At this year’s FIRA USA in Woodland, CA, leaders from Western Growers and University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) emphasized one message: collaboration is key to advancing ag robotics and automation.
Walt Duflock (Western Growers) and Gabe Youtsey (UC ANR) highlighted California’s central role in driving ag tech adoption and addressing labor shortages — with only 2–3% of farm labor currently automated. Youtsey also announced the California Ag Tech Innovation Network, a new $30 million initiative connecting startups, growers, investors, and researchers to accelerate commercialization and workforce development.
This year’s event features 80+ ag robotics exhibitors, live field demos, the debut of the Women in Ag Robotics Award, and discussions focused on grower-led collaboration and practical automation solutions.
