Mohsen Tootoonchi Brings Expertise and Passion as Senior Research Scientist

We are pleased to welcome Mohsen Tootoonchi to our Research & Development team as Senior Research Scientist.

In his new role, Mohsen will primarily work as a soil scientist with Principal Research Scientist Shiva Ahrens and Vice President of Research & Development Diego Luzuriaga. Mohsen will contribute to agricultural research in soil and crop management, applying principles of agronomy, soil science and crop nutrition. His research will target improving productivity and efficiency on our farms, focusing on advancements in soil health, regenerative agriculture, sustainability and overall crop management practices.

For many, beginning a new role can be a major transition. For Mohsen, however, joining the R&D team at our Agricultural Center of Excellence in Belle Glade, Florida, felt more like a homecoming.

Originally from Iran, Mohsen always wanted to work in soil science after being introduced to the field by his dad, who worked at a research center for the Iran’s Department of Agriculture. Not only has Mohsen been involved with soil sciences for many years, but he also had a long-standing relationship with Florida Crystals before joining the company.

After earning his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering with a focus on soil sciences, Mohsen attended the University of Florida, where he earned his master’s degree in Soil and Water Science. In 2014, while completing his master’s degree, Mohsen’s advisor informed him of a research opportunity at the  Everglades Research and Education Center (EREC), an agricultural and environmental research and education unit of the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS).

Mohsen first came to the EREC in January 2014 and completed his master’s research on water quality and phosphorus and rice production in our Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) farming region in western Palm Beach County – one of the world’s most productive and sustainable farming basins. His research was funded by Florida Rice Growers, Inc., a group founded by Florida Crystals and other area rice farmers with a common goal of improving rice production through sustainable farming practices, collaborative research and ongoing farm conservation efforts.  

After completing his master’s degree and thesis, Mohsen began working to earn his PhD in Agronomy, conducting research on saltwater intrusion and how it affects vegetation. Once he completed his PhD, Mohsen returned to assist us and other EAA agricultural companies with research projects, mainly focusing on best management practices in agriculture.

Mohsen then received a faculty position at the IFAS EREC, conducting research on soil and water quality and greenhouse gas emissions. In this role, Mohsen proposed another research project to work with the Rice Council of Florida, which also allowed him to work closely again with us and our Director of Rice and Organic Farming Daniel Cavazos.

“I’ve always been a soil scientist, so the work comes very naturally to me,” said Mohsen. “Not only am I able to continue the work I have spent so many years doing, but I know the area well and have been to many of the farms. I know the soil and water in the area, so it is a very easy and welcome transition.”

While Mohsen enjoyed his work at the IFAS EREC, he was excited about an opportunity to join the Florida Crystals team so he could branch out from higher education and work firsthand with farmers.

“My main goal with all of my work is to have a greater impact, and I am so grateful that this role gives me the opportunity to do just that,” said Mohsen. “Now as an insider who can work directly with farmers, I love being able to solve problems and answer questions immediately and to see the positive impact my work can have on the industry and work of farmers.”

Having worked so closely with us over the years, Mohsen was excited to join a company where he knew and admired so many people, and where innovation and regenerative agriculture are central to everything we do.

“Most of all, I am excited to be working for a company with so many great people that prioritizes innovation and striving to be as sustainable as possible to help future generations,” said Mohsen. “I’m excited to be able to play a role in this initiative and be with a company that is at the forefront of the industry in terms of innovation and sustainability.”