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Agenda 2026

FIRA USA general agenda at a glance ! Stay tuned ...

EVENT

Opening hours

20th

Oct.

9am - 4pm

21st

Oct.

9am - 4pm

22nd

Oct.

9am - 4pm

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  • Campus Day
  • Demos
  • Innovation day
  • Matchmaking session
  • Media highlight
  • Pre Event Activities
  • Smart farms tour
  • Special happenings
  • The Growers Experience
  • The Tech Builder Experience
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Technical Visit: Discover Manzana Products’ New Processing Facility

Mon 19

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Technical Visit: Discover Manzana Products’ New Processing Facility

Pre Event Activities

Under registrations - limited to 20 persons Contact us to join this session: contact@world-fira.com Join an exclusive technical visit of Manzana Products’ newly opened processing facility, offering a behind-the-scenes look at state-of-the-art operations dedicated to apple transformation. Manzana Products converts apples into high-quality organic juices, sauces, and vinegars, playing a key role in supporting the fruit-growing ecosystem. This visit will highlight advanced processing technologies, quality control systems, and sustainable practices that maximize product value while strengthening connections between growers and processors. An opportunity to explore how innovation in processing contributes to a more resilient and efficient tree fruit industry.

Supported by

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Technical visit: How Legendary Uses AI Fruit Data at Receiving to Make Earlier Storage, Production and Sales Decisions

Mon 19

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Technical visit: How Legendary Uses AI Fruit Data at Receiving to Make Earlier Storage, Production and Sales Decisions

Join us on October 19 for a visit to Legendary Fruit Wapato and a practical look at how one of the industry’s leading packhouses is using AI-powered fruit data collected at receiving to support real operating decisions.

Shane McKinley, General Manager at Legendary Fruit Wapato, will share how his team uses size, grade and volume information captured as fruit arrives to decide what to store, what to pack, how to set up production and how to align available fruit with market demand before the packing line starts.
The visit will focus on how earlier fruit information, captured through AI technology at receiving, helps teams plan storage, production and sales with more confidence.

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Horticulture for Engineers

Mon 19

1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Demo area

Horticulture for Engineers

Pre Event Activities

FREE participation - Mandatory registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fira-horticulture-for-engineers-tickets-1999030967436?aff=oddtdtcreator This event is an introductory primer for FIRA USA that aims to equip engineers and technology developers with essential specialty fruit horticultural practices, operational insights, and field considerations to improve collaborations between the agricultural technology industry and growers to solve real-world agricultural challenges. Participants will learn how the biology of specialty fruit crops has informed the transition to specialized training systems and trellises, the goals and timing of pruning and thinning decisions throughout the season, soil, irrigation, and nutrient management considerations, pest and disease monitoring, spray application and sprayer types, and key metrics used to guide harvest and postharvest storage decisions. The event will be presented in a series of station rotations, with attendees divided up into groups initially. Stations will include: (1) specialty crop trellising and training, (2) crop load management and pruning science, (3) soil nutrition and irrigation management, (4) integrated pest and disease management, and (5) harvest and storage considerations. There may still be minor changes to this leading up to the event.
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Happy Hour - Journalists Only

Mon 19

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Pioneer Hall

Happy Hour - Journalists Only

Special happenings

Supported by

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FIRA USA VIP Dinner - under invitation only

Mon 19

6:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Pioneer Hall

FIRA USA VIP Dinner - under invitation only

Special happenings

By invitation only — open to selected growers and FIRA USA exhibitors, partners and speakers.

Supported by

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Breaking News & Breakfast: Press Briefing & Exclusive Announcements

TUES 20

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Press Room

Breaking News & Breakfast: Press Briefing & Exclusive Announcements

Media highlight

Every morning at FIRA USA, we set the stage for the day ahead. Join us for a dedicated 30-minute session designed exclusively for media: fresh announcements, the day’s agenda, partners’ special highlights, and key insights, all over breakfast. The essential news you need to hit the ground running and file your best stories. Over three days and three briefings, you’ll have everything you need to cover FIRA USA like never before. Registration is mandatory — secure your spot and get your free press badge for full access to FIRA USA.
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FIRA USA 5th edition - Official Opening

TUES 20

9:30 AM - 9:50 AM

Main Stage 1

FIRA USA 5th edition - Official Opening

Special happenings

Speakers

Aymeric Barthes President GOFAR

Gabriel Youtsey Chief Innovation Officer University of California - ANR

Maialen Cazenave Co-director GOFAR/FIRA

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Cultivating Innovation: Technology Needs and Opportunities in Agriculture  

TUES 20

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Main Stage

Cultivating Innovation: Technology Needs and Opportunities in Agriculture  

The Growers Experience

This dynamic and interactive panel will bring together key voices from across the agricultural ecosystem to explore the realities and future of AgTech adoption. The discussion will begin by highlighting the most pressing challenges facing major agricultural commodities today, from labor shortages and input costs to climate variability and sustainability pressures. Building on this foundation, panelists will share candid insights into recent AgTech innovations—examining both successes and failures—to uncover what truly drives impact in the field. Finally, the conversation will look ahead, identifying the critical tools, technologies, processes, and collaborations needed to accelerate innovation and enable scalable adoption. By connecting perspectives from growers, technology providers, and industry stakeholders, this session aims to spark practical ideas and foster meaningful dialogue on the path forward for agriculture.

