Western Growers, Irvine, Calif., has introduced an interactive directory to connect growers to agricultural technology start-ups.
The Western Growers AgTech Innovation Directory gives users the ability to research and connect with companies developing technology to help solve issues facing the industry. They specialize in an array of technology, from automation to traceability and aerial imagery, according to a news release.
Users can learn about each start-up company and see metrics including ratings, amount of funds raised and business reviews.
“As the agtech industry grows and the number of startups continue to increase, farm operators do not necessarily have the time to vet each startup to determine if a partnership is viable,” Hank Giclas, senior vice president of strategic planning, science & technology. “The vision of Western Growers AgTech Innovation Directory is to streamline that process, saving farmers time and money by allowing them to easily search for the startup and technology that meets their most immediate needs.”
The directory allows users to filter searches by:
- Location;
- Issues the technology addresses, such as food safety and labor availability;
- Solutions offered by the start-ups, such as traceability and automation; and
- Crops and commodities.
The directory also allows start-ups to connect directly with growers and potential clients, according to the release, and gives venture capitalists the ability to track start-up growth and possible investment opportunities. Although the directory is open to the public, only members of Western Growers and the Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology can post comments and reviews, according to the news release.
The center houses 50 start-ups.
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