…to public service and agricultural advocacy. Papagni highlighted John Duarte’s accomplishments in the nursery industry, where he helped refine varieties of almond trees, table grapes, and trellis systems. Boyer wondered…
Fourth-Generation Farming in the South Valley: An Interview with Jason Giannelli
…SGMA coming into play, we’ll have regulations on what we can pump.” The South Valley enjoys relatively stable water availability, but allocations are not always guaranteed. Giannelli notes that farmers…
SOLIX Robotics: Solar-Powered Autonomy for Modern Farmers
…has come a long way. Early versions of the SOLIX robot looked “like a ping-pong table moving across the field,” Wetli jokes. But the platform has since evolved into a…
Solinftec’s Taylor Wetli Talks Solar Robotics and the Future of Smart Farming
…how technology is transforming traditional farming. “I’ve been with Solinftec for six years,” he said. “When we started, the robot looked like a ping-pong table rolling across the field. Now…
Inside FIRA USA 2025: California’s AgTech Future
…Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. The initiative aims to bring all agriculture innovation players—researchers, workforce developers, investors, startups, and more—around one table. The mission: eliminate duplicated efforts and…
California Table Grapes: A Strong, High-Quality Season
California Table Grapes Shine in a Strong Season: Insights from President Ian LeMay A Promising Season for California Table Grapes Ian LeMay President of the California Table Grape Commission The…
Ian LeMay Shares California Table Grape Success Story Amid Global Competition
…said the current U.S. tariff policies have not yet significantly impacted table grapes but emphasized that global trade remains unpredictable. He also addressed the challenges of farming in California’s heavily…
California Agriculture at a Crossroads: Insights from Fresno County Farm Bureau President Ryan Jacobsen
…most productive farming regions on the planet. A Year of Remarkable Weather—and Remarkable Challenges Jacobsen began by reflecting on an unpredictable yet extraordinary weather year. From a human standpoint, the…
Ryan Jacobsen on Farming Through Storms, Labor, and the Future of California Agriculture
…also discussed the need for education and outreach to reconnect Californians with farming. “So many people have no idea how food gets to their table,” he said. “Some think almonds…
F3 Innovate: Powering the Central Valley’s AgTech Revolution
…collaboration, or a grower wanting to test new technology, we want you at the table with us. Your ideas and experiences matter—and that’s the only way this will work.” Her…
Van Groningen & Sons: A Century of California Farming
…integrity of California-grown produce. “When you see ‘Grown in California’ on a label, it really means something,” he emphasized. “It means that fruit or vegetable was grown under the highest…
Nat DiBuduo: Politics, Water & California Farming
…Reinvention Despite the challenges, DiBuduo remains optimistic. At 75, he’s seen multiple agricultural cycles come and go. “The table grape industry has seen its ups and downs, but it came…
Celebrating the Valley’s Bounty: The Whole Vine Festival Returns to Fresno State
…delicious twist to the festivities, the California Table Grape Commission is sponsoring a food competition among participating food trucks. Each vendor will create a special menu item featuring table grapes,…
Shannon Douglass Doubles Down on Prop 50 Opposition
…toward urban centers. “This isn’t about Democrats or Republicans — it’s about ensuring agriculture and rural voices continue to have a seat at the table,” Douglass stressed. Douglass also reminded…