Speakers

Andrew Nelson CEO/CIO Nelson Farms, Inc., AgAnswers

Ines Hanrahan Executive Director WA Tree Fruit Research Commission (WTFRC)

Linda Neunzig Coordinator - owner Snohomish County. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Agriculture Office

Matthew Whiting Scientist, Extension Specialist, and Professor Washington State University

Raj Khosla International Society of Precision Agriculture Washington State University/CAHNRS

Wei Yang Professor and Blueberry specialist Oregon State University

Supported by

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Meet the Robots: Live Parade of AgTech Innovation

TUES 20

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Demo Zone

Meet the Robots: Live Parade of AgTech Innovation

The Growers Experience

Get a fast-paced overview of the robots shaping agriculture today. In this dynamic session, each machine takes the stage for a short live presentation. From autonomous platforms to precision tools, discover a wide range of AgTech innovations in one place. Designed to give you the big picture of the robots featured throughout the event, this parade helps you quickly understand who’s doing what and spot the solutions most relevant to your operations.

Speakers

Lucie Cahierre Program Manager UCANR

Ben Palone Sr. Director of Automation & Commercialization Western Growers

Supported by

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AgriTech Meetup: Field challenges, shared insights, and solutions

TUES 20

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Main Stage 1

AgriTech Meetup: Field challenges, shared insights, and solutions

The Growers Experience

ON REGISTRATION – Growers only – lunch provided This Barcamp session is dedicated exclusively to growers, providing a unique opportunity to meet and connect with fellow growers who are users of agricultural technologies. Participants will be grouped by crop type, with each table focusing on a specific crop to facilitate in-depth, peer-to-peer discussions. The format encourages open sharing of real-world experiences, challenges, and solutions, allowing growers to exchange practical insights and best practices directly with one another. This collaborative environment is designed to foster meaningful connections and actionable takeaways tailored to each crop’s unique needs.

Speakers

Ben Palone Sr. Director of Automation & Commercialization Western Growers

Julie TARARA Research Program Manager Washington State Wine Commission

Maggie Elliot Science and communications director Washington Hop Commission

Shashi Yellareddygari Director of Research and Industry Outreach Washington State Potato Commission

Tory Schmidt Applied research & outreach in support of the WA tree fruit industry WA Tree Fruit Research Commission

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See It in Action: Robot Demonstrations Across Crops

TUES 20

12:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Demo Zone

See It in Action: Robot Demonstrations Across Crops

Demos

Throughout the event, robots will be running daily demonstrations. Across vineyards, orchards, vegetable and field crops, discover a wide range of solutions covering key operations, from seeding and mechanical weeding to precision spraying, navigation, and fleet management. Observe how these systems perform, assess their relevance to your farm, and form your own opinion. A unique opportunity to move beyond promises and see what automation can really deliver in practice.

Speakers

Lucie Cahierre Program Manager UCANR

Supported by

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Reservoir Farms: 2027 Preview

TUES 20

12:00 PM - 12:45 PM

Stage 2

Reservoir Farms: 2027 Preview

Media highlight

To help startups plan for the upcoming seasons, Reservoir provides a preview of its 2027 plans, including geographical and crop focus areas.

Sponsored by Reservoir.

Speakers

Danny Bernstein CEO Reservoir

Supported by

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Smart tech Pitch#1 by BURRO

TUES 20

1:40 PM - 2:00 PM

Stage 2

Smart tech Pitch#1 by BURRO

The Tech Builder Experience

   

Supported by

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Historic leader VS Startups: Are We Entering the Consolidation Era in Ag Robotics?

TUES 20

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Main Stage 1

Historic leader VS Startups: Are We Entering the Consolidation Era in Ag Robotics?

The Tech Builder Experience

As Ag Robotics matures, the industry may be entering a new phase, one shaped by consolidation, partnerships, and scale. This session brings together established manufacturers and emerging startups to discuss how the market is evolving. Are we moving from experimentation to integration? What roles will startups play as larger players accelerate their strategies? Through contrasting perspectives, this discussion explores business models, collaboration opportunities, and what it takes to succeed in the next stage of Ag Robotics.

Speakers

Aymeric Barthes President GOFAR

Sean Sundberg Business Integration Manager John Deere

Tim Bucher CEO Agtonomy

Walt Duflock VP of Innovation Western Growers

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Technology for Dairy Farming by Lely

TUES 20

2:00 PM - 2:20 PM

Stage 2

Technology for Dairy Farming by Lely

The Tech Builder Experience

One thing is certain: we need to continue producing large quantities of dairy to keep up with population growth and the continuously increasing demand for protein. Robotisation itself is not the goal, but a way to make that happen. [AVT]

Speakers

John Paetz Area manager West Lely North America

Robots

Astronaut

Collector

Vector

Supported by

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From Prototype to Production: How to Scale AgTech Without Breaking (or Bankrupting) Your Startup

TUES 20

3:00 PM - 3:45 PM

Main Stage 1

From Prototype to Production: How to Scale AgTech Without Breaking (or Bankrupting) Your Startup

The Tech Builder Experience

Moving from a working prototype to a scalable, reliable product is one of the toughest challenges in AgTech. This session explores what it really takes to industrialize robotic solutions, across engineering, manufacturing, distribution, and support. Through the perspectives of companies that have begun to scale, we’ll discuss key hurdles, critical decisions, and common pitfalls. A practical look at how to move beyond pilots and into real market deployment, without losing control of costs, quality, or operations.

