Fresno – September 13 2022 – For immediate release
The beginnings of a robotics revolution in the agricultural world will take place in
California on Oct. 18-20. Over 800 people who work in the food system, technology
experts and others are expected to gather at FIRA USA in Fresno, California, to
discover the latest self-sustaining solutions to farm labor shortages and
environmental challenges. They will be joined by representatives of the University
of California, Western Growers, Fresno-Merced Future of Food (F3) and the City of
Fresno. Karen Ross, California Department of Food and Agriculture secretary, will
kick off FIRA USA by outlining challenges to the food system that technology may
address.
From R&D to the fields: a 3-day agenda for agricultural robots
If you want to find solutions, autonomous machines now exist: planting, sowing, weeding
and harvesting. Robots are now in the fields and can be a great support in this period of labor shortages and desire to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture.
October 18, Research & Development Day – Research and technology transfer
Opening with Secretary Ross’ talk, the first day of the event will focus on
cutting-edge advancements in ag robotics and related technologies by industry
members, researchers and students at Fresno Convention Center.
During that date, selected projects will be presented during the lightning talks.
Keynotes and panel discussions will also be the occasion to learn more about the research priorities, the workforce development and the technology market
challenges.
October 19, Business Day – Expo Zone and Networking
On the second day, the expo zone will open with over 50 exhibitors, who will
present their innovations: robots and autonomous systems for farming, sensors,
cameras, batteries and more. Dealers will also have a significant place in the Far
West Equipment Dealers Association’s pavilion.
B2B meetings will be organized for Oct. 19 to foster collaborations. Starting Sept.
18, participants will be able to schedule meetings with each other on FIRA USA’s
platform.
The business day will also bring on stage key speakers for high-level panel
discussions on farmers’ needs, safety and regulation, data, business models,
technology adoption and irrigation.
PANELISTS:
October 20, Demo Day – Robots in motion in the fields
Robotic demonstrations will be held in real field conditions at the California State
University Fresno Farm.
Dozens of robots will show up in the fields – harvesting, weeding, thinning and planting – working in field crops, fruits and vegetables and vineyards. FIRA USA will be the place to see the largest number of in-field robot demos.
REGISTRATIONS – special rates for farmers:
https://www.fira-agtech.com/event/fira-usa
EXHIBITORS and PARTNERS:
ABOUT FIRA USA
Co-organized jointly by GOFAR – the French-based nonprofit Global Organization For Agricultural Robotics, the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources and Western Growers Association, FIRA USA will be the first edition of the forum dedicated to autonomous solutions and robots for farming.
FIRA stands for “Forum International de la Robotique Agricole” in French, or “International Forum for Agricultural Robotics”, and was launched in 2016 in Toulouse, south of France. Since then, GOFAR organizes the World FIRA every year in Toulouse, and launches regional FIRA around the World to address specific markets.
More information: https://www.fira-agtech.com/c/fira