NEXT GEN AG WORKERS

With a grant awarded by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) in 2022, Western Growers has launched the Next Gen Ag Workers program.

Introduction

The Next Gen Ag Workers program unites California community colleges, growers and government to guide the next generation of agricultural workers in STEM-focused agricultural careers that are focused on the priority skills gaps set by Western Growers members.

Upcoming EVENTS
Biological

World Agri-Tech – San Francisco

[Mar. 17-18 / San Francisco, CA]

Meet the global leaders driving sustainable agricultural practices in San Francisco on March 17–18, 2026. Be at the summit with 1700+ decision makers from agribusinesses, technology giants, food brands, farmers, policymakers, investors, and start-ups for strategic networking, industry benchmarking, agri-tech discovery, and deal making.

Learn More about World Agri-Tech – San Francisco
Biological

Future Food Tech – San Francisco

[Mar. 19-20 / San Francisco, CA]

Meet the global leaders building a healthy & sustainable future at Future Food-Tech San Francisco. Join CPGs, retailers, ingredient and technology providers, cutting-edge entrepreneurs and investors on March 19-20, 2026 and connect for targeted networking, exclusive industry insights and start-up discovery.

Learn More about Future Food Tech – San Francisco
Automation

Lunch and Learn (for Western Growers members): Q1 Agtech Automation Update

[Apr. 08 / Online Webinar]

Plug and Play Agtech Ventures Associate Mark McAllister will be back with an update on what’s happening in the world of Agtech automation innovation. More details coming soon.

Learn More about Lunch and Learn (for Western Growers members): Q1 Agtech Automation Update
Automation

Silicon Valley May Summit 2026

[May. 19-21 / Sunnyvale, CA]

Plug and Play Agtech Ventures Associate Mark McAllister will be back with an update on what’s happening in the world of Agtech automation innovation. More details coming soon.

Learn More about Silicon Valley May Summit 2026
NEWS
Do You Know Our WGCIT Resident, Adaviv?
Startups

Do You Know Our WGCIT Resident, Adaviv?

Damian Mason’s Business of Agriculture podcast has 10 great predictions for agriculture in 2026. I highly encourage everyone to check out the full episode on YouTube (link below). Here are some of the best predictions.
Read More about Do You Know Our WGCIT Resident, Adaviv?
Damian Mason’s Top 10 Predictions Podcast
Automation
Biological

Damian Mason’s Top 10 Predictions Podcast!

Damian Mason’s Business of Agriculture podcast has 10 great predictions for agriculture in 2026. I highly encourage everyone to check out the full episode on YouTube (link below). Here are some of the best predictions.
Read More about Damian Mason’s Top 10 Predictions Podcast!
2025: A Strong Year of Steady Innovation Meets Harsh Realities
Automation
Startups

2025: A Strong Year of Steady Innovation Meets Harsh Realities

As we reflect on 2025, the agricultural robotics sector was a mixed bag of fluctuating signals. The year saw rapid advancements in automation, driven by AI, precision tech and strategic mergers. This serves as a stark reminder that compelling ROI and value propositions are primary factors for growers to adopt agtech.
Read More about 2025: A Strong Year of Steady Innovation Meets Harsh Realities
thomas nunes
Startups

Thomas Nunes V from The Nunes Company Joins WGCIT for Lunch and Learn

To celebrate getting back to “normal” and having agtech startups work in-person at the Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology (WGCIT) more often, there have been a few fun upgrades at the space.
Read More about Thomas Nunes V from The Nunes Company Joins WGCIT for Lunch and Learn
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