More than 200 farmers, technologists, researchers, students, and partners attended the fourth VINE Connect Field Day at Lindcove Research and Extension Center on December 5. The event marked one year since the launch of VINE Connect, a program operated by UC ANR Innovate that supports agricultural technology companies in bringing their products to market through direct engagement with growers.
Attendance at this year’s event more than doubled compared to the first field day held in November 2024. The field day was organized alongside Lindcove’s annual Citrus Fruit Display and Tasting.
Six agricultural technology companies demonstrated solutions for citrus and tree fruit growers during live sessions in Lindcove’s citrus blocks. Ag-Bee LLC presented a spray drone designed for hard-to-reach areas and steep terrain. CropX showed soil sensor networks that have helped reduce water use by 30% in commercial orchards. Evolve Genomix ran DNA-based pathogen detection tests that deliver results in under an hour, compared to traditional laboratory turnaround times of two to three weeks. HotSpot Ag displayed irrigation automation for permanent crops. Kingman Ag introduced autonomous tractor technology capable of reducing fuel consumption by 25% to 50%. OnTarget Spray Systems used electrostatic spraying technology that can lower water usage by up to 80%.
“California growers need solutions that work now, and work under real constraints, and that’s what VINE Connect is here to deliver,” said Gabe Youtsey, UC ANR’s chief innovation officer. “We’re proving that when you start with farmers’ actual problems, not what we think they need, you get technologies that scale because they solve real challenges from day one.”
Throughout the morning, attendees engaged with company founders, asked technical questions, provided feedback on new tools, and learned about ongoing research priorities at Lindcove REC. The cohort also participated in virtual workshops focused on pitching products to growers and met with members of the VINE industry advisory board.
The Lindcove event followed previous field days at Hansen and West Side Research and Extension Centers earlier in the year as well as at UC Merced’s Experimental Smart Farm in September. Each event addressed specific commodity challenges identified by California’s agricultural sector.
The Lindcove team expressed appreciation for those who helped organize the event.