As large language models (LLMs) and generative AI systems evolve, understanding how these technologies work—and what they can realistically achieve—has become essential for researchers and practitioners alike. Over the past year, many of us have had the chance to experiment with these systems in a “sandbox” environment. Today, we move from experimentation to brass tack with a grounded introduction to AI fundamentals and explores their emerging applications in agriculture. 

The session will begin with a deep dive from Sean Smith of Reply/Microsoft, who will unpack the core principles behind AI and LLMs—how these models are trained and what their strengths and limitations are across different use contexts. 

Building on this foundation, Ryan McCamy, also from Reply/Microsoft, will showcase practical use cases in the agricultural sector. He will demonstrate how AI-driven tools are being designed and deployed to enhance decision-making, streamline knowledge management, and support sustainable food system innovation. 

We will then be joined by Lina Yassin, Digital & Data Product Director with the CGIAR Digital Transformation Initiative, who will lead the discussion and offer reflections from the perspective of CGIAR’s applied research and digital innovation portfolio. 

Together, the presentations will bridge the gap between technical innovation and agricultural impact—highlighting how cutting-edge AI models can be harnessed responsibly to address real-world challenges while remaining attentive to local context, data ethics, and user trust. 

Speakers

• Sean Smith, AI Solutions Lead, Reply
• Ryan McCamy, Senior Consultant – Data & AI, Reply

Discussant

• Lina Yassin, Digital & Data Product Director, CGIAR Digital Transformation Initiative

Moderator

• Eliot Jones-Garcia, Senior Research Analyst, IFPRI; PhD Candidate, Wageningen University