Speakers

Andrew Bate CEO and Co-founder SwarmFarm Robotics

Charlie Anderson CEO Burro

Connie Bowen General Partner Farmhand Ventures

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Niqo Robotics: Faster, Smarter, Built for Growers by NIQO Robotics

TUES 20

3:30 PM - 3:50 PM

Stage 2

Niqo Robotics: Faster, Smarter, Built for Growers by NIQO Robotics

The Tech Builder Experience


Discover new age AI-powered weeding with Niqo Robotics.

Speakers

Matt Mollard Business Development Niqo Robotics

Supported by

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Ag Robotics Regulation: What’s Allowed Today and What’s Coming Next?

TUES 20

3:45 PM - 4:15 PM

Main Stage 1

Ag Robotics Regulation: What’s Allowed Today and What’s Coming Next?

The Tech Builder Experience

Can a robot operate autonomously in your field today and under what conditions? This session brings together regulators, industry representatives, and farmers to clarify the current state of Ag Robotics regulation, with a focus on the Pacific Northwest. What is permitted, what remains restricted, and who is responsible when things go wrong? Speakers will also share how public authorities are working with industry to enable safe deployment, and why regulatory approaches differ across regions. A practical discussion to help navigate today’s rules and anticipate what’s next.

Speakers

Austin Gellings Senior Director of Agricultural Services Association of Equipment Manufacturers

Doug Hartfield Agricultural Safety Technical Specialist Washington State Department of Labor & Industries

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Agtonomy Happy Hour & Expert-Guided Demo

TUES 20

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Agtonomy outdoor demo space

Agtonomy Happy Hour & Expert-Guided Demo

The Growers Experience

Wrap up Day 1 with Agtonomy! Join us for drinks, networking, and an expert-guided demo of factory-fit automation in action. Meet the team behind the tech, see what’s possible, and get your questions answered. Sponsored by Agtonomy.

Supported by

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FIRA USA Yakima Economic Developement Association afterwork

TUES 20

4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Food Court

FIRA USA Yakima Economic Developement Association afterwork

Special happenings

Supported by

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Break & Match: Connecting Growers with Ag Robotics & AgTech Manufacturers

Wed 21

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Main Stage 1

Break & Match: Connecting Growers with Ag Robotics & AgTech Manufacturers

Matchmaking session

Private event, under invitation
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Break & Match: Connecting Investors with AgRobotics & AgTech Startups

Wed 21

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Main Stage 1

Break & Match: Connecting Investors with AgRobotics & AgTech Startups

Matchmaking session

By invitation only — open to selected start up and investors This exclusive, invite-only breakfast reinvents the startup-investor connection: investors browse startup profiles ahead of time and handpick exactly who they want to meet. In just two hours, meet 4 to 5 investors genuinely aligned with your sector, your stage, and your goals, whether you’re fundraising or looking for strategic partners. With focused, high-value meetings with people who are already interested in what you’re building.
Apply to join an exclusive matchmaking breakfast at FIRA USA. Selected AgTech & AgRobotics startups, from Seed to Series A/B, get a personalized schedule of private, 20-minute 1:1 meetings, arranged before the event.
  • Software solutions in agricultural robotics encompass digital platforms, algorithms, data analytics tools, and AI-driven systems that enable intelligent decision-making and automation in farming operations.
  • Hardware solutions encompass physical robotic systems, mechatronic devices, and intelligent equipment designed for agricultural tasks.

APPLY HERE

Speakers

Alex Russomagno Senior Manager of Strategic Engagement AGCO Ventures

Amber DeWitt Venture Associate Fulcrum Global Capital

Andres Manzanares Investor Stray Dog Capital

Arthur Chow S2G Investments

Bijoy Shah Director of Growth PF Partners

Colin Hurd Co-director Ag Startup Engine

Connie Bowen General Partner Farmhand Ventures

Lucas Mann Co-Founder and Managing Partner Acre Venture Partners

Safiya Lee-Evans Portfolio Manager InnoVenture Iowa

Tarquin Stephenson AgTech Investor Cibus Capital

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Break & Match: Connecting Manufacturers with Technology Suppliers

Wed 21

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Main Stage 1

Break & Match: Connecting Manufacturers with Technology Suppliers

Matchmaking session

By invitation only — open to selected start up and investors This curated session brings together investors and AgTech startups for focused, one-on-one meetings. Participants are matched based on investment thesis, stage, and technological focus to ensure relevant and productive exchanges. Whether you are raising, investing, or exploring opportunities, this format is designed to foster efficient discussions and spark potential partnerships beyond the event.
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Breaking News & Breakfast: Press Briefing & Exclusive Announcements

