AgTEC Innovation Center Breaks Ground

On Thursday, April 17, Merced College celebrated a major milestone with the groundbreaking of its highly anticipated AgTEC Innovation Center—a transformative facility that will play a critical role in preparing the Central Valley’s agricultural workforce for the future. The event, held on the college’s main campus near the Raj Kahlon Agriculture & Industrial Technology Complex, drew students, local officials, and industry leaders eager to witness the next chapter in Merced College’s commitment to agricultural innovation.

“Today’s groundbreaking represents more than just the start of construction — it marks a turning point for agriculture in the Central Valley," said Cody Jacobsen, Director of Ag Innovation at Merced College. "The AgTEC Innovation Center will equip our students with the skills, tools, and experiences they need to lead the future of food and farming. We’re not just building a facility — we’re building opportunity, innovation, and a stronger regional workforce.”

The $21 million facility—funded in part by the F3 Initiative and a $15 million state investment championed by Senator Anna Caballero—will feature advanced processing equipment, a commercial kitchen and nutrition facility, dedicated workforce training spaces, and a community farm market. These resources will support hands-on learning and foster collaboration between students and industry partners.

“This is a game-changer for Merced College, our students, and the community,” said Merced College President Chris Vitelli. “The AgTEC Innovation Center will not only prepare students for careers in high-tech agriculture, but will also serve as a hub for industry partnerships and economic development in our region.”

Once completed, the AgTEC Innovation Center will house state-of-the-art facilities designed to support hands-on learning and industry collaboration, including:

Advanced Processing Equipment – Students will train on cutting-edge nut, fruit, and vegetable processing equipment, as well as meat processing and food safety systems, mirroring real-world agricultural operations.
Agricultural Research & Development – A nutrition facility and commercial kitchen will support food product innovation and testing.
Workforce Training Hub – Dedicated spaces for industry-led training, career development, and entrepreneurship initiatives.
Community Farm Market – A retail storefront where students will gain agribusiness experience while providing fresh, locally grown products to the public.

“I’ve seen over the last few years that people have come together to do the impossible and to truly lead the state in competency-based education and to break out of the mold and say ‘we are ready for the future, we’re showing up to support a new and different place for our community and our region,’” said Ashley Swearengin, President and CEO of the Central Valley Community Foundation.

The AgTEC Innovation Center complements Merced College’s broader expansion in sustainable, high-tech agriculture, including its innovative, competency-based Ag Systems Certificate and Reservoir Farms robotics incubator.

Click here to learn more and see below for links to news articles from the groundbreaking event, project renderings, and an event photo gallery.