Who we are?

My name is Daniel Johansson. I am a trained marine engineer and worked within the marine world for seven years, both on board and onshore as a technical support engineer. In 2015 I joined the Global Food Garden project, where I took on the role of designing and building simplified aquaponic and hydroponic systems with a focus on international cooperation and development. Since 2019 I have been leading the project, focusing more and more on the full food system, on vision, strategy and structure, on capacity development and networking. Experience from our own projects have shown us the importance of including entrepreneurship as a fundamental part into our international coaching efforts projects. For me it is an honour to serve as CEO and to build bridges between our local partners and those who want to get engaged on different levels.

I am Andreas Graber, a passionate “fish guy” from the lake of Constance with an entrepreneurial mindset. After graduating from ETH Zurich with a Master in Environmental Sciences, I joined the ecotechnology team at Zurich University of Applied Sciences in Wädenswil to conduct applied research in sustainable recirculating aquaculture, natural wastewater treatment and natural swimming ponds. It was fascinating to explore new ideas while coaching our students in term-, bachelor- and master thesis. 2010 I co-initiated the Fischforum Schweiz, a national conference to foster Swiss aquaculture, and co-founded the spin-off company UrbanFarmers who built urban rooftop farms producing fresh fish and vegetables using aquaponic technology. I gathered business experience as its chairman and in the board of directors at Basis 57, one of the largest aquaculture facilities in Switzerland producing pikeperch in the pristine water exiting from the Gotthard railway tunnels. It is my honor to serve the Global Food Garden mission as president.

My name is Jörg Ammann. As a trained watchmaker and microelectronics engineer with a degree in business administration, I am familiar with product development and project management for a long time. I am passionate about topics such as innovation, new technologies, team development and leading business units to success. After many years in senior management at various watch companies, I am currently working as Head of Development at a leading manufacturer of power tools. I am delighted to be a member of the GFG Executive Board and to be able to contribute my experience.

I am Christof Oertli, originally an engineer, today a passionate leader and enabler. I graduated at ETH Zurich with a Master in Civil Engineering, focusing on hydrology and hydraulics. After collecting experience in relief and development projects in Pakistan and Gambia, I started as a design engineer with studies in flood dynamics and hazard maps as well as construction management in tunneling and specialist foundation engineering. As a project manager I realized a hydropower station from the first concepts until final handover acceptance. After a year in New Zealand I changed into Asset Operating as Chief Operating Officer of a large hydropower company in southeastern Switzerland, where I discovered my passion in focusing on management and leadership. I got the opportunity to plan and realize a fusion of several hydropower organizations throughout Switzerland and to develop a sense for collaboration. My heartbeat is to serve the Global Food Garden with my experience as a member of the board.