Our Advisory Board
Our Advisory Board is a highly accomplished team of agronomic and leadership experts who advise our CEO and executive team on issues related to business and agricultural excellence. They are thought leaders in their fields who keep us connected to current issues and focused on how we can best serve our clients and their operations. They are instrumental in keeping us abreast of new and emerging sciences in the fields of agriculture and business.
Dr. John Ikerd
John Ikerd, Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Economics, was raised on a small dairy farm in southwest Missouri and received his BS, MS, and Ph.D. degrees in agricultural economics from the University of Missouri. He worked in private industry for a time and spent thirty years in various professorial positions at four different state universities before retiring in early 2000.
As state co-coordinator of extension programs in sustainable agriculture from 1995 to 2000, Ikerd was responsible for developing and implementing programs for extension workers and other educators who worked on programs in sustainable agriculture. Other major research and educational activities included participatory on-farm research and demonstration work.
Since retiring, he spends most of his time writing and speaking on issues related to sustainability. He is the author of six published books and one free on-line book, which can be located through his websites: http://faculty.missouri.edu/ikerdj/ or http://johnikerd.com
Robert Heim
Robert G. Heim was formerly an Assistant Regional Director of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in New York City. Mr. Heim is currently a partner at the law firm of Meyers & Heim LLP and concentrates his practice in corporate and securities law. Mr. Heim is the author of the book Going Public in Good Times and Bad (published by American Law Media) and he is frequently asked to speak on subjects relating to business and securities law. Mr. Heim has lectured at Yale University, the Wharton School of Business and New York University’s Stern School of Business. Mr. Heim has also written for the New York Law Journal.
Dr. Larry Phelan
Dr. Larry Phelan is a professor at the Ohio State University, whose research interests and areas of expertise include chemical ecology, metabolomics, insect-plant interactions, and biological farming. His entomology research program encompasses both basic and applied aspects of areas: 1) the role of soil communities in plant health and susceptibility to herbivory, disease, and plant competition in biological farming systems, and 2) identification and behavioral characterization of plant secondary compounds and arthropod semiochemicals that mediate host finding and other behaviors.
Dr. Phelan studied entomology at the University of California, and has published research papers on a wide scope of entomological and plant related topics.
Dr. Robert Kremer
Bob Kremer retired from the U.S.D.A, Agricultural Research Service in 2014 after a 32-year career as a microbiologist. He continues to serve part-time as a Professor of Soil Microbiology at the University of Missouri.
He conducted original research on soil microbe-plant-pesticide interactions; soil health assessment; effects of genetically-modified crops on soil ecology; and examined management for improving soil health including cover crops and many biological products.
He teaches soil microbiology, weed science, and sustainable agriculture; and has written numerous research articles and book chapters. Bob was raised on a diversified farm in Osage County, Missouri and continues to work and carry out field research trials on the same farm.
David Orban
David Orban is the Founder and Managing Partner of Network Society Ventures, a seed stage global investment firm focused on
innovative ventures in exponential technologies and decentralized networks.
He is an entrepreneur, visionary, guru, author, blogger, keynote speaker, and thought leader of the global technology landscape. His entrepreneurial accomplishments span several companies founded and grown over more than twenty years.
David is on the Faculty of and Advisor to the Singularity University, based in Moffett Field, CA. He is an Adjunct Professor at LUISS Business School in Rome. He is also a mentor for the Thiel Fellowship, a Scientific Advisory Board Member for the Lifeboat Foundation, a Founder of the Open Government Data working group, and an Advisor to the Institute of Ethics and Emergent Technologies and numerous startups in Europe and North America.
Born in Budapest, Hungary, David studied Physics at the University of Milan and the University of Padua.
Gary Jones
Gary Jones is the majority owner of Creative AG Products, Inc. where he is responsible for finance, accounting and company leadership. He has been involved with Pacific Gro since 2006, and acquired the business in 2014.
Gary completed an MBA at the University of Washington in 1972, and his experience includes four years in finance with Paccar/Kenworth, and 1 year in banking. He has had a long career in property development and residential construction. Gary also manages three other successful businesses including a food processing plant, used equipment dealership, and an organic grass-fed ranch.
Dr. Arden Anderson
B.S., Agriculture, University of Arizona
Ph.D., Biophysics, Clayton University
D.O., College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
Educated as both an agronomist and a medical doctor, Dr. Anderson is one of the world's top consultants on advanced soil and crop management. He is a practicing physician and maintains reserve status as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Air Force.
As a doctor he helps his patients take dynamic control of their health using proven therapies and diet; as a farmer he has long made the connection between healthy and nutritious foods grown in rich soils and the health and vitality they offer.
He is the author of three books, Science in Agriculture, Real Medicine, Real Health, and Anatomy of Life and Energy in Agriculture.