Josette Lewis

Work

Josette works to bring sustainable agricultural practices to scale across the US. Reflecting the large footprint of fertilizer use in commodity crop production on the climate and our waters, environment, EDF’s sustainable agriculture program aims to end fertilizer pollution while recognizing the need for a more resilient, sustainable food system that benefits human and ecosystem health. To achieve this goal, Josette collaborates with large food companies, agribusinesses, grower associations, policymakers, and farmers themselves. Josette also oversees EDF’s efforts to measure the impact of sustainable agriculture practices using the best available science and technologies.

Background

Prior to EDF, Josette established the World Food Center at the University of California, Davis, where she developed partnerships across the agricultural and technology sectors and positioned the university as a thought leader on food and agriculture. Previously, she served as the Director of Agriculture Development for Arcadia Biosciences, and held various leadership roles on agriculture and food security within the U.S. Agency for International Development.

She has provided counsel to a U.S. Secretary of Agriculture’s advisory committee, the James Beard Foundation, the International Life Sciences Foundation, and the Foundation for Ag Research.

Education

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles