From Farms to Incubators: Women Innovators in California Agtech

A special exhibition that looks at how women entrepreneurs are transforming agriculture through high technology Agriculture and technology both have a long history in California, but until recently have rarely intersected. Technology is focused on disruption and innovation, while much of Central Valley and Central Coast’s agriculture is still managed with clipboards and pencils. One commonality is that women and individuals with diverse cultural/ethnic backgrounds, have historically been underrepresented in both industries. Now, a new generation of startups led by women, with a diversity of backgrounds and ethnicities, are seeking to provide novel perspectives and solutions to agriculture’s problems with tech innovation. Growers in the U.S. and globally face rising challenges including climate change, limited water and land supply, uncertainties in immigration policy, a severe labor shortage and feeding a rising population estimated at 9 billion in 2050.

“From Farms to Incubators” uses multimedia and digital storytelling – including video, documentary and still photography — to increase awareness of women leaders and entrepreneurs and their contribution using technology through the agriculture sector. In lifting up the stories of these female innovators it hopes to inspire and encourage young women to consider careers in agtech.

Speakers:
Michele Speich, Director, National Steinbeck Center
Dennis Donohue, Director, Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology (WGCIT)
Anna Caballero, California State Senator
Jacob Martinez, Founder, DigitalNEST
Ray Corpuz Jr., former City Manager, City of Salinas
Andy Myrick, Economic Development Manager, City of Salinas
Becky Bazabal

Panelists:
Amy Wu, Creator and Chief Content Director, From Farms to Incubators
Pam Marrone, Founder, Founder and Director, Marrone Bio Innovation
Executive Chair, Primary BioAg Innovations and Global BioAg Linkages
Ros Harvey, Founder and Managing Director, The Yield
Thuy-Le Vuong, Founder, The Redmelon Co.
Penelope Nagel, COO, Persis