Key Takeaways:
- California AgTech Alliance aims to bridge research, industry, and farming communities across nine regional hubs
- $15 million initiative unites UC ANR, CDFA, and GO-Biz under the California Jobs First framework
- Focus areas include technology deployment, workforce training, and regional collaboration
- Program will provide $2 million in innovation grants and statewide field demonstration hubs
- Seeks to ensure inclusive access to agtech careers and tools for farmers of all sizes
California AgTech Alliance brings statewide collaboration to agricultural innovation
The California AgTech Alliance, a new $15 million initiative, was officially launched this week at FIRA USA. The program unites the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) to accelerate the development and adoption of agricultural technology across the state.
The California AgTech Alliance will coordinate nine regional innovation hubs, connecting startups, researchers, and growers to scale agricultural solutions that strengthen California’s $50 billion farming economy. The initiative focuses on improving technology deployment, building a skilled workforce, and attracting private investment.
Leadership highlights vision for a connected agtech ecosystem
Gabriel Youtsey, Chief Innovation Officer at UC ANR, described the Alliance as a platform to “connect research, industry, and farmers in a more coordinated way,” emphasizing UC ANR’s role in bridging regions, producers, and innovators.
CDFA Secretary Karen Ross underscored the importance of innovation in maintaining the state’s agricultural leadership: “As producers face climate change, water scarcity and other production challenges, innovation becomes essential. The Alliance ensures farmers of all sizes have access to the tools and partnerships that keep them productive and sustainable.”
Walt Duflock, Senior Vice President of Innovation at Western Growers and co-chair of the Alliance’s Industry Advisory Board, noted that technology adoption remains the critical challenge: “Growers need proof these tools work, training to use them, and confidence they’ll deliver ROI. The Alliance removes those barriers by putting industry at the center of development.”
California AgTech Alliance focuses on technology, workforce, and regional growth
The California AgTech Alliance operates through three strategic pillars:
AgTech Deployment & Commercialization – Accelerates the transition from lab to field by connecting startups and growers through statewide demonstration hubs and $2 million in innovation grants.
Workforce Development & Training – Expands programs such as the Farm Robotics Challenge, AgSTEP, and collaborations with colleges and universities to prepare workers for high-skill agricultural technology jobs.
Regional Collaboration & Investment – Establishes nine regional hubs spanning the North State to the Imperial Valley, coordinating research and capital to support local innovation within a statewide framework.
Broad coalition powers statewide implementation
The California AgTech Alliance is supported by more than 50 partner organizations, including regional alliances such as the Salinas Valley AgTech Alliance and the Merced AgTech Alliance. Key partners include the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, F3 Innovate, Building Healthy Communities–Kern, and California State University San Marcos.
Community colleges, UC campuses, and workforce development boards are working to ensure equitable access to training and opportunities. The Alliance’s 13-member Industry Advisory Board provides field-level insight from leading growers and agricultural associations to align innovation with real-world needs.
California AgTech Alliance positioned to drive inclusive agricultural growth
As part of the California Jobs First initiative, the California AgTech Alliance represents a coordinated effort to strengthen regional economies and ensure an inclusive transition to a technology-driven, climate-smart future.
By connecting research institutions, government agencies, and industry partners, the California AgTech Alliance aims to make agricultural technology accessible, effective, and beneficial to communities across California.
