On the Vine
Danforth Center Building

St. Louis Hosts Global Agrifood Summit


The Danforth Center recently hosted agtech leaders from around the world as part of the BioSTL Global Innovation Summit. KTVI FOX 2 News was here to report on the event, and their coverage highlights why St. Louis is a powerful hub for innovation in agtech. Watch it here.

ARISE delegation.

ARISE Arrives


More than 20 global agtech leaders representing seven countries recently convened in St. Louis to advance collaboration on food security and sustainable agriculture. This trip was part of a new initiative called AgriTech for Resilience, Innovation & Sustainable Ecosystems (ARISE) which aims to build global relationships in agtech. Read more.

Spearhead Bio team members in a Danforth Center greenhouse.

Spearhead Bio Named "Startup to Watch"
 

Spearhead Bio, a Danforth Center spinout company revolutionizing crop genome engineering, is one of eleven companies included on St. Louis Business Journal’s “Startups to Watch 2026” list. The company, founded by Principal Investigator Keith Slotkin, PhD, is focused on making crop improvement better. Read the full write-up here.

 

Giles Oldroyd and Sarah Fenske

President on the Pod


Danforth Center President Giles Oldroyd, PhD, was recently a guest on The 314 Podcast with Sarah Fenske of Saint Louis Magazine. During their discussion, Giles talks about his journey to the Center, his move to Missouri, and how St. Louis is a global leader in agtech innovation. Watch or listen to the episode here.

Norma Deen Juracsik

A Nurse, A Hiker, A Legacy


Norma Deen Juracsik has dedicated her life to caring for others and protecting our planet. Her passion for giving back led her to supporting the Danforth Center more than two decades ago. And ever since, she has continued to be a tireless advocate and friend. Read more about her story. 

Child at PlantTech Jam.

Events: PlantTech Jam 2026 | March 7


PlantTech Jam is free hands-on science, tinkering, and robotics fun for the whole family. This interactive event features science innovation and technology related activities for all ages. Plus, learn more about the Danforth Center through a behind-the-scenes tour of our scientific facilities and prairie. Register today.

Giles Oldroyd at a podium.

Events: Seeds of Change with Giles Oldroyd | March 26


Internationally renowned scientist and new president of the Danforth Center Dr. Giles Oldroyd is advancing a bold vision for how plants can improve our world. Join us for his first major event—and discover the power of plant science. (Virtual viewing option also available.) Don’t miss out. Register today.

A Gift from the Heart


Our efforts to help feed the world, protect our planet, and grow our region would not be possible without our supporters. As we enter the final year of our Future Forward campaign, help change lives here and around the world by making a gift to the Danforth Center today.

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In Case You Missed It...
Child being kissed by parent inside of the Future Forward logo.

Future Forward

Nigel Taylor with Rwandan farmers.

Strengthening Rwanda 

The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center | 975 N. Warson Rd. | St Louis, MO 63132 US