Title
Receive a presentation from HawkTower regarding the Reservoir Farms Project.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Economic Development Committee receive a presentation from HawkTower regarding the Reservoir Farms Project.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Reservoir, a new 501(c)(3) organization, fosters economic development in underleveraged California regions by building entrepreneurial infrastructure for next-generation technology and inclusive innovation.
The Reservoir farms (or “the farms”), a flagship project of the Reservoir, will become global destinations for Ag-tech startups, with world-class R&D facilities and exclusive access to Western Growers (WGA) certification and validation. This initiative will enhance capital efficiency for startups and growers, support workforce development, and deliver economic impact to local communities and the broader industry.
Reservoir Farms allows Ag-tech companies to test and validate their technologies in real-world conditions, facilitating innovation and growth in the agriculture sector. Their structured workforce development programs engage local communities, providing training and apprenticeship opportunities in various Ag-tech roles.
Farms will launch in the Salinas Valley, the Central Valley, and Yuma, Az. The likely Salinas Valley site location offers 75+ acres of world-class facilities, including planted beds, demo spaces, a 20K square foot pole barn, a 35K square foot warehouse, and, coming in 2025, a fully equipped R&D workshop and robot chop shop.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has reviewed this staff report.
FINANCING:
Receiving this report does not impact the County budget.
Prepared by: Isela Sandoval, Management Analyst II, ext. 7214
Reviewed by: Richard Vaughn, Economic Development Manager, ext. 5602
Attachments:
HawkTower Presentation