:

• Sue Kane, CEO, NCW Tech Alliance
• Lisa Karsetter, Microsoft
• Sara Thompson Tweedy, President, Big Bend Community College
• John Riel, CEO, Burrows Tractor Inc.
• Freddy Valdovinos, Innov8.ag

 Throughout the day, guests interacted with leading agtech vendors, including Innov8.ag, Semios, Agtonomy, MyLand, Moleaer, SlimLine and Vivid Machines, who demonstrated cutting-edge technologies advancing modern farming.

 A highlight of the event was the debut of a new whitepaper by OSF CEO Neal Carter, titled “Traits and Tech: Designing the Orchard of the Future,” which explored how integrated technologies and advanced breeding strategies can drive orchard performance and industry sustainability.

“The future of farming will be defined by the choices we make today,” said Neal Carter, CEO of Okanagan Specialty Fruits. “By integrating science, technology, and sustainable practices, we can build an agricultural system that is both resilient and regenerative. This event was about inspiring that vision—and taking steps to make it real.”

The event concluded with a networking reception featuring Endless Orchard Hard-Pressed Cider—crafted exclusively from Arctic apples—and sponsored by AgriMACS Inc.

“By bringing together thought leaders across agriculture, education, and technology, we created a powerful forum for collaboration,” said Sarah Evanega, vice president of business development at OSF. “This event demonstrated the momentum and shared vision driving the next generation of farming.”