The VINE

We are thrilled to present a newly commissioned video that offers an in-depth look into the VINE and its mission. The VINE represents a one-of-a-kind collaboration among academic institutions, government bodies, and private sector partners, all committed to promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the food and ag technology industry. This network unites researchers, entrepreneurs, and professionals to devise and implement cutting-edge technologies that will revolutionize the way we cultivate and produce food, ensuring food security for future generations. In this video, you'll hear from key VINE stakeholders, such as UCANR Vice President Glenda Humiston, Co-Founders Gabe Youtsey and John Salep (AgStart), Hernan Hernandez (California Farmworker Foundation), Juliet Mayestas (CA Tribal College), Chris Brown (Agriculture and Land Based Training Association), Josh Viers (University of California, Merced), Dean Rolston St. Hilaire (California State University, Fresno), and Mary Kimball (Center for Land-Based Learning). They discuss the importance of the VINE and its potential to effect positive change in agriculture, innovation, and workforce development across California. Click to watch the video: http://spr.ly/6041O1hQU Huge shoutout to Stonebridge Management Group for their amazing work on the video!

Join us for VINE Connect Monterey at Hartnell College in Salinas on June 27, from 9 AM to 12 PM. Organized in partnership with University of California, Davis and UCANR, this 2024 Automated Tech Field Day will give you the opportunity to experience firsthand the growing role of automated technologies in precision weeding and other agricultural operations. The event will feature live demonstrations of advanced weeders, thinners, and sprayers from leading companies, including Carbon Robotics, Ecorobotix, L&Aser, Mantis Ag Technology, Sutton Ag Enterprises, Stout Industrial Technology, Inc., Tensorfield Agriculture, Verdant Robotics, Veda Farming Solutions , and SeedSpider. The event is completely free and 3.0 Continuing Education credits are available for participation. Don’t miss this chance to see the latest innovations in action and connect with industry leaders. Learn more and register here: https://lnkd.in/gpAQg45B

The global Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) market is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 25% from 2023-2028, according to MarkNtel Advisors. This growth highlights the need for highly educated and skilled employees who are well-versed in the latest practices and technologies in controlled environment agriculture. Our CEA Professional Concentration, developed in partnership with UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education, is designed for those pursuing careers in the CEA sector. Career paths include growers, operations managers, safety and compliance officers, mechanical and electrical engineers, data analysts, supply chain and logistics analysts, pest management specialists, and more. Watch the video introduction by Professor Paul PG Gauthier below for more insights. The first course starts on July 1 with remaining courses launching in Fall and Winter. To learn more about the certificate program and view detailed course descriptions, click here: https://lnkd.in/gSnEw4VH

🌱 The VINE Connect: Monterey is June 27th! The perfect way to wrap up your Western Growers Biological Summit attendance with 12 in-field demos of autonomous weeders, thinners, and sprayers. Attendance is free and 3.0 CE credits are available for participation. Register here: https://lnkd.in/guqjnbVc UCANR | California Farm Bureau | Veda Farming Solutions | Verdant Robotics | SeedSpider | Tensorfield Agriculture | Sutton Ag Enterprises | US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) | Ecorobotix | Mantis Ag Technology | Carbon Robotics | Hartnell College

Last month, we sat down with Rob Trice, founder of Better Food Ventures and The Mixing Bowl. In our conversation, we explore his transition from a background in mobile, internet, telecom venture capital to his current focus on agrifoodtech. Rob discusses how he was inspired to address the digitization gaps in agriculture and food production, aiming to create impactful solutions. Rob also highlights the importance of fostering innovation in the industry and shares his insights on the challenges and future opportunities in agrifoodtech. Read the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/eMgrGMie

New Blog Post: Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) has the potential to transform the way we grow, process, and even eat food. In this blog post, Penny Mori McBride provides an in-depth exploration of CEA—discussing what it is, the technology behind it, and its many benefits. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gvMkKz6B Additionally, tomorrow, June 6, we are hosting an information session for our CEA Professional Certification program developed with UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education. Please join us to learn more about the program and what you can expect: https://lnkd.in/gEtp7hPD

Last chance! Join us tomorrow from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at IREC Tulelake for The Vine Connect: North State. This is your opportunity to experience cutting-edge agtech demos, enjoy food and drinks, and network with industry peers and stakeholders. Learn more and register now: https://bit.ly/3QXsFpI Special thanks to Pacific Ag Rentals , Burro, Verdant Robotics, and California Farm Bureau for supporting this event!

The rapid evolution of technologies designed to automate decision-making and activities in orchards and vineyards necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape. To address this need, we've teamed up Opengate and the Almond Board of California to launch a detailed database showcasing technologies for perennial crops. This resource goes beyond traditional industry maps, offering deep insights into companies focusing on orchard and vineyard automation. Our database includes companies with market-ready solutions, technologies active in orchards and vineyards, and innovations with digital capabilities. From IoT sensors and robotics to data management and decision support software, the database covers a wide range of technologies that are crucial for modern agricultural practices. Learn more and explore the database here: https://lnkd.in/gJR9nE3T

Are you a professor, student, or professional involved in applied food and agriculture research in San Diego? If so, please join us on Thursday, June 13, for our VINE Build commercialization workshop at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. This FREE half-day session, led by industry experts from Farmhand Ventures, will cover user-centered design principles, inclusive innovation basics, the role of commercialization in technology translation, commercialization strategies, intellectual property licensing, transitioning from academia to business, and the differences between non-dilutive and dilutive funding. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn how to transform your good idea into a successful commercial product and make a lasting impact in the agriculture industry. Learn more and register now: https://lnkd.in/gHiFdPik

We are pleased to announce the launch of our Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Professional Certificate Program, developed in collaboration with UCANR and UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education. This program is designed to provide comprehensive training for those entering, working in, or investing in the CEA industry through four essential courses: 1.) Introduction to CEA: Gain foundational knowledge of indoor farming. 2.) Plant Production in Indoor Farming: Learn about the planning and implementation of CEA operations. 3.) Post-Harvest Processes: Understand food safety, harvesting, storage, and distribution. 4.) Data-Driven Growing: Develop skills in data and statistical management to optimize operations. The first course starts on July 1 with remaining courses launching in Fall and Winter. To learn more about the certificate program and view detailed course descriptions, click here: https://lnkd.in/gSnEw4VH We invite you to join us for an information session on June 6, where you can learn more about what to expect from the program. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gEtp7hPD