Neal Carter
Canada | Genetic Engineering
Neal Carter founded Okanagan Specialty Fruits (OSF) as a biotech startup to modernize the apple industry and reduce food waste. Under his leadership, OSF developed a nonbrowning apple though it took 22 years to get the first genetically engineered apple on the market. Carter brought similar tenacity to his first career as an ag engineer, working to establish farms in over 70 countries. He continues to leverage innovative breeding methods and international collaboration to develop apples and pears with disease tolerance and pest resistance traits. He is currently spearheading the “Farm of the Future,” a revolutionary initiative employing biotechnology to make fundamental changes in apple tree architecture to reduce production costs, support sustainable agricultural practices and ensure the industry’s continued economic viability. Carter continues to serve as the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Okanagan Specialty Fruits.