Agriculture and Horticulture

Dr. Taher Kassem is an award-winning engineer, innovator, and executive leader specializing in sustainable aquaculture and smart system integration. He is the Co-Founder and CEO of ALGOFAIT, a consulting firm pioneering AI- and IoT-based solutions for eco-efficient seafood production. With over 12 years of international experience, Dr. Kassem has led transformative projects across Europe, the Gulf, and North Africa, focusing on smart farms, environmental engineering, and resource optimization. His patented innovations in land-based and floating fish farming have been recognized by the EU Business Awards and AgriNext Awards 2024. A PhD holder in Smart and Sustainable Aquaculture from Université de Lille, France, Dr. Kassem is committed to advancing climate-resilient agriculture and promoting global collaboration for sustainable food systems.

Juan Pablo Brichta is the CEO and Chairman of Agro Advance Technology, a biotechnology company at the forefront of developing innovative products based on beneficial microorganisms. With a focus on research, development, and production of bio-inputs, Brichta has guided the company to become a leader in providing sustainable agricultural solutions across Latin America. Under his leadership, Agro Advance Technology has pioneered a new concept in inoculation by mixing microorganisms such as Azospirillum brasilense and Pseudomonas fluorescens, which has significantly impacted conventional inoculant techniques globally. The company's products not only enhance productivity but also promote the sustainable use of scarce resources, aligning with global demands for eco-friendly agricultural practices.
Brichta's strategic vision is anchored in transforming challenges into opportunities through knowledge, creativity, and rigorous scientific methods. He has led Agro Advance Technology in registering new bio-stimulants and launching innovative biological solutions, such as a biological bait to combat cutting ants, meeting the stringent requirements of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for alternatives to chemical inputs. Committed to advancing the field of applied biotechnology, Brichta continues to forge strategic alliances with leading laboratories worldwide, ensuring Agro Advance Technology remains at the cutting edge of agricultural innovation.

Şahnur IRMAK is an Agicultural Engineer. He has a PhD degree in Food Science and Chemistry. Since 2000 he works as a researcher in the Bornova Olive Research Institute (ORI), İzmir, TÜRKİYE. He is an expert on organoleptic assessment, nutritional characteristics, table olive and olive oil processing technology, packaging and storage techniques, table olive and olive oil sensorial analyses. He is the panelist of Olive Research Institute which “International Olive Council” recognized tasting panel of olive oil. He is the panel chairman of the International Olive Istanbul Table Olive Quality Competition.
One of the his latest work is on the production of natural black olives in little salty brine. Within the framework of the project ARIMNET2, we (Spain, Tunisia and Turkey) carry out research on olive oil of the determination of the value chain. We work to study to gather Italy, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Germany and Egypt on the Multi topics PRIMA Call 2022- Agri-food value chain, Topic– Enabling the transition to healthy and sustainable dietary behavior, Research & Innovation Actions (RIA) for this project “Microbial resources for a sustainable olive oil system and a healthier Mediterranean food: from by-products to functional food”. In addition, on the Multi topics PRIMA Call 2023- Agri-food value chain, Our project was entitled to be supported. We will conduct research to ensure that table black olives are presented to consumers in a healthier and higher quality manner with organic-based bio nanocomposite packaging.
He started his olive oil sensory analysis studies in 2006 with ONAOO Technical Course for Olive Oil Tasters. He is an accredited olive oil taster since 2015. He is a member of the jury in national and international olive oil and table olive tasting competitions.

He is working as Assistant Professor (Vegetable Science) since August 29, 2016 at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Farm Science Centre), Tarn Taran, Punjab, India. He is working on vegetable crops with a focus on improving input use efficiency and identifying remunerative crop sequences Integrated nutrient, pest and weed management and development of production technologies for mechanized cultivation• He is facilitating the transfer of agricultural technologies from research institutions to farmers, and to providing training and support to enhance agricultural practices and As a Principal Investigator, Dr. Singh has led 2 research projects “Development of low-cost fruit fly traps for cucurbit vegetables and its demonstration at farmers' fields in border area of district Tarn Taran of Punjab, India and Popularization of water saving technologies in horticultural crops. Dr. Singh’s expertise extends internationally, He has attended 37th International Vegetable Training Course focused on safe vegetable production techniques at 'World Vegetable Centre, East and Southeast Asia Kamphaeng Saen, Thailand 19 - 30 November 2018 and Conference on Organic Agriculture for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development 9-10 December 2024, Colombo, Sri Lanka organised by APO, Japan. He has published 20 original research papers in journals of national and international repute, presented 5 research papers at various National and International conferences/symposia, published 25 extension articles, 02 book chapters one book published on entitled “Drum Stick (Moringa oleifera Lam.) - A Miracle Tree in India".