Wed 21

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Press Room

Breaking News & Breakfast: Press Briefing & Exclusive Announcements

Media highlight

Every morning at FIRA USA, we set the stage for the day ahead. Join us for a dedicated 30-minute session designed exclusively for media: fresh announcements, the day’s agenda, partners’ special highlights, and key insights, all over breakfast. The essential news you need to hit the ground running and file your best stories. Over three days and three briefings, you’ll have everything you need to cover FIRA USA like never before. Registration is mandatory — secure your spot and get your free press badge for full access to FIRA USA.
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Innovation Day Introductive talks

Wed 21

9:15 AM - 9:30 AM

Main Stage 1

Innovation Day Introductive talks

Innovation day

Speakers

Andrea Chartock Washington State Department of Commerce

Chris Padwick Technical Fellow John Deere

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Del campo a la tecnología: cómo los trabajadores agrícolas se adaptan a las granjas automatizadas

Wed 21

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Fair state room - 1st floor

Del campo a la tecnología: cómo los trabajadores agrícolas se adaptan a las granjas automatizadas

The Growers Experience

Session open for free for farmworkers. Register here: https://app.imagina.com/fira-usa-2026/491128 Este evento global en español explora cómo los trabajadores agrícolas, productores y profesionales del sector se están adaptando a la transición hacia granjas cada vez más automatizadas. A través de encuestas interactivas, presentaciones de expertos y debates abiertos, los participantes analizarán los desafíos económicos y regulatorios que impulsan la adopción tecnológica, así como las innovaciones en agricultura inteligente, riego, resiliencia climática e inteligencia artificial. El evento dará la palabra a los trabajadores agrícolas, quienes trabajan directamente junto a los robots en el campo. La automatización puede generar inquietudes relacionadas con la seguridad laboral, la fiabilidad y las nuevas competencias requeridas. Por ello, los testimonios directos mostrarán cómo los trabajadores se están adaptando, cómo la experiencia práctica transforma su percepción, cómo los robots se integran en las operaciones diarias y cómo las nuevas tecnologías pueden transformar los roles, las competencias y la colaboración en las explotaciones agrícolas. El evento concluirá con un panel de debate en el que participarán trabajadores agrícolas y empleadores para analizar vías prácticas hacia una fuerza laboral agrícola más colaborativa y apoyada por la tecnología. Agenda detallada 9:00–9:05 — Palabras de bienvenida e introducción 9:05 — Encuesta interactiva 9:20 — Desafíos económicos y regulatorios: factores que impulsan la adopción tecnológica 9:40 — Granjas inteligentes: tecnologías de riego y soluciones para mitigar los efectos del calor y el frío 10:00 — Panel sobre riego 10:30 — Presentación: inteligencia artificial en la agricultura 11:00 — Panel de debate con trabajadores agrícolas y un empleador — Ignacio 12:00 — Encuesta de cierre English version " From Fields to Tech: How Farmworkers Transition to the Automated Farms" This global Spanish-language event explores how farmworkers, growers, and agricultural professionals are adapting to the transition toward increasingly automated farms. Through interactive surveys, expert presentations, and open discussions, participants will examine the economic and regulatory challenges driving technology adoption, as well as innovations in smart farming, irrigation, climate resilience, and artificial intelligence. The event gives the floor to farmworkers—the people working directly alongside agricultural robots in the field. Automation raises concerns about job security, reliability, and skill requirement; thus firsthand testimonies will reveal how farmworkers are adapting and through real-world experience, how robots integrate into daily operations, and how new technologies can transform roles, skills, and collaboration on the farm. The event will conclude with a panel discussion bringing together farmworkers and employers to discuss practical pathways toward a collaborative, and technology-enabled agricultural workforce. Detailled agenda: 9:00 to 9:05 Welcome introduction 9:05 Interactive Survey 9:20 Economic and Regulation Challenges - Driver for Tech Adoption 9:40 Smart Farms Irrigation Technology, Heat -Cold Mitigating Tech 10:00 Irrigation panel 10:30 AI in Agriculture Presentation 11:00 Panel discussion with farm workers and an employer - Ignacio 12:00 Closing survey

Speakers

Apolinar Angel Field supervisor Zirklefruit

Bernardita Sallato Tree Fruit Extension Specialist Washington State University

Ignacio Marquez Regional Assistant to the Director Washington State Department of Agriculture

Paola Pesantez-Cabrera Researcher/Data Scientist AgAID Institute/Washington State University

R.Karina Gallardo Professor, Extension Specialist Puyallup Research and Extension Center Washington State University

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Public-private partnerships focused on agricultural innovation

Wed 21

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Main Stage 1

Public-private partnerships focused on agricultural innovation

Innovation day

In today's ultra-competitive funding landscape where resources are tight, public-private partnerships are more important than ever to continue to advance agricultural technology. In this panel discussion, we'll hear from representatives from academia, industry, and government about their experiences with public-private partnerships focused on agricultural innovation. We'll learn more about what has worked well and what are the opportunities for improvement.

