Key Takeaways
- The Reservoir launched its first on-farm innovation hub in Salinas, California, with more than 200 stakeholders attending the ribbon-cutting.
- Driscoll’s, Netafim, Nutrien, and Taylor Farms joined as new partners, expanding collaboration opportunities.
- The hub provides startups direct grower access, testing facilities, and pilot opportunities in high-value crops.
- A strategic partnership with John Deere offers residents access to technology, equipment, and pilot programs.
- Expansion plans include new hubs in Arizona and other key U.S. growing regions.
The Reservoir Launches Salinas Innovation Hub
The Reservoir marked a milestone in agricultural technology with the groundbreaking of its first on-farm innovation hub in Salinas, California. The event, held on land leased from Tanimura & Antle, drew over 200 growers, industry leaders, investors, and community partners.
The initiative aims to build an “Olympic Village of AgTech,” where technology developers, growers, and entrepreneurs collaborate to address urgent challenges in specialty crop production.
“From the beginning, our vision has been far more than technology—it’s about partnerships,” said Danny Bernstein, CEO of the Reservoir. “Creating this ‘Olympic Village of AgTech’ is only possible with trusted relationships on the ground and a shared vision for what’s possible.”
Strategic Partnerships Strengthen the Reservoir’s Model
The Salinas hub welcomed Driscoll’s, Netafim, Nutrien, and Taylor Farms as key partners. Their involvement is expected to accelerate adoption of agtech across U.S. farming regions by providing startups with direct grower feedback and commercial application opportunities.
Last week, the Reservoir also announced a strategic partnership with John Deere. Startups at the hub will gain access to Deere’s equipment, APIs, and expertise, along with testing acres, pilot projects, and structured field days to validate technologies in high-value crops.
“Together, we’re strengthening the resilience, efficiency, and sustainability of high-value crops—with potential to benefit food systems worldwide,” said Jason Brantley, Vice President at John Deere.
Salinas as a Launchpad for AgTech Innovation
Known as the “Salad Bowl of the World,” Salinas produces over 70% of the nation’s lettuce and contributes nearly $5 billion annually in crop value. This makes it a strategic location for the first Reservoir hub, offering a testbed for specialty crops including lettuce, strawberries, and broccoli.
Early residents at Reservoir Farms include Beagle Technology, BHF Robotics, Cropmind, FarmBlox, High Degree Machinery, and GeoVisual Analytics. These companies gain access to growers and facilities that provide real-time feedback for product development.
“Salinas has always been at the forefront of feeding the country, so it’s only natural we host the first Reservoir Farms,” said Dennis Donohue, Salinas Mayor and Executive Director of the Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology.
Looking Ahead: Multi-Regional Expansion
Beyond Salinas, the Reservoir plans to expand to additional hubs across California, Arizona, and other agricultural regions. This winter, the organization will run a pilot at the University of Arizona Experiment Station in Yuma, offering multi-regional testing for crops ranging from leafy greens to tree nuts.
By aligning innovation with grower realities and creating pathways for scale, the Reservoir aims to accelerate adoption of solutions that enhance productivity, resilience, and sustainability in U.S. agriculture.
