Unique Partnership Sets up Ag Tech Innovation for New Growth

The Reservoir, a California-based company developing a new system for ag technology innovation, has secured a long-term lease for Reservoir Farms, its nonprofit on-farm startup incubator, on 40 acres of farmland in Salinas, CA, in partnership with Tanimura & Antle, one of the top produce growers in the U.S. According to both parties, this collaboration marks a major milestone in building the first Reservoir Farms location into a hub for scalable, farmer-driven technology solutions.

The farmland has been cultivated for specialty crops like strawberries, leafy greens, and vegetables. Reservoir Farms will leverage this site to incubate startups, pilot robotics, and automation technologies, as well as foster sustainable agricultural practices. Developed in partnership with Western Growers, Reservoir Farms will be an idea breeding place that helps agricultural robotics and automation companies develop, test, and scale breakthrough technologies directly in working farm environments.

“Partnering with Tanimura & Antle to secure this exceptional farmland ensures Reservoir Farms can serve as the launchpad for the next generation of ag tech – bringing together growers, technologists, and the community to tackle the most pressing challenges facing our food system,” says Danny Bernstein, founder and CEO of the Reservoir.

The initiative will initially allocate 10 acres of land for dedicated test plots, providing startups with the opportunity to innovate in crop cultivation, including at least five for strawberries and five for leafy greens and vegetables. Plantings will follow a staggered schedule to optimize growth and research. Additionally, expanded plot sizes will be available to accommodate startups and projects as operations scale.

The groundbreaking of Reservoir Farms in Salinas is planned for later this summer.

For more information, visit reservoir.co.