Driving across the midwest, you see the mesmerizing honey gold “waves of grain.” But the truth behind those scenic views is that hard-working farmers are in the midst of a raging battle. American agriculture faces a myriad of challenges, including soil degradation and drought, a need for reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides to protect their yields, and increasing demand and regulations for sustainable practices to combat the environmental impacts of farming. Fortunately, a breakthrough is underway, driven by Eddy Mejia and his team at Earnest Agriculture.
Earnest Agriculture’s breakthrough lies in its advanced seed coatings, which utilize diverse bacterial communities sourced from rare prairie ecosystems, of which only 2% are left in the world. These coatings improve nutrient absorption, boost plant resilience, and offer natural disease and pest protection, which reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. By coating seeds with specially selected beneficial bacteria, the company provides a natural boost to plant health. These bacteria are chosen based on rigorous criteria, including their benefits to plants, resource needs, and optimal growing conditions.
The company’s product also benefits the environment by increasing carbon sequestration, improving drought resistance, and reducing the need for fertilizers, which helps minimize runoff and its impact on ecosystems.
Earnest Agriculture’s Founder
As the founder of Earnest Agriculture, Eddy’s journey from high school to military veteran and successful entrepreneur embodies the same tenacity and resilience as the growers he is helping and the solutions he is creating.
His early years were marked by a series of diverse and challenging experiences. After graduating high school, Eddy’s dream of becoming a computer engineer was derailed by financial constraints and personal struggles. Enrolled in community college, he completed 25 credits before jumping into the “real world.” He took on restaurant work, retail positions at Target and JCPenney, telemarketing, and even a stint at Pepsi. Those jobs were formative experiences. “They instilled in me a strong work ethic and a number of skills that I utilize to this day,” asserts Eddy.
A significant turning point came when he found himself in a troubling situation. Eddy recounts, “I ended up in the wrong crowd and started partying. One night, I walked into an apartment where people were using crack. It hit me hard — I asked myself, ‘What the hell am I doing in this environment?’”
He continues, “My parents are immigrants from Colombia who came here with nothing and worked hard to build a better life for us, for me. I realized I was on the verge of ruining everything they had worked for and achieved. That realization drove me to turn my life around, and I decided to join the military.”
Turning Point
Eddy’s uncle, a retired military veteran, encouraged him to enlist, and Eddy saw it as an opportunity to gain direction and discipline. As an IT specialist, Eddy managed communications and technology in the Army, including help desk support, computers, satellites, and radios. His service, which included deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, exposed him to the harsh realities of war, including being shot at and facing daily dangers.
Eddy’s military service provided a renewed sense of purpose and resilience. After his service, he continued his education, earning an associate’s degree and then a bachelor’s in Computer Engineering. That period of academic growth was accompanied by a growing entrepreneurial spirit.
First Entrepreneurial Venture
Eddy’s entrepreneurial journey began with a high-end shoebox business. Inspired by the collectible shoe market, Eddy sought to create a premium product that catered to enthusiasts. He raised $35,000, conducted extensive market research, and even traveled to China to source materials. The business, which sold luxury shoeboxes, provided Eddy with invaluable lessons in business management, product development, and market strategy. Now in the process of being purchased, it has been a crucial learning experience.
During this time, Eddy also became an internal consultant for his family’s commercial cleaning business, which had been growing steadily. He successfully guided the expansion of the business from $4 million to $10 million in annual recurring revenue, gaining significant experience in operations and business development.
Transition to Agriculture
Eddy’s pivot to agriculture began when joined forces with Gabe Price, co-founder, and Chief Scientific Officer for Earnest Agriculture. Gabe grew up in a farming community and holds a PhD in Microbial Ecology where he focused on using bacteria to naturally protect plants against disease. “He brings a wealth of knowledge in agriculture and microbiology, and he has a passion for sustainable solutions,” Eddy explains.
Gabe Price’s passion for helping plants thrive began in his childhood, tending to his family garden. This early love for nature grew as he became a camp counselor focused on ecology and conservation and eventually president of his high school’s environmental club. Gabe initially began his studies as a pre-med student at St. Ambrose University, but he soon realized that it wasn’t the right path for him.
After discussing his interests with his college counselor, he was encouraged to join a research experience program at Michigan State University and researched nitrogen-producing microbes in soybeans, which ignited his deep passion for the science of microbes and plants. As he progressed into his junior and senior years at St. Ambrose, he shifted his focus to studying how bacterial communities behave in soil. He then continued his studies at the University of Illinois for graduate school, where he researched how specific microbe pairs can work together to suppress disease in corn. Gabe’s extensive background in microbial ecology and his lifelong dedication to environmental sustainability laid the foundation for his innovative work at Earnest Agriculture.
“Initially, the plan was to build a device that would allow cattle farmers to compost manure on-site, adding bacteria to enhance the process. However, recognizing the logistical challenges of implementing this on farms, we pivoted to bring the manure to our facility. There, we composted it, packaged it, and planned to add bacteria before selling it. We then made another adjustment by focusing on delivering the bacteria via seed coating instead.” Composting alone faced high competition and slim profit margins, with many alternatives available at lower costs. The shift to seed coating allowed Eddy and Gabe to leverage their technology more effectively and differentiate their product in the market.
Eddy and Gabe continue to look for ways to improve their product, including extending its shelf life and refining its formulations to ensure ongoing effectiveness. They are also working hard to shift farmers’ perceptions regarding the benefits of biological solutions, and they remain focused on helping farmers move away from synthetic inputs and towards natural, organic alternatives. With Eddy and Gabe’s solution, farmers can win the war against the forces impacting their yields.
“We are working on changing the world through sustainability initiatives, research, and development,” says Eddy. “And by empowering farmers with natural, effective solutions, we’re not just improving crop yields — we’re also protecting the environment for future generations.”
