As the farm-to-fork movement gains traction around the world, consumers are seeking more local, fresh and organic foods, and expecting increased transparency around the food supply chain and food safety.

ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Techstars Farm to Fork Accelerator, co-funded by Ecolab and Cargill in partnership with Techstars, launched today. This first-of-its-kind program to be based in the Twin Cities will identify entrepreneurs and start-up companies from around the world who have innovative ideas focused on agriculture, food-related digital technology, food processing and food safety. These companies will be invited to participate in a three-month mentorship-driven accelerator program managed by Ecolab, Cargill and Techstars.

"We want to attract the best and brightest entrepreneurs and start-ups from around the world," said Ecolab Chairman and CEO Douglas M. Baker, Jr. "Both Ecolab and Cargill are well positioned to help farm-to-fork entrepreneurs understand and address changing food trends. Participants in our accelerator program will benefit from Ecolabs expertise in sustainable food processing and food safety, as well as Cargills knowledge of agriculture and food production."

As the farm-to-fork movement gains traction around the world, consumers are seeking more local, fresh and organic foods, and expecting increased transparency around the food supply chain and food safety. At the same time, the global demand for food is rising. By 2030, the world will need 35 percent more food than what we produce today. The Farm to Fork Accelerator will enable participating companies to advance technologies that meet the growing farm-to-fork trend.

"There couldn't be a better time for this program," said Brett Brohl, Techstars Farm to Fork Accelerator managing director. "Food trends affect everyone. Entrepreneurs, consumers, investors and companies all over the world are increasingly aware of the growing challenges in the food value chain. The corporate leadership provided by Ecolab and Cargill, and the Techstars worldwide network, will help entrepreneurs succeed in this changing environment."

Over the next three years, the Farm to Fork Accelerator expects to attract hundreds of potential applicants, and will choose 30 high-potential companies for the program. These companies will receive a monetary investment, as well as mentoring from Ecolab and Cargill experts and access to Techstars global network.

The application process opens in January 2018, and the program kicks off in July 2018. To learn more, visit https://www.techstars.com/farm-to-fork-program/.

About Ecolab

A trusted partner at more than one million customer locations, Ecolab (ECL) is the global leader in water, hygiene and energy technologies and services that protect people and vital resources. With 2016 sales of $13 billion and 48,000 associates, Ecolab delivers comprehensive solutions and on-site service to promote safe food, maintain clean environments, optimize water and energy use, and improve operational efficiencies for customers in the food, healthcare, energy, hospitality and industrial markets in more than 170 countries around the world. For more Ecolab news and information, visit www.ecolab.com. Follow us on Twitter @ecolab or Facebook at facebook.com/ecolab.

About Cargill

Cargill provides food, agriculture, financial and industrial products and services to the world. Together with farmers, customers, governments and communities, we help people thrive by applying our insights and 150 years of experience. We have 155,000 employees in 70 countries who are committed to feeding the world in a responsible way, reducing environmental impact and improving the communities where we live and work. For more information, visit Cargill.com and our News Center.

About Techstars

Techstars is the worldwide network that helps entrepreneurs succeed. Techstars founders connect with other entrepreneurs, experts, mentors, alumni, investors, community leaders and corporations to grow their companies. Techstars operates four divisions: Techstars Startup Programs, Techstars Mentorship-Driven Accelerator Programs, Techstars Corporate Innovation Partnerships and the Techstars Venture Capital Fund. Learn more at www.techstars.com.