Farmer’s Business Network this week announced that Ron Shaich (shake), founder and former Chairman and long-time CEO of Panera Bread, has invested in the company and will join its Board of Directors as an independent director. Shaich stepped down as CEO of Panera in 2017. Shaich, personally and through his investment, is directing a range of long-term strategic investments in consumer-facing growth companies. He says, “I’m inspired by the FBN mission to improve the profitability of family farmers around the world, especially right now, given that many of them are struggling to survive.” FBN calls Shaich a “groundbreaking entrepreneur and CEO who built one of the most successful public companies in history.” Adding Shaich to the Board follows the announcement Monday that FBN had closed $250 million in Series F funding. Farmers Business Network also recently acquired a similar Australian company. FBN is self-described as the leading direct-to-farm ag tech platform and farmer network.