Speakers

Anne Visser Professor University of California, Davis

Danny Bernstein CEO Reservoir

Ines Hanrahan Executive Director WA Tree Fruit Research Commission (WTFRC)

Lav Khot Director, AgWeatherNet | Professor, Precision Agriculture Washington State University

Sarah Masterson CEO California AgTech Alliance

Steve Mantle Founder/CEO Innov8.Ag

Supported by

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Cultivating a first AI strategy in my farming business

Wed 21

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Stage 2

Cultivating a first AI strategy in my farming business

The Growers Experience

Putting AI to work on your farm during the season starts with a clear, long-term strategy. This panel explores how farmers and agribusiness leaders can move beyond experimentation to build an AI approach that delivers real value in day-to-day operations. From understanding ROI, managing risks, and staying competitive, to deciding whether to build, buy, or partner, experts will share practical frameworks for decision-making. The discussion will also address the foundations of a successful AI journey: data ownership and interoperability, infrastructure choices, and the human side of transformation—skills, teams, and adoption. Finally, panelists will outline how to prioritize investments over a 3–5 year horizon to turn AI into a scalable, operational tool throughout the growing season.

Speakers

Anubhav Sharma VP, Product and AI Innovation Ceres AI

Ben Alworth CEO Kyle Mathison Orchards Inc

Joshua Bailey Farm Technology Manager KC Bailey Orchards

Keith Veselka CEO/Orchard Operations Manager NWFM LLC

Supported by

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See It in Action: Robot Demonstrations Across Crops

Wed 21

10:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Demo Zone

See It in Action: Robot Demonstrations Across Crops

Demos

Throughout the event, robots will be running daily demonstrations from 10:00 to 16:00. Across vineyards, orchards, vegetable and field crops, discover a wide range of solutions covering key operations—from seeding and mechanical weeding to precision spraying, navigation, and fleet management. Observe how these systems perform, assess their relevance to your farm, and form your own opinion. A unique opportunity to move beyond promises and see what automation can really deliver in practice.

Speakers

Lucie Cahierre Program Manager UCANR

Supported by

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Technical Talks - Building the Tech Stack for Agricultural Autonomy

Wed 21

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Main Stage 1

Technical Talks - Building the Tech Stack for Agricultural Autonomy

Innovation day

Sponsored by Washington State Department of Commerce, Washington State University & Blue River Technology.

Speakers

Chris Padwick Technical Fellow John Deere

Dr. Cindy Grimm Professor Oregon State University

Kenny Lee Co-Founder & CEO AIGEN

Matt Oslin Roboticist Agtonomy

Supported by

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The Layer Under the Robot: What Actually Breaks in Field Positioning by Premium positionning

Wed 21

10:30 AM - 10:50 AM

Stage 2

The Layer Under the Robot: What Actually Breaks in Field Positioning by Premium positionning

The Tech Builder Experience

Absolute position is the one navigation layer a perception stack cannot supply on its own, and it is the layer most robotics teams inherit rather than design. This session covers the real trade-offs between single-base RTK, network RTK, PPP-RTK and L-band PPP, then examines the field failure modes that actually stop machines: correction source outages, single-operator connectivity, sky-view loss, CRS mismatch and slow reacquisition. It closes with a practical checklist for interrogating any positioning vendor, ours included.

Speakers

PJ Walker Precise Positioning Specialist Premium Positioning

Supported by

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From Apple Harvesting to Physical AI for Agriculture by AgriDynamics Robotics

Wed 21

10:50 AM - 11:10 AM

Stage 2

From Apple Harvesting to Physical AI for Agriculture by AgriDynamics Robotics

The Tech Builder Experience

Specialty crops remain heavily dependent on manual labor, creating growing workforce and cost challenges for growers. AgriDynamics is developing a modular, multi-arm robotic platform that combines outdoor 3D perception, AI-enabled motion planning, gentle fruit handling, autonomous mobility, and in-field sorting. This pitch will present our field-tested apple-harvesting technology, path toward grower pilots, and roadmap for broader orchard automation.

Speakers

Zhaojian Li Co-Founder and CEO, AgriDynamics Robotics; Red Cedar Distinguished Professor, Michigan State University AgriDynamics Robotics

Supported by

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Enabling Adoption: The Strategic Role of dealers in Deploying Agricultural Robotics

Wed 21

11:10 AM - 11:45 AM

Stage 2

Enabling Adoption: The Strategic Role of dealers in Deploying Agricultural Robotics

The Growers Experience

A robot is not a one-time purchase, it’s a system that needs to be maintained, updated, and supported over time. This workshop explores what happens after deployment: maintenance routines, software updates, breakdowns, spare parts, and the level of support you can realistically expect. Who do you call when something goes wrong? How fast can issues be resolved? And what skills do you need in-house? A practical look at the full lifecycle of a farm robot to help you avoid costly surprises.

Speakers

Chrissy Wozniak Vice-President of Communication | Founder American Agri-Women | North American Ag

Gregg Marrs Managing owner Blueline Equipment and Manufacturing Companies

John Riel President - CEO BURROWS

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Advances in Agricultural Robotics

Wed 21

11:30 AM - 12:15 PM

Main stage 1

Advances in Agricultural Robotics

Innovation day

Please join our amazing panelists from Bonsai Robotics, Agtonomy, AiGen, and Oregon State as we discuss some recent advances in agricultural robotics. We'll discuss how each panelist is leveraging World Models for their robotics systems, how they are handling data collection, and the challenges they've faced during system deployment. We'll also discuss the opportunities ahead, why customers want autonomy in their operations, and the biggest challenges for scaling the technology. It should be a very engaging session with leaders who are at the forefront of Ag Robotics and we hope you can join us!

