Agribusiness Award Highlights Richard Ojo’s Sustainable Vision

Agribusiness success highlights Ojo’s innovation and impact

• Bonnie Johnson
• October 14, 2026
• Media Article

Richard Ojo gained recognition through agribusiness and sustainability programs, earning an award for value-added agriculture while advancing research on soil health, food systems and food security.

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Richard Ojo, a research associate at Kentucky State University, recently gained recognition through two professional development programs focused on agricultural innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable food systems. His work highlights efforts to connect agricultural research with practical solutions for farmers and consumers.
 

Ojo earned third place and a $2,000 prize in the Tournament of Ideas pitch competition, held through the Agribusiness Entrepreneurial Academy at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. His project, Richworth Dried Habanero Flakes, was designed to reduce losses from fresh habanero peppers by creating a shelf-stable product that adds value for growers.
 

The academy helped Ojo develop the business concept by refining its marketing strategy, production plan, target audience and financial model. The experience expanded his understanding of value-added agriculture and agricultural entrepreneurship.
 

At Kentucky State University, Ojo works with Dr. Maheteme Gebremedhin on research involving soil health, regenerative agriculture and farmer engagement. Their studies focus on practices such as reduced tillage, cover cropping and biochar while working closely with farmers to evaluate real-world applications.
 

Ojo also participated in Food Day during Climate Week NYC after completing the Reducetarian Foundation’s Sustainable Food Systems Certificate program. The event brought together experts from academia, policy, philanthropy and industry to discuss sustainable food production, nutrition, food access and public health.
 

The experience broadened Ojo’s perspective on food systems by highlighting the importance of affordability, distribution and consumer access alongside agricultural production. Discussions also emphasized collaboration among researchers, farmers, communities and policymakers to develop practical and effective solutions.
 

Together, the two programs provided complementary insights into entrepreneurship, value-added agriculture and sustainable food systems. Ojo said the experiences reinforced the importance of connecting agricultural innovation with solutions that benefit both producers and consumers while improving food security and community well-being.
 

Photo Credit: Kentucky State University