The University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) has launched the AgTech Alliance, a campus community uniting researchers, faculty, and others interested in developing ethical and responsible agricultural technologies for a sustainable future amidst climate change. Building on UCSC's extensive history in agricultural innovation, the Alliance will support research, education, events, and workforce development, fostering collaboration within the university and beyond. "We believe that emerging technologies have the potential to dramatically reshape the agri-food system," said Colleen Josephson, Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and an inaugural director. "The UC Santa Cruz AgTech Alliance is bringing together an interdisciplinary community...to help lead that transformation in a positive direction."

The AgTech Alliance draws leadership from Baskin Engineering and the Social Sciences Division, welcoming all stakeholders interested in agricultural technology. Its interdisciplinary nature is a key strength, bridging technical innovation with critical examination of societal implications. "The interdisciplinary nature of this initiative is one of the things that makes it special," noted Social Sciences Division Dean Katharyne Mitchell. "Building ethical technology for tomorrow will require learning lessons from agriculture’s checkered past...Interdisciplinary collaboration is essential for that process." The inaugural directors are Josephson and Gregory Gilbert, Professor of Environmental Studies, both UCSC Agriculture Experiment Station (AES) Agronomists. The Alliance will be administered by Baskin Engineering as a program under CITRIS.

The AgTech Alliance will leverage UCSC's location, bridging Silicon Valley and major agricultural regions. It will also utilize the campus's Center for Agroecology and AES to connect with local growers and research. "The AgTech Alliance will provide cohesion to an exciting network of cross-divisional research collaborators," explained Gilbert. Affiliated researchers have expertise in areas like agro-robotics and aquaculture, with projects including developing better leaf wetness sensors and understanding the global carbon cycle. The Alliance will expand AgTech education at UCSC and invites collaborators and funders to support student and faculty researchers and other costs. A kickoff event will be held on February 27 for the community to learn more. Drop ins are welcome but RSVPs are encouraged if you plan on attending.