Key Takeaways:
- UC ANR Innovate has received a $974,855 Catalyst grant from the California Jobs First initiative to advance early-stage development of The Plant, an agrifood innovation center in the Sacramento Valley.
- The Plant will serve as a regional hub for agricultural innovation, leveraging AI, biotech, and university research to address sustainability, climate resilience, and food system challenges.
- The grant will fund feasibility studies, site assessments, and design work, helping make the facility “shovel-ready” and competitive for future public and private investment.
- UC ANR aims to bridge academic research and real-world application, accelerating technology transfer for growers, entrepreneurs, and food system stakeholders.
- The initiative strengthens California’s leadership in agriculture and climate innovation, with The Plant expected to catalyze economic growth across the Greater Sacramento region.
UC ANR Receives Funding to Develop ‘The Plant’ in Sacramento Valley
A major step toward advancing agrifood innovation in California was announced this week as UC ANR Innovate, the innovation division of the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, secured a $974,855 Catalyst grant. The funding will support the initial development phase of The Plant, a proposed facility that aims to become a hub for sustainable agriculture, food technology, and climate solutions in the Sacramento Valley.
Part of the California Jobs First Initiative
The grant is awarded through the California Jobs First “We Prosper Together” initiative and administered by Valley Vision, a regional civic leadership organization. It supports critical early-stage work including architectural planning, environmental assessments, and site evaluations to prepare The Plant for construction.
“This Catalyst grant is a game-changer for The Plant and for agricultural innovation in our region,” said Gabe Youtsey, Chief Innovation Officer at UC ANR. “It provides the vital resources we need to accelerate this project from vision to reality.”
UC ANR’s The Plant: A Hub for Innovation, Sustainability, and Economic Growth
The Plant Will Support Food, AgTech, and Climate Research
Planned as a dynamic research and commercialization space, The Plant will focus on deploying technologies such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology to address global challenges in agriculture, climate adaptation, and food security. The facility will enable rapid testing and scaling of new solutions by connecting UC researchers with startups, growers, and food industry stakeholders.
“The Plant will fill a critical gap by linking UC research and startup ingenuity with the growers, processors and communities who can put new innovations into practice,” Youtsey added.
Triple Helix Model: Research, Industry, and Government Collaboration
Bridging the Gap Between Innovation and Application
The Plant will operate under a “triple helix” model, combining the strengths of academic institutions, corporate partners, and government agencies. This structure is intended to foster scalable innovations that move quickly from lab to field, supporting the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs and climate-responsive food systems.
“The Plant will be a cornerstone for developing the next generation of ag technologies and practices,” said Glenda Humiston, Vice President of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources. “Thanks to the Catalyst funding, we can accelerate this project and help ensure California remains the ‘go-to’ region for agricultural innovation.”
Next Steps: Laying the Groundwork for Future Investment
Preparing for Construction and Long-Term Implementation
Over the next 12 months, the grant will fund pre-construction activities, including:
- Feasibility studies
- Architectural and engineering designs
- Environmental evaluations and permitting
- Project management and partnership-building
This groundwork is essential for ensuring that The Plant will be “shovel-ready” for additional rounds of funding from state, federal, and private sources.
Located in the Greater Sacramento region, The Plant is strategically positioned to build on California’s agricultural leadership and research excellence. UC ANR and its partners envision the facility as a launchpad for breakthrough innovations that can address drought, climate variability, supply chain resilience, and broader food system challenges.
