Last week the Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology hosted AgtechX Ed at Woodland Community College as part of an ongoing initiative to highlight the innovations being made in agtech education and career development.

California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross, a key supporter of the AgtechX Ed Initiative, was the keynote for the event and hosted a fireside chat to discuss the need to cultivate a skilled workforce for agriculture. “What kind of jobs can we create in local rural communities when we invest in ag and agtech and water infrastructure?” Ross asked attendees during her remarks. To that end, she said she would like to see the California budget surplus spend in ag research, water investment and workforce development.

In addition to Ross, there were several panels during the half-day event that focused on the need for real-world experience in the agtech sector. “We don’t need more students that have written papers on the French Revolution – we need more students with job-ready skills that match the marketplace,” said Dan Frank of UC Davis’ Western Center for Agricultural Equipment on his panel.

For photos and additional coverage from the event, please visit the WGCIT Facebook page.