By Blake Jackson
Far western Kentucky farmers will soon have access to improved and innovative technologies through a new partnership between AG Launch and WAVE.
AG Launch is a Memphis-based nonprofit that helps connect farmers with agritech startups. WAVE is a development group focused on bringing economic opportunities to western Kentucky.
Under the partnership, WAVE will recruit farmers into the program and train them to work with agritech startups. The focus will be on farmers in historically underserved communities.
Farmers will receive training to work with agriculture startups and get access to new tools. They will then aid the startups through performing field trials, providing screenings, and supplying data and expertise to the companies. Farmers will also have the opportunity to invest in the startups they meet.
Some of the technology includes precision agriculture, drone technology, and data management. AG Launch president Pete Nelson said the partnership will allow the organization to expand its farmer-led innovation model to Kentucky.
WAVE regional facilitator Tony Brannon said the partnership will help push innovation by bringing together some of the country's best farmers. He said the rate of innovation is rapid and farmers need to take advantage of it.
Brannon said WAVE looks past county lines and wants to promote the economic well-being of farmers in the region. He hopes the partnership will drive agriculture and agribusiness in western Kentucky.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-grafvision
Categories: Kentucky, Business