Greater co-operation between Australasian agricultural researchers and the giant Californian agricultural sector is likely in coming years following a letter of intent signed between Wharf42 tech incubator and Western Growers.
Western Growers is a farmer group representing about 50% of the United States’ fresh produce production, covering fruits, vegetables and tree nut production, and almost half the US organic production.
Peter Wren-Hilton, founder of Tauranga-based Wharf42, said the agreement includes intentions to hold a grower summit in Salinas, California, in mid-2023 to enable growers, researchers and companies to discuss biological-based approaches to agricultural challenges.
He said it will provide a major platform for New Zealand and Australian agritech and researchers to focus on water management and quality tech in particular, engaging directly with key entities across California.
A delegation of Californian growers, processors and producers will be attending the 2035 Oceania Summit on agritech being held in Auckland in October.
