Research Lab

Examine the latest economic and business trends in agrifood through our bi-monthly index report highlighting the contrast between the short-term and long-term outlooks of our participants.

The agricultural sector, a vital pillar of global food security, is currently experiencing a significant transformation thanks to the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT).

When surveying an entire industry, it is beneficial to break down the industry into different segments.

For companies in the agriculture and food industry, ESG factors have become increasingly important due to changing stakeholder expectations and regulatory requirements.

The agriculture and food industry is a highly complex and interconnected system that relies on various stakeholders to ensure the production and delivery of quality food products. In recent years, the industry has experienced a rapid growth in the amount of data generated from various sources, including IoT sensors, GPS trackers, and weather stations, among others. However, this abundance of data has created new challenges, especially regarding data interoperability and interconnectivity.

In the context of agriculture and the food industry, two critical concepts are food safety and food security. Both concepts are essential to ensure that the food produced and consumed is safe, nutritious, and accessible.

Labor challenges in the agriculture and food industry are multi-dimensional and complex. One of the main challenges is labor shortage.

Traceability refers to the ability to track the movement of food products from one point in the supply chain to another. In the agriculture and food value chain, this means being able to trace the origin of raw materials and ingredients used in the production of food, as well as the location of finished products as they move from farm to fork.

One of the key principles of open innovation is that great ideas can come from anywhere, not just from within an organization.

Analyzing the role of big data in the transition process of data to intelligence. 

Embracing the mantra “Innovate or Die” is common among many companies. Managers understand the necessity of constant improvement to stay ahead of competitors. However, in my conversations with companies, many struggle to develop meaningful innovation strategies. Innovation often ends up in the realms of serendipity or randomness.

In recent times, the question of where our food originates has garnered significant interest among individuals. This curiosity often arises from concerns surrounding food safety, sustainability, the support of local businesses, animal welfare, and workers' rights, among others. The ability to trace the origin of food products is crucial, especially during food recalls, as it enables swift identification and resolution of the source of contamination.

Survey Highlights Gap in Sustainability Knowledge and Persistent Food Insecurity Challenges.

While agricultural innovation soars, adoption lags: Inside the strategic shifts reshaping farm tech's future.

Inside the strategic decision to build CommoditAg as a separate company—and why it led to a successful exit.

DIAL Ventures presents an extensive exploration of Climate Smart Agrifood Systems, offering decision-makers across the agrifood value chain a comprehensive analysis and dynamic reference tool for driving sustainable growth and innovation.

The DIAL Ventures Agrifood Economy Index provides valuable insights into how executives and decision-makers in our value chain rate and perceive our industry's trajectory.

A joint analysis from Purdue University’s Center for Food Demand Analysis and Sustainability (CFDAS) and DIAL Ventures examines current consumer and producer demand for transparency in the food supply chain.

In this White Paper, developed by the Department of Agricultural Economics Purdue University in partnership with AgriNovus Indiana and DIAL Ventures, the topic of tackling and solving food insecurity with private sector innovations is discussed.

It is more than clear now that data-driven decision-making is crucial for any company that aims to remain profitable and competitive in today’s markets. Agribusiness’ companies are no exception to this rule. More than just basing their decision-making on data, a company needs to fully embrace the concept of competitive intelligence, in which the right data, at the right time, analyzed in the best form, communicated optimally, and acted upon will produce competitive advantage.