Walt Duflock, Senior Vice President of Innovation at Western Growers, joined The Modern Acre podcast (Episode 382) to discuss California’s pressing labor challenges.

“We’re forecast to lose 32% of our state acreage—nine million acres—between 1997 and 2052. And we’re forecast to lose 51% of our farms,” Duflock shared during the podcast.

Duflock brings a wealth of experience to the conversation. As a fifth-generation California farmer (cattle, wine grapes, leafy greens), a 30-year Silicon Valley startup veteran (including eBay and three successful acquisitions) and an agtech innovation leader for the past seven years at SVG-THRIVE and Western Growers, he’s deeply focused on solving challenges around labor, water and food safety.

The Modern Acre is a weekly podcast that dives into the latest trends in business, investing, technology and sustainability within agriculture.

The episode was released on Tuesday, Dec. 17. You can listen to the podcast on Spotify here.