March 14, 2018

Blockchain, digital currencies, and other FinTech innovations are coming to a grain silo and tomato farm near you.

While disruptive banking technologies excite and scare central bankers and industry players alike, these innovations will integrate into the agricultural sector faster than many realize. Grain testing companies, wheat trading platforms, and retailers are already using blockchain to improve transparency for consumers and traders. At last week’s MIT FinTech conference that I attended, Gary Gensler (former CFTC Chairman) told the audience that talks are under way by Japanese, Korean, Singaporean, U.S., and other major governments to figure out how to regulate digital currency exchanges and initial coin offerings.  In fact, the Australian Stock Exchange has become the first major bourse to announce the adoption of blockchain technology.

Agriculture and food companies have a lot to learn about these FinTech trends.  Blockchain’s transparency and efficiency potential, financing the business of Ag, and an Ag/FinTech showcase will be held in Boston, June 6 & 7, 2018 at AgTech Nexus.  www.agtechnexus.com

By Greg Mellinger, CEO of HighQuest Partners