Your 2026 Agri-Tech Fair

September 22nd, 2026 • Ventura County, CA

Regional Agri-Tech Hub

This September, the Farm Bureau is bringing farmers, innovators, and leaders together right here in Ventura County. Come explore new ideas, see the latest farming technology up close, and connect with people who are passionate about agriulture. Whether you're an experienced farmer or new to agriculture, there is something here for you. More than that, you'll meet a community that gets it. Come see what's next and be part of it.

Featured Speakers

Daniel Klittich, PhD

Director of Agronomy, Mission Produce

Daniel leads Mission Produce’s agronomy strategy, blending technical innovation with sustainable crop practices. He focuses on enhancing Ventura County’s horticultural yields through high-tech profitability models.

Johanna Del Castillo Múnera, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, UC Davis

Dr. Johanna Del Castillo specialized in greenhouse and nursery crops, developing sustainable solutions for disease control affecting regional agriculture.

Peter Henry, Ph.D.

Professor of Plant Pathology, UC Davis

Peter Henry holds over 15 years of experience in the epidemiology and evolution of fungal pathogens affecting regional berry crops.

Planning Manager, County of Ventura

Winston Wright

Winston is a Planning Manager with the County of Ventura, with over 25 years of coastal Southern California planning experience. He currently manages the Ordinance and Implementation section.

Estelle Bussa

Deputy Executive Officer, County of Ventura

Estelle serves as Deputy Executive Officer for Economic Vitality and Service Excellence for the County of Ventura, leading initiatives in economic development. Talk title: Policy Reform.

Jamie Whiteford

Executive Director, Ventura County Resource Conservation District

Jamie Whiteford brings over two decades of experience in environmental science and agricultural best practices. Jamie has led more than 100 conservation initiatives focused on irrigation efficiency and habitat restoration.

Jodi Switzer

Water Program Director, Farm Bureau of Ventura County

Jodi Switzer is the Water Program Director for the Farm Bureau of Ventura County, where she manages the Ventura County Agricultural Irrigated Lands Group (VCAILG), helping growers comply with water quality regulations while supporting Ventura County agriculture.

Korinne Bell

Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner

Korinne Bell serves as the Agricultural Commissioner for Ventura County, where she leads key regulatory and protective programs to support a sustainable local agricultural industry.

Mitchell Peterson

Senior Deputy Detective, Major Crimes Bureau

Born and raised in Ventura County, Detective Mitchell Peterson has served with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office for over a decade, working in patrol, detention, and investigative roles, and now serves as a homicide investigator and Agricultural Crimes Detective.

Dr. Fatemeh Khodadadi

Assistant Professor of Extension and Plant Pathologist, University of California, Riverside

Dr. Fatemeh Khodadadi is an Assistant Professor of Cooperative Extension and Plant Pathology at the University of California, Riverside, focusing on diagnosing, managing, and developing sustainable control strategies for subtropical crop diseases affecting California avocado and citrus production. Talk title: Avocado Pathology Update: Integrated Management for Avocado Branch Canker and Novel Detection Strategies for Avocado Sunblotch.

Hamutahl Cohen, PhD

Entomology Advisor, University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources

Hamutahl Cohen works with UC ANR as an Entomology Advisor. She develops research and extension programs around key pests in Ventura County in both natural and agricultural systems, including studying the biology of novel pests, monitoring pesticide resistance, and evaluating biological and cultural control methods. Talk title: Characterizing Pesticide Efficacy for Avocado Lace Bug and Avocado Thrips.

Briana Layfield

President, Ag-Bee LLC

Briana Layfield is the President and founder of Ag-Bee, a California-based company specializing in spray drone application services for specialty crop growers. Since launching Ag-Bee in 2019, she has built the company from the ground up—becoming one of the first in California to earn FAA and Department of Pesticide Regulation certification for aerial applications with drones.

Matt Conroy

District Manager, Goodfarms

Matt Conroy serves as the District Manager at Goodfarms, where he leverages decades of expertise in operational management and commercial agriculture. His career is defined by a commitment to optimizing supply chain efficacy and implementing regenerative farming practices that scale. Known for bridging the gap between field technology and market demands, Matt continues to lead initiatives that prioritize both environmental stewardship and high-yield agricultural excellence.

Gloria E. Martinez

Economic Vitality Manager, County of Ventura

Gloria E. Martinez is the Economic Vitality Manager for the County of Ventura, specializing in community development and strategic economic growth initiatives that strengthen regional business networks.

Erick Went

Moderator | Co-Founder, Matter Labs / FATHOMWERX

Erick Went is a technologist and entrepreneur serving as a key Moderator. He bridges the gap between deep tech innovation and industrial application, fostering growth in local ecosystems.