Congressman Sam Farr visited the Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology (WGCIT) last Thursday, where he had the opportunity to connect with agtech innovators and collaborate with Western Growers on ideas to further advance the ag industry.

While touring the WGCIT, Farr, who represents California’s Central Coast, learned more about the 13 start-up companies currently working out of the Center and the range of agtech solutions they each offer. He also heard about how the WGCIT directly connects entrepreneurs to Western Growers members, which is crucial for developing tailored products that solve growers’ biggest challenges and making immediate changes on farms with new technology.

Farr shared how he has been fighting for ways to keep agriculture viable in the Central Coast and is excited that WGCIT provides the next level of support to the industry. He stressed how agriculture is one of the largest economic drivers for the region and is thrilled that Western Growers is taking steps to significantly merge ag and tech. In the future, Farr hopes that the process that regulatory agencies require of growers to collect data will be simplified. He noted that a movement to coordinate and streamline the required data would be extremely helpful to both government compliance agencies and the agricultural industry.

A highlight of Farr’s visit was having the opportunity to meet with innovators such as Patrick Zelaya, CEO of HeavyConnect, Inc. Zelaya spoke to Farr about the company’s partnership with local universities to create a pathway from college to career for students with a passion for agriculture, technology and business.  Farr enjoyed hearing how HeavyConnect is helping raise the next generation in agtech in the Salinas region by prioritizing software engineering students in the local area when choosing interns.  The congressman ended his tour by stating how impressed he was with the WGCIT and is looking forward to seeing this venture grow. 

Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology brought a little extra flavor to lunch last Friday with its first ever Burritos and Brainstorming luncheon. The event featured five Taylor Farm team members who spoke with the WGCIT resident startup companies about a variety of topics relating to agriculture and technology, while enjoying burritos for lunch.

Full details about this event can be found on the newly launched WGCIT AgTech Blog. 

Start-up companies from around the world will be competing in an agtech pitch competition today and tomorrow to earn a coveted spot in the THRIVE Accelerator Program.

THRIVE Accelerator, which is hosted by SVG Partners and supported by sponsors such as Western Growers and Taylor Farms, is a highly-selective mentorship and investment program for agtech and foodtech startups. Of the 200 applications received this year, 35 have been chosen to travel to Salinas, Calif. to pitch their companies to a panel of judges and experts. Alec Leach, President, Taylor Farms; Vic Smith, President & CEO, JVSmith Companies; Joe Ferrari, Vice President, Ag Operations, Dole Fresh Vegetables; Dennis Donohue, President, Royal Rose Raddichio; and Hank Giclas, Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning, Science & Technology will be among the judges.

From this “Seed Camp,” 10 companies will be selected to participate in an 8-week acceleration program where they will have direct access to some of the world’s top agriculture companies. Once these 10 companies have gone through this extensive “boot camp” training, they will have the opportunity to pitch their product and solution one last time. One winner will be chosen and recognized at the Forbes AgTech Summit in July.

This year, part of the judging and review process will take place at the Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology (WGCIT). Companies that are overseas and unable to travel to Salinas will be pitching to the judges virtually through Skype and Google Hangouts. The remaining competitors will be vetted and judged upstairs in the Taylor Farms’ offices. Judges will determine the winners based on strength of team leadership, business plans, competitive position and solution/product.

For more information, please contact Hank Giclas at (949) 885-2205.