IFDC is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Trey Cutts to its Board of Directors on October 23 as the newly designated Alabama board representative. With more than 20 years of experience in the agricultural industry, Dr. Cutts brings a strong depth of expertise spanning the public and private sectors, both internationally and within Alabama’s thriving agricultural community.
Throughout his career, Dr. Cutts has managed large research and development programs, building strong value propositions to advance the field.
He has driven important innovations, leading teams to develop drought-tolerant maize in Africa, improve on-farm input use efficiency in Alabama with Auburn University, and advance fertilizer solutions that reduce the carbon footprint and increase resource efficiency with Yara.
With strong ties to the state’s farming and research networks, Dr. Cutts is known for building collaborations that turn scientific breakthroughs into scalable, practical solutions. He earned his doctorate in Plant Breeding from Texas A&M University and holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Crop and Soil Science from the University of Georgia.
Dr. Cutts’ appointment fills a key vacancy for Alabama representation on IFDC’s Board. While IFDC’s mission spans continents, its roots are firmly planted in the Shoals.
The Innovation Center underway in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, demonstrates IFDC’s local commitment to transforming agricultural systems through collaborative research, technological advances, and sustainable solutions. Ultimately, IFDC’s work will strengthen Alabama’s position as a leader in cutting-edge fertilizer and plant nutrition innovation, driving rural and economic development while advancing the state’s agricultural sector.
Dr. Cutts’ leadership and expertise will be essential in accelerating the Center’s initiatives and enhancing collaboration across the state’s agricultural and scientific communities.
“Dr. Trey Cutts brings invaluable expertise and a deep connection to Alabama’s agricultural community as well as our relevant network in Washington, D.C., making him an ideal addition to IFDC’s Board,” noted Henk van Duijn, President and CEO of IFDC, “His leadership in advancing sustainable solutions links perfectly with the work underway at our Innovation Center in Muscle Shoals. As we continue to strengthen our impact in Alabama, Dr. Cutts will play a key role in guiding IFDC’s efforts to reinforce the organization’s position as a hub for innovation and develop agricultural technologies that help farmers here and all over the world.”
The IFDC Board and staff warmly welcome Dr. Cutts to the team with gratitude for his commitment to serve in this important role. We look forward to working closely with Dr. Cutts as he brings fresh perspectives, experience, and strategic insight to help drive IFDC’s mission forward.





