The GOFAR non-profit organization undertakes to promote and develop the agricultural robotics sector at an international level. Like Robagri, whose objective is to facilitate the technical development of agricultural robots, GOFAR meets the increasing need for visibility and networking in the agricultural robotics sector.
Since 2016, FIRA has managed to establish itself as the leading event for professionals in the agricultural robotics sector. Launched and organized since then by Naïo Technologies, FIRA is now carried out by the association GOFAR (Global Organization for Agricultural Robotics).
An independent organization had to emerge to make the voice of the sector ring out and develop a promotional component that is lacking in the existing structures. This was the preamble to the creation of GOFAR in 2019 by Axema and Naïo Technologies, with the participation of RobAgri to the Executive Board as a member and the entrance of Capagro as treasorier in 2020.
GOFAR therefore aims to organize the meeting between the relevant stakeholders, and to support them by taking an active part in the development of the agricultural robotics market hence implementing a promotional campaign of international scale (organization of events, production of actions of communication and participation of trade fairs in France and abroad).
Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World’s Leaders and Gwendoline Legrand:
Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of the workplace.
It’s always hard to describe ourselves, isn’t it? Well, I’m very open-minded, always curious about learning new things, and conscious of climate change. I love meeting new people; it makes life richer!
Describe your background and what did you do before you started/joined the company?
With a degree in Business Promotion and Sustainable Development, I have been working in agricultural robotics since 2014, as she was managing the communication of a French robot manufacturer. I have always been passionate about innovation to solve environmental and social problems. By supporting the development of autonomous machines, I sincerely believe that robotics is a key to fighting against climate change and reducing the drudgery of work.
Since 2016, I have co-directed FIRA. My main job consists of developing strong partnerships around the world to bring together an involved community of actors in the agricultural robotics value chain. FIRA’s events—the Agricultural Robotics Forum—are a powerful tool that she continues to develop with enthusiasm.
Tell us about the inception of the company. How did it all start?
The story of FIRA started in 2016, powered by the French robot manufacturer Naïo Technologies. I was in charge of the communication of the start up at that time, and we had the crazy idea of launching a niche event dedicated to the agricultural robotics industry. After 3 years and huge success, we decided to create a non profit association to organize FIRA events.
What has made you successful? What do you value?
I think both the fact that it is a niche event, and a worldwide community with strong issues to tackle all together. No event was focused on agricultural robotics, and we are still the only one. People appreciate meeting, discovering the latest advances, and finding new collaborations during FIRA. Now, with outdoor robot demos, FIRA has taken a new turn that brings even more participants.
Which are the major services of the company and how do the company to get ahead in the competition? What value-added services does the company provide?
As I mentioned, we are always trying to find the key format that makes us unique: with the outdoor demos on real cultivated fields, we are the only event in the world to provide so many demos of robots at the same place!
What are the most important aspects of a company’s culture? What principles do you believe in and how do you build this culture?
Agility and collaboration! Agility is easy as we are a small team of 4 people every day, and collaborations: we always listen to new opportunities to make sure we are aligned with our ecosystem’s needs. And working with key people reinforces our actions!
What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company?
They are always carefully listened to and analyzed!
Give us your opinion on; do organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes?
I think the answer is in the question: both are truly important to take into account. Without individual input or teamwork, you will never innovate!
What are your responsibilities as the Founder/CEO of the company? What is the happiest part of your daily routine?
I am in charge of strategic partnerships and all aspects of marketing and promotion.
The happiest part: receiving emails or meeting someone who says “Thanks to your event, I have made new business or development”.
What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?
Stay open-minded, but firm!
