Western Growers welcomes five new start-up companies to its Center for Innovation & Technology: FieldIn, iTrade Network, Tracmap, MagGrow and RootsTalk. The WG Center for Innovation & Technology (WGCIT) now officially houses 36 agtech startups who are developing technological solutions to help agriculture solve the industry’s most pressing challenges.
As residents of the Center, these startups will now have access to valuable resources including access to prominent networking opportunities; ample exposure to agricultural-related organizations; training and mentorship from industry professionals; routine classes and workshops designed to provide startups with the knowledge and customer connections needed to help their business thrive; and the benefits of a Western Growers member.
The Center’s newest residents include:
FieldIn: FieldIn is an end-to-end pest management software solution for growers of specialty crops. They help growers save money on more efficient crop protection practices, reducing overall use of pesticides and eliminating spray mistakes. By utilizing sensors on equipment, FieldIn provides equipment tracking, real-time alerts on spray mistakes, pest management performance reports, view of pest population hotspots, pest severity levels and more.
iTrade Network: iTradeNetwork is built for the entire food supply chain, enabling visibility, control and insights built on the largest end-to-end food-centric supply network in the industry. Through an extensive trading partner network and a comprehensive data foundation, iTradeNetwork’s products allow distributors, manufacturers, operators, retailers, suppliers and wholesalers to easily communicate and collaborate on orders, logistics and distribution. Solutions offered by iTradeNetwork reduce cost, grow revenue and strengthen trading partner relationships.
MagGrow: MagGrow has developed a patented magnetic spraying technology system for the horticulture and arable sectors of the agricultural industry. The startup currently offers a crop sprayer system and a greenhouse backpack sprayer.
RootsTalk: RootsTalk, an advanced drip irrigation system, is the first company to offer “Irrigation as a Service” through an autonomous irrigation controller. The company’s non-conventional oxygen availability method enables them to reach unparalleled results for almost any crop, under any growing condition. RootsTalk guarantees all clients a gross gain of at least $100,000.
Tracmap: Tracmap is world leader in supplying precision guidance systems for ground applications in agriculture. The capabilities of Tracmap’s online management software for farmers are extensive: draw out maps using Google Earth imagery, apply variable rates, identify hazards, retain paddock by paddock history, schedule jobs for the crew, and even link with a variety of other software packages to ensure easy integration with existing packages and processes.
WG is also excited to share that the WGCIT now has 21 sponsors. We wish to extend a big “thank you” to our newest sponsors, who are joining in the effort to support our startups in helping bring their technology from development to production.
Our newest sponsors include:
Duda Farm Fresh Foods: Duda has become one of the country’s most reputable family-owned enterprises. Currently under its fifth generation of family ownership, Duda Farm Fresh Foods’ mission is to grow healthy food products. Duda Farm Fresh Foods’ vision is “to be the preferred and profitable solution provider through innovation to our selected customers, supported by a steady stream of products, processes, packaging, and technology.”
Ocean Mist Farms: Since 1924, Ocean Mist Farms has provided multiple generations of customers with the freshest artichokes and vegetables, and is still family owned. “Ocean Mist’s mission is to provide our customers with only the very best quality Artichokes, other fresh vegetables, and uncompromising service…Every day.” Ocean Mist Farms is devoted to improving farming practices and sustainability.
Pacific Ag Rentals: For more than 30 years, Pacific Ag Rentals has been oriented to serving and fulfilling the needs of agriculture interests with quality implements, tractors, parts, hardware, and other necessities at the best prices possible. With locations in Salinas, Five Points, Stockton and Yuma, Ariz., the company specialize in renting, leasing and financing any size of equipment package.
To keep up to date on the latest happenings at the Center, visit the WGCIT website, news blog or Facebook. For more information, please contact Hank Giclas at (949) 885-2205.
