The International Potash Institute welcomes new Director
21 June 2021, Switzerland: “It is an honor for me to take on the role of IPI Director.” explained Shay Mey‑Tal. “You only have to look at IPI’s global achievements since 1952 to understand the responsibility and great potential of this role.”
Handing on the privilege of leading IPI
Hillel Magen was one of the first to join in the congratulations. “I am happy that Shay Mey‑Tal takes the helm. Shay’s proven abilities in ag-tech, plant nutrition and irrigation are a perfect match for the IPI. Besides continuing with solid soil and plant science agronomy, it is high time now to bring in innovation and new digital tools to serve farmers and improve sustainable agricultural production. I am sure Shay will lead the institute to successes and ambitious collaborations with the many researchers and institutions we work with.”
Before his appointment to IPI, Shay Mey‑Tal had more than twenty years of agronomy experience working first as a seed breeding farm manager, five years work with ICL Speciality Fertilizers, then ten years as owner and CEO of an Israeli specialist agronomy company followed by almost five years as chief agronomist for an irrigation company before joining ICL as VP Agronomy early in 2021.
Forging a future with ag-tech and on-the-ground best practice
Looking ahead to the potential of IPI to continue to contribute to global agriculture, Shay Mey‑Tal is optimistic. “We’ll need to find ways to produce much more food, while taking into account environmental effects. This is a huge challenge for all who are involved in agriculture and our organization, of course, will play its part. Previously, I have worked in agronomy at the field level and in Ag-tech entrepreneurship. I’ll use this experience to steer our organization to develop technology-based solutions and relevant fertilizing methods for the farmer’s level globally.”
Valuing IPI’s strong foundations
Facilitating positive change on a global scale requires strong partnerships and positive collaboration. Just before he handed over to the new Director, Hillel Magen wanted to shine a light on what he sees as one of the IPI’s greatest strengths. “On this occasion, I wish to thank all our partners around the world: without the fertile cooperation we always shared, it would have been impossible to conduct research and disseminate the results that farmers so appreciate. It was so rewarding to work with you all. Good luck to you, Shay: IPI has a young spirit, even though it will be celebrating reaching the age of 70 next year!”
In response, the new IPI Director Shay Mey‑Tal wanted to express his own thanks. “I want to thank the board members of IPI who nominated me, and especially Hillel Magen, the previous IPI director who held the wheel and navigated IPI so wisely since 2004.” He concluded with a rallying call to all current and future collaborators. “I encourage you all to join us on this next part of our great journey and to be involved in the IPI’s activities. I think we are living in an exciting time for agriculture.”
