Note: The FIRA USA event taking place in Woodland from October 22-24, is free and open to all growers.
The third annual FIRA USA event in Woodland, California, held at the Yolo County Fairgrounds (October 22 to 24), is a showcase for agricultural robotics and automation. Focused on innovation in the agriculture industry, the event draws key stakeholders from across the state to discuss how technology is shaping the future of food production and driving economic growth.
In addition to various panels and demonstrations, the California State Board of Food and Agriculture convened at FIRA yesterday to discuss agricultural innovation and technology.
A highlight was a panel discussion called Building an Agricultural Technology Innovation Economy, featuring CDFA secretary Karen Ross, along with Derek Kirk, Senior Advisor for Economic Policy at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GoBiz), and Hannah Johnson from The Vine at UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR).
Food-producing regions across California are increasingly focused on technology as a driver of innovation. Both the state and federal governments have made substantial investments in tech-driven economic development. As Secretary Ross noted during the discussion, despite challenges such as climate change and water scarcity, California’s strategic advantages in crop diversity and productivity position it well for future growth while utilizing technological advancements.
Secretary Ross emphasized, “We still have many strategic advantages with the crops that we grow. There’s every reason to believe that we will continue to grow the gross revenues from our farms.” She highlighted how California’s innovative approach will also support a thriving bioeconomy.
Empowering Future Generations in Agriculture
The panel discussion also touched on the importance of attracting the next generation of farmers and innovators. Derek Kirk shared his experiences visiting the STAR (Strathmore Technical Agricultural Research) Center in the Porterville area, where young students are being introduced to ag tech. Kirk underscored the significance of this program in sustaining the industry’s workforce. “It’s exciting to see young students interested in the ag industry, and it shows real promise,” he said.
Secretary Ross stressed the need to focus on youth engagement in agriculture, which reflects the need to develop talent across the agri-food value chain. “That’s creating livable ways for families that want to stay in farming and all the other parts of the value chain,” she said.
Securing a Sustainable Future for Agriculture
As climate change reshapes the landscape of farming, Secretary Ross addressed healthy eating and nutrition as a path forward, emphasizing the importance of programs such as Farm-to-School initiatives connecting farmers to local economies while promoting healthy eating. “The real opportunity is in improving and enhancing our understanding of healthy eating from the youngest age possible to avoid chronic diseases which sucks so much out our economies now,” she said. “Filling nutrition gaps is going to be critically important in a changing climate.”
Looking ahead, Secretary Ross shared her vision for California agriculture, where a focus on problem-solving and collaboration ensures continued growth and innovation. “It’s exciting and very possible,” she said, envisioning a future where California remains a global leader in ag technology and innovation, all while ensuring that every Californian has access to healthy, nutritious food.