CENTRAL COAST — Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is helping to advance agriculture technology (agtech) and workforce development across the Central Coast, supporting a statewide initiative that aims to create well-paying jobs and strengthen the region’s economy.
MBEP, a regional economic development organization, co-founded and co-convenes Monterey Bay Tech Hub and Uplift Central Coast. Both initiatives helped secure multiple grants through the California Jobs First Initiative, which awarded $80 million statewide to accelerate economic growth.
“By strengthening the partnerships between universities, farms and agricultural businesses on the Central Coast, this funding will accelerate the transition of innovative research into practical, scalable technologies, supporting our state’s climate goals, moving one of the region’s most significant industries into the future while ensuring economic resilience for our region,” said MBEP President and CEO Tahra Goraya.
MBEP serves as regional convener of Uplift Central Coast, a coalition of six counties advancing economic mobility and clean-energy jobs. The organization also co-led a community-driven economic development plan with REACH and EDC, identifying agtech as a key sector that can deliver quality jobs, particularly for those without a four-year degree.
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources received $15.1 million in the first Jobs First funding round, part of a $28.6 million award supporting California’s agricultural sector. MBEP acted as regional partner and advocate.
Key recent investments for the tri-county region include:
- Farm Robotics Challenge: MBEP secured funding to expand this student competition, which uses AI, automation and robotics to solve real-world agricultural problems. The program now reaches secondary school students, opening pathways to higher education and agtech careers.
- Drones Uplifting California Communities (DUCC): Monterey Bay Tech Hub, co-founded by MBEP, UC Santa Cruz and DART, received $2.21 million to train educators in drone technology. The program, run through UCSC’s CITRIS Initiative for Drone Education and Research (CIDER), prepares students for FAA licensing and entrepreneurship in precision agriculture, logistics, infrastructure and environmental monitoring. It aims to reach more than 2,000 students over two years.
- AgTEC Certificate Program Expansion: Hartnell College, an MBEP member, received funding through the F3 (Farms Food Future) Initiative to expand agtech programs at three community colleges in California.
As the “Salad Bowl of the World,” the region leads in leafy greens and fresh produce but faces labor shortages, climate pressures and global competition. Automation and technology continue to reshape farming, making innovation and skilled workers essential to stay competitive.
These new grants are expected to create pathways to higher education and careers, strengthen the region’s workforce and support the growth of a rapidly evolving agricultural sector.
