The Western Growers’ Center for Innovation & Technology (WGCIT) celebrated its one-year anniversary Jan. 18.

WGCIT is a premier technology incubator designed to bring entrepreneurs together with farmers to develop innovative solutions to the major issues facing agriculture.

WGCIT first opened its doors Dec. 10, 2015 with six agricultural technology (ag tech) start-up companies. In its first year, it has transformed into a hub of collaboration and innovation, including 27 startups.

“We are proud of the achievements we, and our startups, have accomplished thus far and have found our footing to create a solid foundation for the Center,” said Hank Giclas, Western Growers senior vice-president of strategic planning, science and technology.

In year one, WGCIT has quickly influenced the future of agricultural technology development.

Western Growers says WGCIT has achieved many goals including:

WGCIT plans to further ag tech in the agricultural industry at the local, state, and national levels.

Giclas noted, “The Center has grown organically and going forward we are going to take a more solutions-orientated role.”

WGCIT hired Dennis Donohue, former mayor of the City of Salinas (Calif.) who will zero in and seek out ag tech startups who are developing technologies which solve the agricultural industry’s most immediate needs.