Western Growers hires VP of innovation to focus on ag-tech

Western Growers, Irvine, Calif., has hired Walt Duflock as vice president of Innovation, to focus on accelerating ag-tech for association members.

That includes “expanding the footprint” of the Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology in Salinas, Calif., according to a news release.

“The need for innovative technology in our members’ fields and facilities has never been more urgent,” Dave Puglia, president and CEO of Western Growers, said in the release. “Walt Duflock has guided many technology entrepreneurs and brings a demonstrated ability to propel growth in the agriculture technology sector.”

Duflock will work with Dennis Donohue, the center’s director, who is working with companies to drive initiatives involving automation and food safety, according to the release.

“Together, Walt and Dennis will further strengthen our ability to drive rapid commercialization of the technologies our members need to thrive into the next generation,” Puglia said in the release.

Duflock has more than 25 years of experience in agriculture and technology. He’s been involved with a fifth-generation family ranch in Monterey County, and he has built programs and strategies at Silicon Valley start-ups, including eBay, MerhantCircle (now Reply) and Aptare (now Veritas). He most recently was at SVG Ventures Thrive as executive innovation leader.

“I am excited to be joining the WG team and look forward to working with farmers and startups to increase the speed and scale of solutions, especially for food safety and labor automation,” Duflock said in the release.

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