Dr. Michelle (Chelly) Hresko Joins 2Blades’ Sustainability Council

2Blades welcomes Dr. Michelle (Chelly) Hresko to its Sustainability Council, a non-governing board made up of passionate individuals who are motivated to contribute to a future where everyone has enough nutritious food to eat and where food is produced in a sustainable system that protects natural resources. The Council plays a critical role in helping 2Blades to build on more than 20 years of progress in producing resilient crops, and to continue to undertake and deliver innovation into the hands of growers.

Dr. Hresko is a dedicated professional with an interest in agriculture and sustainable farming practices. Recently retired from her role as the Global Row Crop Disease Management Lead at Bayer Crop Science, she bring over 25 years of experience within the agricultural industry, working across a diverse range of settings including biotech startups, non-profit organizations, and large agricultural enterprises.

Growing up, Dr. Hresko was surrounded by the realities of farming; her brother raised cattle and pigs just behind their home, and a nearby vegetable farm thrived. These experiences instilled in her an appreciation for where our food comes from. However, it was her time at Divergence, a biotech startup, that truly opened her eyes to the myriad challenges that farmers, particularly smallholders, face on a daily basis. 

After Divergence was acquired by Monsanto, which was subsequently acquired by Bayer, Dr. Hresko chose to remain with the organization. This decision was driven by her appreciation of the central role growers play in ensuring food security and safeguarding the environment for future generations. She believes that by continuing to innovate and provide growers with the tools they need, we can create a more sustainable and food-secure future for all. As she steps into retirement, she looks forward to continuing to support initiatives, like those at 2Blades, that prioritize the well-being of our planet and its people.