About The Center Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology (WGCIT) is a place for promising start-ups and companies in the agtech industry. It is a collaborative effort between Western Growers Board of Directors, WG members, sponsors, investors, and CIT residents to invent and utilize technology in order to feed more people, while using fewer inputs and leaving a smaller footprint on the world. The Center offers opportunities to network and collaborate with industry leaders in the heart of Salinas, California— the “Salad Bowl of the World.” By partnering with WG members, innovators will be able to help solve critical problems facing the ag industry. Through the Center, agriculture leaders will be able to prioritize opportunities, vet start- ups and technology companies, set up technology testing and facilitate industry feedback, and communicate progress for California, Arizona and Colorado fresh produce farmers. The Center is a bustling hub of creativity, exchange and development coupled with events, demonstrations, and talks designed to accelerate needed technology for the fresh produce industry.
About Western Growers Western Growers was founded in 1926 in California’s Imperial Valley. At the time, we were called the Western Growers Protective Association, and our mission was to fight for fair transportation rates for the agricultural industry. Western Growers Association brought the industry together to support a common goal with the philosophy that there is strength in numbers. As the organization has expanded to provide a lobbying voice in state and federal government, affordable health benefits, PACA support, legal and human resources guidance and more, this philosophy continues to guide our growth. Since 1926, Western Growers has represented local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in Arizona and California, and now Colorado, too. WG members provide half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including a third of America’s fresh organic produce. Some members also farm throughout the U.S. and in other countries so people have year- round access to nutritious food. Western Growers exists to satisfy one mission— to enhance the competitiveness and profitability of our members. As a resident of the Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology, you also receive regular membership to Western Growers Association. Please see the attached Member Guide outlining the benefits of WG membership.
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