Addressing the issue of how to feed a rapidly growing world population, industry group Western Growers has partnered with Silicon Valley Global Partners (SVG) to find and advance innovative solutions to agricultural challenges through technology. 

The industry association made the announcement today, saying the 'exclusive strategic alliance agreement' would also be aimed at investing in technologies that help growers produce more with fewer resources.

The two entities are set to collaborate on 'Innovation Centers' in Salinas and Silicon Valley.

In addition, Western Growers will become a strategic partner of Forbes Reinventing America: The AgTech Summit to be held in Salinas on July 8-9, for which SVG Partners is a co-host.

Other mutual efforts will include participation and collaboration in the SVG Thrive Accelerator program and the SVG Technology Growth Fund.

"With population growth reaching nine billion in 2050 the only way to feed the world will be through technology," Western Growers president and CEO Tom Nassif said in a release.

"We are also in an era of diminishing natural resources especially in California where water is a serious concern because of an ongoing four-year drought."

He said in order to create a sustainable food chain, technologies and innovation must be developed and promoted.

"The purpose of this partnership is to accomplish just that. We will be creating an Innovation Center in the Salinas Valley which will be utilized for all commodities in the many regions where our members operate.

"This venue, in addition to other forms of communication and collaboration, will be provided for entrepreneurs and innovators so they may be mentored by Western Growers' members who produce approximately half the fresh produce in the country."

SVG Partners CEO John Hartnett said he was 'delighted' to parter with the Irvine-based association to invest and accelerate agricultural technology, and welcomed its strategic involvement with the AgTech Summit.

"The intersection of technology and agriculture will pave the way to solve the exploding food production challenge, as well as deliver an incredible investment opportunity in the twenty-first century," he said.

The Thrive Accelerator is a selective mentorship and investment program intended to connect technology-enabled startups with leading agricultural companies.

Other sponsors of the program include Taylor Farms, JV Smith Companies, Chiquita, Dole, Mann's and Rocket Farms. Currently, ten start-ups have been selected for incubation. Award winners and results from this initiative will be featured at Forbes Reinventing America: The AgTech Summit.

Innovation centers are physical locations intended to provide office space and support for technology-enabled startups. One is located in the Silicon Valley, another will be opened by Western Growers in Salinas.

The SVG Technology Growth Fund is a venture capital fund organized to invest in agricultural technology companies with 'strong leadership, high utility to industry and strong return potential for investors'. The fund is separately led by an independent investment group which includes Western Growers as a strategic investor.

"Farmers today know they need to increase the quantity and quality of crops using less water, labor and inputs," Nassif said.

"This increased efficiency demands greater precision which could be facilitated by new and better technology. Western Growers is taking the initiative to shape the future of the fresh produce industry by partnering with a respected and experienced Silicon Valley technology innovation firm.

"Our mutual aim is to advance technology innovation in the fresh produce industry thereby improving the ability of our members to produce more food in more efficient ways."

Photo: Silicon Valley, via Wikimedia Creative Commons

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