Speakers

Chris Padwick Technical Fellow John Deere

Dr. Cindy Grimm Professor Oregon State University

John MacDonald Responsable de IA Bonsai Robotics

Kenny Lee Co-Founder & CEO AIGEN

Matt Oslin Roboticist Agtonomy

Supported by

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The first flexible robotic harvester by Picker AgRobotics

Wed 21

11:45 AM - 12:15 PM

Stage 2

The first flexible robotic harvester by Picker AgRobotics

The Tech Builder Experience

The World’s Longest Hollow, Flexible Robotic Picker. A first-of-its-kind, cost-effective AI harvesting solution that works in traditional orchards—no modifications required.

Speakers

Yossi Rosenblum CEO Picker AgRobotics

Supported by

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Lunch & Learn - Posters session

Wed 21

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

Expo zone

Lunch & Learn - Posters session

Innovation day

Supported by

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The Night-Before Plan and the Morning Scramble: Ai Does the Planning Work, You Make the Decisions

Wed 21

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Stage 2

The Night-Before Plan and the Morning Scramble: Ai Does the Planning Work, You Make the Decisions

The Tech Builder Experience

Farming rarely goes exactly as planned. This panel focuses on how AI supports day-to-day operations, helping you prepare the night before while staying agile when reality shifts in the morning. From changing weather to labor and machine availability, AI can turn complexity into clear, actionable plans. Through concrete use cases such as spraying, harvesting, logistics, and packhouse decisions, speakers will explore how AI enables real-time adaptation while keeping farmers in control. The discussion will highlight the balance between automation and human judgment, and how to build trust in AI recommendations when decisions need to be made fast. The goal: make AI a practical co-pilot in the field, at harvest, and through packing and sales.

Speakers

Charlie WU CEO & Founder Orchard Robotics

Paola Pesantez-Cabrera Researcher/Data Scientist AgAID Institute/Washington State University

Steve Mantle Founder/CEO Innov8.Ag

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Lightning talks session #1: Digital Agriculture in Practice: Sensors, Models and Grower Decisions to Enable Automation

Wed 21

2:00 PM - 3:20 PM

Main Stage 1

Lightning talks session #1: Digital Agriculture in Practice: Sensors, Models and Grower Decisions to Enable Automation

Innovation day

Pitch #1: "Economic Feasibility of Robotic Apple Harvesting: A Scenario-Based Decision Tool for Gala ,and Honeycrisp" by R. Karina Gallardo - Washington State University-School of Economic Sciences

Pitch #2: "Stopping on an Invisible Fault: Runtime Assurance for Autonomous Specialty-Crop Robots" by Tracy Tanovich - Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (University of Florida)

Pitch #3: "Potential of Object Detection for Yield Mapping in Shake-and-Catch Harvesting Systems: Lessons from Tart Cherry and Future Applications in Pistachio" by Anderson Safre - UC ANR

Pitch #4: "Design, Integration, and Evaluation of a Tree Pruning Robot for Planar-Canopy Fruit Trees" by Martin Churuvija - Washington State University

Pitch #5: "Seeing Every Tree: Per-Tree Orchard Intelligence at Commercial Scale" by Hayden Feddock - Bright Blossom Technologies / Carnegie Mellon University

Pitch #6: "Real Time Biological Control of Strawberry Pests with a Variable Rate End Effector" by Uchechukwu Ilodibe - University of Florida

Pitch #7: "Robotic Apple Fruitlet Thinning in Orchards through Selective Peduncle Cutting" by Ranjan Sapkota - Cornell University

Pitch #8: "Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicle Sprayer for Modern Orchard Systems" by Dattatray Bhalekar - Washington State University

Explore the latest breakthroughs in agricultural robotics and digital agriculture through a dynamic series of Lightning Talks led by researchers, universities, and academic consortia. Each short presentation highlights cutting-edge projects, emerging technologies, and scientific insights shaping the future of farming.

Speakers

Troy Peters Director of the Center for Precision and Automated Agricultural Systems Washington State University

Supported by

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Treelytics - Per-Tree Actionable Data in the Field by Precision Agri Tech

Wed 21

3:30 PM - 3:50 PM

Stage 2

Treelytics - Per-Tree Actionable Data in the Field by Precision Agri Tech

The Tech Builder Experience

Precision Agri Tech turns drone imagery into per-tree orchard intelligence, giving growers precise data instead of rough estimates. Our AI-powered analytics are paired with RTK GPS accuracy to track individual trees scan after scan, revealing exactly how they're trending. With Treelytics, our GPS-enabled in-field app, growers bring that data with them - pulling it up from an ATV or tractor and walking straight to the tree or row that needs attention.

