California’s Central Valley is moving into the spotlight with a $9.2 million Jobs First award—the largest agtech investment in state history. The funding drives the work of the Merced AgTech Alliance, a partnership uniting the Community Foundation of Merced County, Merced College, UC Merced, and the Reservoir.
The initiative launches immediate projects that will create more than 3,000 jobs, support over 100 agtech startups, and offer 250 internships to underserved populations.
Strengthening the Central Valley
The Central Valley faces an unemployment rate nearly double the state average. With this investment, the region gains resources to boost employment and modernize food systems.
Stephanie Dietz, executive director of the Community Foundation of Merced County, emphasized the turning point:
“For too long, the Central Valley has been overlooked. Now, we’re building opportunities for today and for generations to come.”
Driving Innovation Through Three Core Projects
The Merced AgTech Alliance is rolling out three interconnected projects that directly support workforce development, research, and entrepreneurship:
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Merced College AgTech Innovation Center – trains students for careers in smart agriculture and farm technology.
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UC Merced AgTech Barn – advances research, expands collaborative R&D, and delivers advanced skills training for California agriculture.
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Reservoir Farms – anchors startup incubation, hosts beta testing, and strengthens on-farm profitability for agtech entrepreneurs.
Chris Vitelli, president of Merced College, explained the importance of education:
“By accelerating workforce development and advancing ag technology, we’re creating a more prosperous and equitable future for the Valley.”
Building Partnerships and Expanding Reach
Alongside education and research, the Alliance connects with more than 40 industry partners—including John Deere, Blue Diamond Almonds, Gallo, Western Growers, and the Merced County Farm Bureau. This collaboration links growers, businesses, educators, and researchers to strengthen the region’s agricultural economy.
UC Merced Chancellor Dr. Juan Sánchez Muñoz highlighted the university’s role:
“This investment places UC Merced at the forefront of delivering real-world solutions for California agriculture.”
Meanwhile, Danny Bernstein, CEO of the Reservoir, underscored the broader vision:
“With this historic investment and deep public-private partnerships, we’re ready to make Merced the heart of global agtech innovation.”
California Jobs First in Action
This record award comes through California Jobs First, a program that funds shovel-ready projects to spark innovation and support local economies. According to the California Economic Development Department, it ranks among the largest single capital investments in agtech infrastructure across the state.
Altogether, the projects aim to modernize food production, expand workforce training, and strengthen economic growth throughout the Central Valley.
