Tech Alley a Success at the Inaugural Organic Grower Summit
Posted on December 19, 2017 12:10 PM by WGCIT
The inaugural Organic Grower Summit (OGS) took place last week in Monterey. Organic farming is quickly becoming a multi-billion dollar industry; the Organic Produce Network (OPN) wanted to bring together organic growers to prospective service providers. As the technology sponsor of the OGS, Western Growers was at the helm of Tech Alley, in the center of the exhibition hall. Startups from the Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology exhibited at twelve spaces in Tech Alley, which allowed OGS attendees to learn more about the wide varieties of technologies that work out of the WGCIT. The Western Growers booth had representatives from WG membership, WG insurance services, and the WG Center for Innovation & Technology. You can see photos from the event in the album on the WGCIT Facebook page.
Hank Giclas, Senior Vice President Science & Technology, lead a panel on “Clean and Renewable Technology.” This educational session featured Aaron Enz (Alta Energy), Rob McBride (Boost Biomes), and Sean Lyle (PowerGrow). There were three blocks of educational panels, before the exhibition. The “Clean and Renewable Technology” program was standing room only, and ran the entire hour allotted. The room had numerous organic growers that had questions for all of the technologists on stage.
In an article published by PerishableNews.com, OPN discusses the importance of keeping the organic brand effective. The 800 attendees included more than 300 organic farmers and, additionally, many industry leaders. “It’s tremendous how much of our industry is here at OGS,” said exhibitor John Maxon of True Organic Products. “An outstanding event that provided excellent educational networking opportunities.”
Produce News quickly published Tim Linden’s piece on the OGS, titled “Inaugural Organic Growers Summit draws diverse crowd.” There are several pictures of Western Growers management, employees, Tech Alley booths, and WGCIT startup residents in the slideshow tied to this article. There is an additional article that followed this piece on why the organic agricultural sector looks like a sound investment play.
The OGS took place over two days and included:
· PCA Training
· Networking Receptions
· Educational Breakout Sessions
· Keynote Sessions
· OGS Exhibition featuring Western Growers Tech Alley
Photo by Tim Linden