Speakers

Shahid Razzaq Founder & CEO Precision AgriTech

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Lightning talks session #2: Robotics and Automation from Seed to Harvest

Wed 21

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Main Stage 1

Lightning talks session #2: Robotics and Automation from Seed to Harvest

Innovation day

Pitch #1: "Co-Innovation in Fruit Breeding and Agricultural Robotics: Designing Fruit for Robots and Robots for Fruit: Lessons from Apples, Blueberries, and Raspberries" by Thomas Reardon - Michigan State University Pitch #2: "Soft Growing Robot for Apple Harvesting" by Ming Luo - Washington State University Pitch #3: "Sensorized Suction Cup End-Effector for Improved Apple Picking Performance" by Eva Krueger - Oregon State University Pitch #4: "Flexible-rigid paradox in continuum robots for fruit picking and harvesting" by Dominique Martinez - ISM, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France Pitch #5: "Multi-Purpose Robotics for Apple Orchards" by Manoj Karkee - Cornell University Pitch #6: "Reaching the Other Half of the Crop: Motion Planning That Lets a Harvest Arm Enter the Canopy Without Damaging the Tree" by Sihui Li - Washington State University

Speakers

Troy Peters Director of the Center for Precision and Automated Agricultural Systems Washington State University

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What If Your Plants Could Talk to You? by Senseen US

Wed 21

3:50 PM - 4:10 PM

Stage 2

What If Your Plants Could Talk to You? by Senseen US

The Tech Builder Experience

What if growers could understand what is happening inside their plants in real time? Senseen’s Nutriscope combines spectroscopy and AI to turn a rapid field scan into plant health insights. This pitch will show how field calibration makes this possible, how SAVIA helps interpret the data, and how growers, advisors, researchers, commodity groups and industry partners can help bring these capabilities to more crops.

Speakers

Olivier Ceberio CEO Sensee US

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FIRA USA Awards & Community open house afterwork

Wed 21

4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Food Court

FIRA USA Awards & Community open house afterwork

Media highlight

A dedicated afterwork open to all (families and non-agricultural attendees) for free!
Enjoy a warm party and discover the winners of the FIRA USA awards!

> The "Best FIRA USA Robot" - participants’ choice: The robots exhibiting at FIRA USA 2026 that received the most votes from participants in the dedicated voting app, awarded by FIRA: gold, silver and bronze medals.

> The "Women In Agricultural Innovation" of the year - the women associations choice: This award celebrates the exceptional women shaping the future of agricultural robotics with determination, vision, and courage, while inspiring others through their leadership and impact on the industry. (Jury: Women in Ag Magazine, American Agri-Women, Women in Ag Tech, California Women for Agriculture)

> The "Grower-Led Innovation" of the tear - the growers associations choice: recognizes growers or farming operations demonstrating outstanding engagement in agricultural innovation. It celebrates growers who identify real-world challenges and take action by testing, developing, or adopting new technologies on their farm.

Speakers

Antoon Vanderstraeten Editor Women In Ag Magazine

Chrissy Wozniak Vice-President of Communication | Founder American Agri-Women | North American Ag

Julien LAFFONT Strategy & Business Development GOFAR

Lauren Milligan Content Specialist Women In Ag Tech

Paige Gilligan Ag Science and Technology Task Force Director California Women for Agriculture

Shannon Dininny Managing Editor Good Fruit Grower

Steve Mantle Founder/CEO Innov8.Ag

Walt Duflock VP of Innovation Western Growers

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Fun Run 5K

THURS 22

7:30 AM - 8:45 AM

Hansen Building105 S 18th St, Yakima, WA 98901

Fun Run 5K

Special happenings

Lace up your running shoes and join us for the FIRA USA Fun Run 5K! Whether you're a seasoned runner, casual jogger, or just want to enjoy a morning walk with friends, this event is all about having fun, connecting with fellow attendees, and enjoying the beautiful Yakima Greenway. The race will start and finish at the Hansen Building, with a scenic route along the Yakima Greenway. After crossing the finish line, stick around for a relaxed social gathering featuring local refreshments. It's the perfect opportunity to network, catch up with industry friends, and sample some of the great flavors our region has to offer. Bring your coworkers, family, and friends, and kick off your day with fresh air, great company, and a little friendly fun! Sign up here: https://runsignup.com/Race/WA/Yakima/FIRAFunRun5k
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Farming the Future: How the Next Generation is Revolutionizing Agriculture with Robotics & Tech

THURS 22

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Main Stage 1

Farming the Future: How the Next Generation is Revolutionizing Agriculture with Robotics & Tech

Campus Day

Speakers

Kelly Scott Director, Farm Robotics Challenge UC Agriculture and Natural Resources

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Breaking News & Breakfast: Press Briefing & Exclusive Announcements

THURS 22

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Press Room

Breaking News & Breakfast: Press Briefing & Exclusive Announcements

Media highlight

Every morning at FIRA USA, we set the stage for the day ahead. Join us for a dedicated 30-minute session designed exclusively for media: fresh announcements, the day’s agenda, partners’ special highlights, and key insights, all over breakfast. The essential news you need to hit the ground running and file your best stories. Over three days and three briefings, you’ll have everything you need to cover FIRA USA like never before. Registration is mandatory — secure your spot and get your free press badge for full access to FIRA USA.
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Smart Farms in America: University and Industry Prospective

