21st
Tuesday Oct
9 AM - 4 PM
22nd
Wednesday Oct
9 AM - 4 PM
23rd
Thursday Oct
9 AM - 4 PM
EVENT
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TUES 21
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
The Plaza
Special happenings
TUES 21
9:15 AM - 10:00 AM
Stage 2 - Exhibition Zone 1
Description
This session will spotlight innovative farmers showcasing the latest harvest automation technologies transforming American agriculture. Growers will present the cutting-edge tools they\'re currently implementing on their farms and discuss their ongoing technological needs. Attendees will gain firsthand insights into how robotics, AI, and IoT solutions are addressing labor challenges and boosting efficiency across diverse farming operations, while also learning about opportunities for further technological development in the agricultural sector.
Wed 22
9:15 AM - 10:00 AM
Stage 2 - Exhibition Zone 1
Description
This dynamic session brings together farmers on the frontlines of agricultural innovation to share their real-world experiences with cutting-edge weeding technologies. Witness firsthand accounts from growers who have implemented laser weeding systems, precision chemical application technologies, and advanced mechanical weeding solutions in their operations.
These agricultural pioneers will compare their chosen technologies, debate the practical advantages and limitations of each approach, and discuss key considerations including cost-effectiveness, environmental impact, and implementation challenges. Join us for this illuminating farmer-led discussion that cuts through the marketing hype to deliver honest insights about the future of weed management from those who have soil under their fingernails.
TUES 21
10:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Waite Hall - Stage 1
Round Tables
Description
Coming soon
Wed 22
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Waite Hall - Stage 1
Round Tables
Description
This groundbreaking panel discussion will explore the future of agriculture where crop biology meets cutting-edge automation. Discover how innovative field designs and growing strategies are revolutionizing farming efficiency. The discussion will examine specialized trellis systems for tree fruits, advanced breeding techniques for automation-friendly vegetables, and reimagined field architectures that maximize robotic harvesting potential.
Join us as industry leaders share insights on the crucial intersection between plant genetics and field configuration—where biological adaptations and technological innovations converge to transform agricultural productivity for generations to come.
THURS 23
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Stage 2 - Exhibition Zone 1
Description
This thought-provoking panel discussion brings together leading AI experts and agricultural innovators to explore the concrete ways artificial intelligence is already transforming farming operations. Panelists will dissect real-world applications currently in use—from AI-powered planting schedule optimization to sophisticated yield prediction models—while examining the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
The conversation will dive into how machine learning algorithms are revolutionizing crop management decisions, resource allocation, and risk assessment across diverse farming operations. Industry pioneers will share their vision for agriculture\'s AI-driven future, discussing emerging technologies poised to reshape everything from autonomous fleet management to real-time crop health monitoring.
Join us for this forward-looking exploration of agriculture\'s digital transformation and discover how AI is evolving from experimental technology to essential farm management tool.
Wed 22
10:20 AM - 10:40 AM
Stage 2 - Exhibition Zone 1
Smart tech Pitch
Supported by
Wed 22
10:40 AM - 11:01 AM
Stage 2 - Exhibition Zone 1
Smart tech Pitch
Supported by
Wed 22
11:00 AM - 11:20 AM
Stage 2 - Exhibition Zone 1
Smart tech Pitch
Supported by
THURS 23
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Stage 2 - Exhibition Zone 1
Growers Pitch
Description
This revealing pitch session showcases farmers who have revolutionized their operations through data-powered decision-making. Watch as growers share their journeys implementing various data collection and analysis systems—from field sensors and satellite imagery to yield mapping and predictive analytics.
These innovative producers will demonstrate how data transformed their planting strategies, irrigation management, input application, and harvest timing while honestly addressing implementation challenges, ROI considerations, and the learning curve associated with agricultural data systems. Join us for this practical, grower-led discussion that cuts through the hype to reveal how real farms are using data to make smarter, more profitable decisions at every stage of production.
TUES 21
1:00 PM - 2:45 PM
Stage 2 - Exhibition Zone 1
Startup Pitches
THURS 23
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM
Stage 2 - Exhibition Zone 1
Growers Pitch
Wed 22
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Stage 2 - Exhibition Zone 1
Growers Pitch
Description
Western Growers proudly unveils the first case study in a series that explores the transformative power of automation in agriculture. These groundbreaking case studies provide unmatched insights and tangible benefits through real grower data. Discover cost reductions, enhanced data collection, and yield optimization in action.
Wed 22
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Waite Hall - Stage 1
Description
This compelling panel discussion delves into the evolving regulatory framework surrounding agricultural robotics in California and worldwide. Industry experts and policy specialists will examine the current status of autonomous machinery regulations in agriculture, highlighting the stark contrast between advanced autonomous vehicles operating freely on San Francisco streets while autonomous tractors face significant restrictions in fields. The conversation will explore critical safety protocols for protecting farmworkers and equipment operators, identify regulatory hurdles impeding innovation, and discuss collaborative approaches for growers and policymakers to develop sensible frameworks that balance safety concerns with technological advancement. Join us for this crucial conversation about creating a regulatory environment that supports rather than hinders the agricultural automation revolution.
Wed 22
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Stage 2 - Exhibition Zone 1
Smart tech Pitch
Supported by
THURS 23
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Waite Hall - Stage 1
Description
This captivating keynote features a globally renowned thought leader from the agriculture and food innovation space who will synthesize cutting-edge developments and paint a compelling picture of farming\'s transformation over the next decade.
Our distinguished visionary will explore how today\'s emerging automation technologies—from intelligent robotics to AI-driven decision systems—will mature to reshape agricultural landscapes worldwide. Drawing insights from the various FIRA sessions, this forward-looking address will weave together technological possibilities with economic, environmental, and social realities to create a holistic vision of farming\'s future.
Discover how the convergence of autonomous machinery, advanced data systems, and biological innovation will fundamentally alter growing practices, labor dynamics, and food production economics. Join us for this inspiring glimpse into agriculture\'s next evolution—where today\'s experimental technologies become tomorrow\'s farming foundations.
TUES 21
2:45 PM - 4:00 PM
Waite Hall - Stage 1
Description
Join our candid roundtable discussion with industry pioneers who\'ve navigated the challenging journey from promising technology to widespread farm adoption. Our diverse panel—featuring successful ag-tech founders, strategic farm-startup partnerships, and international scaling experts—will share the unfiltered truth about what works, what doesn\'t, and critical lessons learned:
- Breaking farmer adoption barriers
- Strategic scaling decisions
- Success stories and valuable failures
- Candid lessons learned: “What we wish we\'d known”
This straightforward conversation reveals the real challenges behind agricultural innovation at scale, offering actionable intelligence for startups, investors, and industry partners.
