“Innovation and Sustainability in Our Food System” panel at the 11th Annual Eccles Family Rural West Conference at Fresno State and hosted by Stanford University, covered the status of F3, investment in the region from venture and public funds, and the need for a moonshot initiative to ensure California agriculture remains diverse and climate resilient.
The panel also discussed the challenges and opportunities associated with AgTech adoption, and how certain tools are more successful, like UC Merced Professor Reza Ehsani’s work on tools for specialty crops that can be adapted to multiple scales and scenarios. Dr. M. Anne Visser (UC Davis), a partner on AgAID and LACA, presented on the cultural environment at an analogue location and the role of intermediary organizations to lead research. Dr. Joshua McEnaney (Nitricity) is advancing climate-tech innovations by developing locally produced alternative fertilizers, including in Delhi.
VISTA F3 Executive Director, Leigh Bernacchi, moderated the panel and provided a context update for F3 at its midpoint. The program has created a lending library for tech tools, developed a curriculum for upskilling farmworkers, supported innovators at major research institutions, and established a non-profit to facilitate commercialization.
This gathering was hosted by Stanford University’s Lane Center for the American West, California Water Institute, and Fresno State’s Maddy Institute.