President’s Speaker Series visits Salinas and explores ag tech

By Walter Ryce

The first President’s Speaker Series of the 2026-27 academic year is titled "From Seed to Market: Impact of New Agricultural Technologies." It takes place 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, at  event sponsor  Hartnell College’s Oldtown Salinas building called One Main Street. 

A panel of speakers will talk about how the Salinas Valley ag industry often leads on the technology front, from processing seed varietals to growers utilizing AI and robotics to the use of cameras and optical systems in the fields. 

“At Cal State Monterey Bay we are proud of our strong partnerships and connections with ag leaders as they allow us to ensure our curriculum prepares students to land careers in evolving industries,” said Interim President Carlos Vargas. “The university has a strong portfolio of ag-related programs, and the panel will allow students to hear directly from professionals about the future of career pathways they are pursuing.”

The panelists include: 

• Colleen Bailey, President & CEO, Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce (moderator)
• Walt Duflock, Senior Vice President of AgTech Innovation, Western Growers 
• Pete Melero, VP of Plantel, Head of Sales, Transplanting, FLC Holder 
• Eder Padilla, Project Manager of RAMCO Enterprises LP
• Richard Chapman, Hartnell College
• Lawrence Henrard, Cal State Monterey Bay

“Ag technology is helping streamline the way we grow, harvest and process our fruits and vegetables,” said Lawrence Henrard, program director for CSUMB’s agribusiness supply chain management program. “In many cases it’s making our food supply more abundant and helps us to be better stewards of our resources.” 

With academic programs such as agricultural plant and soil science and investments like the coming Edward Taylor Science and Engineering Building, which will house the mechatronics engineering program, CSUMB is soundly positioned to be at the forefront of such changes. 

The panel can make new pathways visible to students by showing them the careers that support agriculture, including food safety, engineering, technology, sales, marketing, logistics, business, and supply-chain management.

There are also market forces that will make ag tech innovation more profitable and urgent, according to Walt Duflock, senior vice president of AgTech Innovation. 

“Automation is one of the more exciting AgTech segments currently,” Duflock said. “There is good progress with non-harvest robots in weeding, thinning, spraying and harvest assist. This was a $325 million revenue category last year and will grow to $1 billion by 2030.”

In addition, he says, high-skills ag tech jobs are forecast to create about 40,000 to 50,000 jobs nationwide by 2040, many in rural California communities. 

The panel discussion is expected to be comprehensive, following the ag value chain from seed and nursery operations through to distribution and marketing. 

The event begins with a reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by short remarks at 6:30 p.m. from CSUMB President Carlos Vargas, which leads into the rich panel discussion. 

Those interested should RSVP online to attend.