
A FARMER-CENTRIC INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM
TO STRENGTHEN AMERICAN FOOD POWER
Our Leadership

Getting to the root of the problem
Mission-Driven Innovation
Farmers and ranchers need better tools, technologies, and solutions to overcome their most pressing challenges and remain resilient in the compounding risk environment of the future. They want their trusted partners to help them develop, discern, and adopt the right solutions for their operations.


Our Why
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Food security is vital to national security
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Farmers and ranchers are foundational to food security
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The operating environment for Agri-food is becoming more complex and risks are compounding
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There must be intentionality in identifying or creating solutions that empower farmer success and optimize risk
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Solutions in search of a problem distract meaningful innovation
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America’s farmers and ranchers require innovation focused foremost on their needs
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Solutions can be found or built, but almost always evolve out of collaboration
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We can empower, facilitate, and inspire that work to be done

Foresee
Maintain a clear, intelligence-based view of the future and an understanding of the evolving dynamics across the Agri-Food Value Chain.

Understand
Understand the root causes of the challenges American farmers and ranchers face so we can galvanize the industry around the right solutions.

Solve
Engage innovators across industries to identify, inspire, and build products that help farmers overcome the challenges that impact American agriculture.

Empower
Empower farmer-centric organizations to deliver solutions to optimize grower risk and unlock opportunities.

"Idealyst Innovation is helping American farmers and ranchers optimize risk and unlock opportunity by aligning ag innovation and solving the distribution problems restricting their access to solutions that address their biggest challenges.
We look forward to working with both solution providers and distribution partners alike on this important mission. Ultimately, we believe the success of U.S. producers is vital for national security and America's food power. At Idealyst, we are dedicated to putting producers first, helping them navigate an escalating risk environment.
If you have any questions about our company or how you can engage with our innovation ecosystem, please do not hesitate to give us a call."
Brett Sciotto
CEO and Founder


Brett Sciotto
CEO
Brett Sciotto is the founder and CEO of Idealyst Innovation, a firm empowering American farmers and ranchers by solving on-farm challenges and unlocking new opportunities through innovation, delivered by their most trusted partners.
Before launching Idealyst, Brett founded and led Aimpoint Research, a global, strategic intelligence firm specializing in agri-food that was named to the 2021 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies in the U.S.
A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and a former Army Intelligence Officer, Brett Sciotto brings a practical, results-oriented approach to the civilian business world. His training in, and emphasis on, mission-critical information-gathering and targeted research methodologies make him unique in his approach to problem-solving in a corporate environment.
With over two decades of leadership and service to Agriculture, Brett's deep understanding of the dynamics facing our industry, clear view of the future, and relentless pursuit of solutions that strengthen American Food Power make him a trusted advisor to corporate leaders, government officials, and state and national organizations at all levels.

Greg Somerhalder
President & COO
Greg is the President and Chief Operating Officer of Idealyst Innovation, LLC, a firm that prides itself on delivering innovative solutions to American Farmers and Ranchers through the support of their most trusted partners.
Greg's journey in the agricultural sector spans over four decades, with his most recent role being the President and Chief Operating Officer of American AgCredit, ACA, an esteemed member of the Farm Credit System. Greg's tenure at American AgCredit, ACA, was marked by his unwavering dedication to the agricultural community, where he served farmers and ranchers. His prior experience and leadership were instrumental in various positions, including Chief Risk Officer of CoBank, ACB, and Chief Risk Officer of U.S. AgBank, FCB.
Greg pursued his academic interests at Oklahoma State University, where he earned a bachelor degree in agricultural economics. His education equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the agricultural sector and contribute meaningfully to its advancement.

Elizabeth Fastiggi
Chief Product Officer
Elizabeth Fastiggi is Chief Product Officer at Idealyst Innovation. She identifies and develops products and services for farmers and ranchers to empower them to address the greatest risks they face today and in the future. She is inspired to create solutions across the sector that create a healthier, transparent, and inclusive food system.
Prior to Idealyst, Elizabeth was the Global Head of Agriculture at Amazon Web Services, collaborating with clients across the agri-food industry to align transformative initiatives with digital innovation powered by data science and artificial intelligence. Previously, Elizabeth led Market Development at Indigo Agriculture and Farmers Business Network and was a private equity investor with GE Capital and Ziff Brothers Investments, structuring investments in the energy and agriculture sectors.
Elizabeth began her career at the Environmental Defense Fund, developing partnerships with market leading corporations, such as McDonald’s and FedEx, to improve environmental and financial performance. Elizabeth holds a BS in Environmental Science from the University of California, Berkeley, an MBA and MS in Environmental Science from the University of Michigan, and studied international policy and economics at the University of Oxford, UK.