How Policy Hamstrings AgTech in California with Walt Duflock episode artwork

EPISODE · Jul 9, 2025 · 38 MIN

How Policy Hamstrings AgTech in California with Walt Duflock

from Agtech - So What? · host Sarah Nolet, Walt Duflock

When it comes to the production of high-value food crops, California is, without question, a global leader. Plus, much of the state’s thousands of acres of farmland lies within close proximity of Silicon Valley, where high-tech tools and solutions are endemic. And yet, many California farmers are struggling to continue their work, and agtech startups are increasingly looking beyond the state for customers and sectors to serve. So what gives? To answer this question, we asked Walt Duflock, Senior VP of Innovation at Western Growers Association on the show to help us connect the dots on why California’s world-renowned ag and its state-of-the-art tech sectors are struggling to align. Policy plays a big role here, but shifting tides around agtech funding are also having an effect. For more information and resources, visit our website. The information in this post is not investment advice or a recommendation to invest. It is general information only and does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making an investment decision you should seek financial advice from a professional financial adviser. Whilst we believe the information is correct, we provide no warranty of accuracy, reliability or completeness.

Sarah is joined by Walt Duflock, Senior VP of Innovation at Western Growers Association to learn about why California’s world-renowned ag and its state-of-the-art tech sectors are struggling to align.

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How Policy Hamstrings AgTech in California with Walt Duflock

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This episode is 38 minutes long.

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This episode was published on July 9, 2025.

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When it comes to the production of high-value food crops, California is, without question, a global leader. Plus, much of the state’s thousands of acres of farmland lies within close proximity of Silicon Valley, where high-tech tools and solutions...

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