Liz Pham is the Chief Growth Officer at GrainFox. Liz came to GrainFox, formerly known as FarmLink, during a career transition with no prior experience in agriculture, and found that the skills she had developed earlier in her career were transferable to her exciting new role in agtech. GrainFox has participated in activities at EMILI’s Innovation Farms powered by AgExpert, and we were pleased to have Liz share her expertise on a panel at Agriculture Enlightened 2024. Here, Liz shares her thoughts on working in agtech as well as valuable advice for anyone considering a career in digital agriculture.
Describe your product in one sentence
GrainFox is a powerful digital platform that supports producers on their journey from bin to bank with personalized strategies and farm wealth tools, while also equipping agribusinesses with market insights and decision-making tools to drive success across the agricultural value chain.
Where did you grow up? Was it an agriculture or urban environment?
Our family immigrated from Vietnam to Canada in 1982, and we have spent most of our lives growing up in Winnipeg.
What was your dream job when you were a kid?
Sports have always been a significant part of my life and still are today. The skills I gained from playing on sports teams – teamwork, resilience, hard work, commitment, communication, and drive – are invaluable and continue to shape my professional and personal life. As a kid, my dream was to play in the NBA (since the WNBA didn’t exist yet). I aspired to be a professional athlete, and if that didn’t work out, I dreamed of becoming a sports analyst or working for the Nike Air Jordan brand.
What was your first job in the agriculture or agri-food sector?
I joined GrainFox, formerly FarmLink Marketing Solutions, in 2018 as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. As the company developed its GrainFox platform and rebranded to GrainFox Corp., I transitioned into the role of Chief Growth Officer to support its expansion and growth.
What brought you to your current role?
During a career transition after my maternity leave, I was introduced to the agriculture industry through FarmLink. Although new to the sector, I recognized that my transferable skills from previous roles could bring significant value to the company. Entering a growing industry also offered exciting career growth opportunities, making it an ideal next step in my professional journey.
How does digital agriculture or agtech play a role in your current job?
Digital agriculture and agricultural technology are at the core of everything we do at GrainFox. We have transformed from a traditional consulting company into a dynamic software as a service (SaaS) business, leading the way with groundbreaking tools like our Smart Advisor, a personalized recommendation tool powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning technology. Our focus on innovation shapes the culture of our company, fostering an agile, forward-thinking environment where technology drives decision making and growth. By building strategic partnerships and embracing collaboration, we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the agriculture technology space.
What advice would you give someone considering a career in digital agriculture?
Digital agriculture offers an extraordinary opportunity to contribute to one of the world’s most essential industries – feeding the planet. This field spans a wide range of disciplines, from technology, data analytics, and engineering to science, marketing, and business strategy. It’s a space where innovation thrives, combining cutting-edge advancements like artificial intelligence and precision agriculture with the need for collaboration, sustainability, and practical problem-solving. A career in agriculture allows you to work globally, address real-world challenges, and build a legacy in an industry that touches every aspect of life. Whether your expertise lies in technology, business, science, or communication, the agriculture sector provides unparalleled opportunities to apply and expand your skills in meaningful ways. It’s a people-driven, technology-enabled, and purpose-focused field where your work can make a lasting global impact. Joining digital agriculture means being part of a forward-thinking industry that values creativity, innovation, and collaboration to solve critical challenges and shape the future.
What’s your favourite part about working in digital agriculture and agri-food?
My favorite part about working in digital agriculture is the intersection of cutting-edge technology with a traditionally rooted industry. I enjoy viewing the field through a business lens. I’m fascinated by the vast range of verticals it encompasses, from production and post-production to commodities markets, consumer goods, and beyond. Agriculture touches every stage of the value chain, both in the field and off the field, integrating advancements in life sciences, robotics, artificial intelligence, and more. What makes it even more meaningful is the people driving this industry forward—their expertise, dedication, and passion are at the heart of every innovation, creating a unique balance between tradition, technology, and human connection that makes agriculture truly special.
What’s something that surprised you when you started working in digital agriculture?
Stepping into a new industry, I initially felt like a fish out of water. However, I quickly realized how transferable my previous career experiences were and how they enhanced my role in the agriculture space. What surprised me most is how interconnected agriculture is with other industries, highlighting its broad impact and significance in the global economy. I also believe that the diversity of people and disciplines entering the field is what will truly drive the industry forward, bringing fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and collaborative solutions to tackle its challenges and opportunities.
What’s the most interesting thing you see happening in digital agriculture right now?
One of the most fascinating developments in digital agriculture is the growing role of artificial intelligence. AI is transforming how we approach agriculture, enabling smarter decision making, automating processes, and uncovering insights we couldn’t see before. It’s not something to fear but rather a tool to embrace. By leaning into AI, educating ourselves about its capabilities, and exploring how it can solve real-world challenges, we open the door to greater efficiency, sustainability, and innovation. However, what makes it truly compelling is that technology alone isn’t the answer. People remain at the center of it all. It’s the blend of human intuition, creativity, and expertise with the power of AI that will drive agriculture forward and ensure its lasting impact on the world.
This profile is part of EMILI’s This is Agriculture series, highlighting talented and diverse individuals across the digital agriculture sector. While individuals working in agriculture come from a variety of backgrounds, they share a common interest in growing and strengthening Canadian agriculture to ensure an environmentally and economically sustainable future for generations to come.