THURS 22

9:00 AM - 9:55 AM

Stage 2

Smart Farms in America: University and Industry Prospective

Smart farms tour

Across the country, university and industry-led smart farm testbeds are generating real-world data on what precision agriculture actually delivers, not just what it promises. This panel brings together researchers and industry leaders who've run these pilots to share hard-won lessons: which sensors and systems held up under field conditions, where the technology underperformed expectations, and what surprised them. Growers will hear candid takeaways on cost, reliability, and readiness for their own operations — grounded not in theory, but in what's already been tested, measured, and learned on working farms. Learn more: : https://smartorchard.wsu.edu/

Speakers

Glen Rains Professor and Co-Director 4DFarm Project University of Georgia, 4D Farms

Lav Khot Director, AgWeatherNet | Professor, Precision Agriculture Washington State University

Tim Marquis John Deere

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Smart Irrigation: Rethinking Water Management with AgTech & Automation

THURS 22

10:00 AM - 10:50 AM

Stage 2

Smart Irrigation: Rethinking Water Management with AgTech & Automation

Smart farms tour

Water management is becoming a critical challenge across many farming systems, requiring more precise, efficient, and resilient irrigation practices. This roundtable will explore how AgTech and automation are reshaping irrigation, from monitoring and decision-support tools to automated systems in the field. What solutions are already delivering value? What are the limits in real farm conditions? And how can technology better support growers facing increasing constraints on water use? Bringing together different perspectives, this session will provide a broad view of current innovations and practical pathways forward.

Speakers

Bernardita Sallato Tree Fruit Extension Specialist Washington State University

Jeff Cleveringa Orchard Area Manager & Technology Implementation Columbia Fruit Services

Justin Harter District Manager Naches-Selah Irrigation District

Maria Isabel Zamora Assistant Professor | Ag Water Mngmt/Statewide Irrigation Extension Spc. Oregon State University

Paul Cathcart Area Manager and R&D Coordinator Washington Fruit

Will Corsi Corsi Consulting

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See It in Action: Robot Demonstrations Across Crops

THURS 22

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Demo Zone

See It in Action: Robot Demonstrations Across Crops

Demos

Speakers

Lucie Cahierre Program Manager UCANR

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Beyond the Farm Gate: Quantifying the Regional Multiplier of the AgTech Cluster

THURS 22

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Main Stage 1

Beyond the Farm Gate: Quantifying the Regional Multiplier of the AgTech Cluster

The Tech Builder Experience

While much of the AgTech conversation focuses on on-farm ROI, the long-term economic vitality of agricultural economies will depend on how well regions capture the broader "AgTech multiplier." This session will focus on early attempts to understand regional economic impact analysis and explore how investments in autonomous systems may be able to seed a new economy for Washington and agriculture broadly - from specialized robotics maintenance hubs to localized data-processing centers. The goal is to move the discussion from "cost-savings for growers" to "wealth-building for the region," featuring a roundtable with VCs, regional development officers, local bankers, and industrial site developers as well as industry leaders.
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Meet the Robots: Live Parade of AgTech Innovation

THURS 22

10:15 AM - 11:15 AM

Demo Zone

Meet the Robots: Live Parade of AgTech Innovation

Campus Day

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Right Load, Right Time: How AgTech Is Transforming Crop Load Management

THURS 22

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Stage 2

Right Load, Right Time: How AgTech Is Transforming Crop Load Management

Crop load monitoring and management is a fundamental process in crop production to ensure adequate fruit size and quality, and prevent alternate bearing in apples. Management of crop load starts in the winter with pruning followed by multiple stages in between; spur removal, bloom thinning by hand or chemical, fruit removal. These tasks should target the potential of the tree, thus requiring precision and variable management.

This roundtable will explore how AgTech and automation are improving precision management, from monitoring and decision-support tools to automated systems addressing variable conditions in the field. What solutions are already delivering value? What are the limits in real farm conditions? And how can technology better support growers facing increasing constraints on labor availability? Bringing together different perspectives, this session will provide a broad view of current innovations and practical pathways forward.

Learn more: : https://smartorchard.wsu.edu/

Speakers

Connor Park Atlas Vineyard Mgt.

Dattatray Bhalekar Hort Tech Extension Faculty Washington State University

Derek Tomasini Stemilt LLC

Suzanne Bishop Horticultural Research and Development Manager Allan Bros., Inc.

Tim Waters Regional Vegetable Specialist Washington State University

Tory Schmidt Applied research & outreach in support of the WA tree fruit industry WA Tree Fruit Research Commission

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Smart Farms Tours & Networking Social

THURS 22

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

WSU Smart Apple Orchard Tesbed, Moxee, WA

Smart Farms Tours & Networking Social

Smart farms tour

Walk the rows of WSU's Smart Orchard and vineyard testbeds and see precision agriculture research in action. This field tour visits will cover technology in action for precision irrigation, with live demonstrations of soil and tree-sap flow sensors and weather-guided scheduling; crop load and yield mapping and management technologies, orchard autonomy, featuring autonomous tractors, precision spxray retrofits, and robotic harvesters. The tour will have bilingual demonstrations ensuring participants can engage directly with the technology. Post tour, there will be sponsored networking socials at the Smart Farm Testbed. Learn more: : https://smartorchard.wsu.edu/ Where: Gilbert Cellars, 2620 Draper Rd, Yakima, WA 98903 https://maps.app.goo.gl/FC9zdUk2AVFPei8V8

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