UC ANR Innovate, the innovation program of the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, has received US$15.1 million to launch California's first coordinated agricultural innovation network. The award is part of US$28.6 million in new Jobs First funding for California's agricultural sector, with UC ANR leading the statewide cluster.
The funding comes from the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) and California Jobs First. The initiative will connect research, industry, and community partners across nine regions. At US$15.1 million, it is the largest award under the California Jobs First Regional Investment Initiative.
© University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
"This award allows us to do something California has never done before: build a single, statewide engine for agricultural innovation," said Gabriel Youtsey, chief innovation officer at UC ANR. He noted the initiative will connect researchers, entrepreneurs, farmworkers, and industry across major farming regions.
Glenda Humiston, UC vice president of agriculture and natural resources, added, "Our Cooperative Extension advisors know which technologies actually work in the field, which innovations farmers need most, and how to bridge the gap between research and reality. This funding transforms our local expertise into statewide impact."
California agriculture, valued at US$59 billion, faces challenges including drought, extreme heat, wildfire smoke, shifting pest and disease pressures, and labor shortages. Without coordination, technology adoption has been slow and fragmented, according to UC ANR.
The initiative will be structured around three components. The statewide network and investment hub will coordinate nine food-producing regions, host annual convenings, deploy US$2 million in innovation grants, connect startups with investors, and establish a digital platform. Entrepreneur support programs will help early-stage innovators refine prototypes and guide market-ready companies through field testing and farmer feedback. Workforce investments will build training programs in robotics, automation, drone use, and data science, and provide hands-on experiences to prepare workers for agricultural technology adoption.
Dee Dee Myers, senior advisor to Governor Newsom and GO-Biz director, said, "This investment positions California at the forefront of the agricultural technology revolution." Karen Ross, secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, stated, "California feeds the nation, but our agricultural leadership isn't guaranteed. Other states and countries are investing heavily in agricultural technology."
Expected outcomes within five years include support for 200 agricultural technology startups, the creation of more than 2,000 jobs, training for 1,500 individuals, and improved adoption of validated innovations. Partners include the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Western Growers Association, California Farmworker Foundation, Agricultural Council of California, UC Santa Cruz, Center for Land-Based Learning, and regional partners.
Implementation begins in late 2025, with technology demonstrations scheduled for early 2026.
For more information:
Gabe Youtsey
University of California
Email: [email protected]
www.ucanr.edu
