The Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society at University of California, Merced will host their first-ever Agricultural Technology Fair on Wednesday complete with up-and-coming technologies, cutting-edge research and entrepreneurial innovation transpiring in the San Joaquin Valley.

“This is our first of what we hope to be annual ag tech fair,” said CITRIS Director at UC Merced Joshua Viers. “As a growing institution at UC Merced, we recognize that we are at the intersection of two very important things—research conducted and the acceleration of new technology in agriculture that is important around the region. We provide a unique opportunity to bring those two things together.”

As part of UC Merced’s 2016 Research Week, the fair will open with remarks from Viers, Peter Schuerman, Associate Vice chancellor for Research and Economic Development, and Wonderful Orchards Vice President Rob Goff.

Two morning panel discussions will follow introductory remarks, one of which is “The Changing Ag Tech Landscape in the San Joaquin Valley and Beyond” that will feature Seanna Hull, Director of Business Development and Strategy at Ag Tech Insight LLC, Bob Curtis from the Almond Board of California, Dong Wang from USDA Agricultural Research Service and YangQuan Chen, Associate Professor from the UC Merced School of Engineering.

The second panel discussion, “Emerging Technologies for Next Generation Ag Tech,” will draw on the insights of Stefano Carpin, Associate Professor from the UC Merced School of Engineering, Jenna Martin-Rodriguez from UC Davis Hydrologic Sciences Graduate Group, Alberto Cerpa from UC Merced, and Curran Hughes from the Wonderful Company. The fair will also feature a lunchtime keynote address from Batkin Ag Services CEO Ted Batkin.

Following lunch from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., there will be a Student Career Fair and Industry Showcase to provide students and community members to interact with leaders in the ag tech field. This event is sponsored by The Wonderful Company, the Almond Board of California, Royse Law Firm and Observant.

Those interested in attending the Agricultural Technology Fair must RSVP by today by visiting citris.ucmerced.edu/events/2016-ag-tech-fair. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday in the California Room at UC Merced, 5200 N. Lake Road.