Danny Bernstein’s Post

An aerial view of strawberry preparation at RESERVOIR Farms in Salinas. Grateful to Naturipe Berry Growers, Inc. for their leadership in cultivating our plot of one of California’s most treasured crops. Strawberries are a $3B+ industry in the state, and among the most expensive to farm—demanding both artistry and precision from growers. Starting this spring, RESERVOIR Farms will make 5 acres available to agtech startups to test and prototype robotics, automation, and precision technologies. From harvest and harvest-assist to other critical aspects of end-to-end production, the goal is to support innovation in one of the most labor-intensive crops in agriculture. This is only possible thanks to the selfless leadership of Naturipe Berry Growers, Inc. (h/t Hank Guerrero and Hillary Thomas-Sanchez) for the farming, and Tanimura & Antle for the land, who are helping advance the modernization and sustainability of specialty crop farming. The beauty of this work is matched only by its sophistication—and by the commitment of those who make it possible.