Plant Based Foods Institute Names Sanah Baig as Executive Director
The Plant Based Foods Institute (PBFI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sanah Baig as its new Executive Director, effective June 2025. Baig brings extensive experience in food and agricultural policy, most recently serving as the Senior Policy Advisor for Agriculture and Nutrition at the White House.
Baig’s vision for forging crucial partnerships between industry, farmers, and the global science community drew her to PBFI. She sees the plant-based sector as a catalyst for sustainable food systems transformation, with untapped potential to create new opportunities for agricultural communities while expanding nutritious choices for consumers.
“Leading PBFI at this pivotal moment is an unparalleled opportunity to architect a food system where plants take center stage,” stated Baig. “Through deep collaboration with partners across the entire value chain – from research to retail – we can fuel innovation that not only empowers farmers and strengthens agricultural communities but also sustainably delivers more delicious options to consumers. This is a time for decisive action, and I’m energized to unite with all who are forging a more nourishing and just food future.”
A seasoned public servant and food systems expert, Baig was appointed to serve across two Presidential administrations in the U.S. Department of Agriculture. As Deputy Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics, she led USDA’s $4+ billion science enterprise advancing agricultural innovation at the intersection of climate resilience, nutrition security, and food systems equity. Prior to her return to public service in 2021, Baig served as Chief of Staff at the Good Food Institute and Program Director at the National Association of Counties. She is also a founding board member of Food Policy Pathways and serves on the advisory board of Plant Futures.
“We are thrilled to welcome Sanah Baig,” said PBFI CEO Rachel Dreskin. “Her deep expertise in and passion for advancing agricultural innovation and fostering collaboration, combined with her proven leadership in both public service and the nonprofit sector, makes her uniquely qualified to advance PBFI’s mission of accelerating the sustainable production and consumption of plant-based foods here in the U.S. and globally.”
Drawing from her extensive policy experience, Baig sees plant-based foods as key to addressing multiple challenges – from improving farmer profitability and advancing public health to mitigating climate impact and strengthening nutrition security. The organization will work to diversify crop production and tap into growing market demand while stimulating economic growth in rural communities through new manufacturing and production opportunities. Central to this mission is expanding consumer understanding of plant-based foods and their benefits, emphasizing the variety and delicious options available to increase healthful choices for all consumers.
“Sanah’s deep understanding of both policy and agriculture will be invaluable as we work to create a more sustainable and resilient food system,” said PBFI Board President Garrett Broad. “Her collaborative vision for bringing together diverse stakeholders – from farmers to researchers to policymakers – aligns perfectly with PBFI’s mission to drive meaningful change in our food system.”
Baig will officially join PBFI as of June 9, 2025.
