Key Takeaways
- The Reservoir signs long-term lease for 40 acres in Salinas, California, in partnership with Tanimura & Antle
- Reservoir Farms will serve as a nonprofit, on-farm startup incubator focused on agricultural technology innovation
- The site will support real-world testing of robotics, automation, and sustainable farming practices
- Initial 10-acre test plots will focus on strawberries, leafy greens, and vegetables
- The project is developed in collaboration with Western Growers; groundbreaking planned for late summer 2025
The Reservoir and Tanimura & Antle Partner to Launch Reservoir Farms
The Reservoir, a California-based agricultural innovation organization, has announced a partnership with Tanimura & Antle to establish Reservoir Farms, a nonprofit incubator for agricultural technology startups. Located on 40 acres of farmland in Salinas, California, the site will serve as a development and demonstration hub for agtech solutions with a focus on grower-driven innovation.
“Partnering with Tanimura & Antle to secure this exceptional farmland ensures Reservoir Farms can serve as the launchpad for the next generation of agtech,” said Danny Bernstein, Founder and CEO of The Reservoir.
Site Designed to Bridge the Gap Between Invention and Deployment
The selected site sits at the corner of Highway 68 and Hitchcock Road, an area historically used for cultivating strawberries, leafy greens, and vegetables. With its proximity to Silicon Valley and access to highly productive specialty crop acreage, the farm is positioned to become a living laboratory for emerging technologies.
“Thanks to the partnership with the Tanimura family, agtech innovation can be directly connected to farmland, accelerating our ability to deliver real-world solutions,” Bernstein added.
Incubator to Focus on On-Farm R&D and Startup Acceleration
In collaboration with Western Growers, Reservoir Farms will support the testing and scaling of agricultural robotics, automation systems, and sustainable practices in working farm environments. The initiative will begin with 10 acres of test plots—divided evenly between strawberries and mixed vegetables—and will expand to accommodate growing projects.
“Tanimura & Antle has long been committed to sustainable agricultural production… By opening access to select acreage, we aim to accelerate advancements that drive productivity, profitability, and long-term sustainability,” said Brian Antle, Executive Vice President of Sales at Tanimura & Antle.
Reservoir Farms’ Mission and Regional Impact
Reservoir Farms is structured to address key industry and community goals:
- Empowering local farmers by giving them access to advanced technologies
- Supporting over 50 startups within five years
- Creating more than 500 jobs in the Salinas Valley
- Promoting environmental stewardship, including water and soil health
“This initiative reinforces the region’s role as a leader in agricultural innovation while addressing critical challenges in food security, environmental sustainability, and rural economic development,” Bernstein said.
Next Steps: Preparing for 2025 Launch
The official groundbreaking for Reservoir Farms is planned for late summer 2025. As preparations continue, the site will evolve into a space where technologists and growers collaborate directly to develop and deploy innovations that address real-world agricultural challenges.
