us as THE center of agtech for specialty crop sector,” said Giclas. “What started out as us going around looking for new technologies to advance solutions in the fresh produce industry has now transformed into us working to filter ag technologies that come through our doors.” Startups balance tradition and technology The Center officially opened in December 2015 with six startups; today, the Center houses nearly 55 companies. Over the years, it has facilitated countless relationships betweenWGmembers who are willing to try new technologies to improve operations on their farms and agtech startups who are developing solutions that meet that farmer’s specific needs. For example, WG and SWIIM System formed a strategic partnership to provide members with a technological solution that is designed to help manage water use more efficiently. SWIIM, a resident of the Center, acts as an on-farm water accountant and allows agricultural water users to optimize water rights, monitor the crop water budget, conserve water and increase net
startup’s food safety compliance app. HeavyConnect, one of the original six startups housed in the Center, simplifies operational complexity and regulatory compliance for the agriculture industry by leveraging the burgeoning capabilities of standard mobile devices. Most recently, Wexus completed a landmark study for the California Energy Commission where it reached out to Rio Farms to pilot its technology to reduce the farm’s overall energy usage by providing actionable energy and cost data. After the project period, overall results established that Wexus helped Rio Farms successfully lower its average electricity usage. In addition to the startups housed in the Center, agtech companies throughout the nation are making strides in bridging the gap between technology and tradition. According to Leclerc and Day, though 2019 will be a quiet year for agtech exits, some startups who show the most promise for the fresh produce industry and are worth watching include Pago for labor management, AgSquared for farm management, Verdant Robotics for mechanization and Hazel and Afresh Technologies for food safety.
Patrick Zelaya of HeavyConnect
income for agricultural operations. Another water-focused startup, WaterBit, connected with Bonipak Produce/Betteravia Farms in summer 2017 to install its wireless precision irrigation solution that will enable the farm to limit redundant work, improve efficiencies and analyze its business more precisely. Bonipak Produce also worked with HeavyConnect to implement the
Client Focused. Relationship Driven . A Tradition of Excellence Since 1928 .
Agriculture Law Business & Taxation Construction Creditor’s Rights Estate Planning & Probate Labor & Employment Litigation Personal Injury Public Agencies Real Estate & Land Use
333 Salinas Street Salinas, CA 93901 831.424.1414
470 Camino El Estero Monterey, CA 93940 831.373.3622
nheh . com
14 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com JULY | AUGUST 2019
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online