The Reservoir and Naturipe Berry Growers Forge Partnership to Enhance Strawberry Farming Innovation in Salinas Valley

The Reservoir, a California nonprofit dedicated to agricultural innovation, has announced a partnership with Naturipe Berry Growers, Inc., a leader in strawberry production, to foster farming innovation at Reservoir Farms in Salinas Valley. This collaboration signifies a major advancement in the integration of cutting-edge agricultural technologies with traditional farming practices, aiming to enhance the quality and sustainability of specialty crops.

Located in one of the world's most productive specialty crop regions, Reservoir Farms offers startups a unique environment for in-field testing and development. With Naturipe managing five acres of strawberries, the partnership will focus on technology integration and sustainable farming innovations, leveraging Naturipe's extensive berry-growing expertise and The Reservoir's commitment to agricultural advancement.

Danny Bernstein, founder and CEO of The Reservoir, highlighted the partnership's potential to bridge the gap between innovation and practical farming solutions. Hank Guerrero of Naturipe Berry Growers emphasized the initiative's role in promoting a sustainable future for agriculture. The collaboration, valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, includes operational support and agronomic expertise from Naturipe, further solidifying its position as a Premier Sponsor of Reservoir Farms.

Reservoir Farms is designed to accelerate the development of agricultural technologies, offering startups access to farmland, infrastructure, and grower feedback. The initiative aims to support over 50 early-stage companies within five years, create more than 500 jobs, and pilot technologies that address critical challenges such as labor shortages, water efficiency, and soil health.

This partnership not only reinforces Salinas Valley's status as a global leader in agricultural innovation but also sets a new standard for collaborative efforts in AgTech deployment. By combining The Reservoir's innovative ecosystem with Naturipe's farming leadership, the project promises to deliver scalable, climate-resilient solutions for the agricultural community.