Reservoir Farms plans Yakima agtech robotics hub

Reservoir plans to open an agricultural robotics and physical AI incubator in Washington’s Yakima Valley in spring 2027, expanding its existing on-farm sites in California and Arizona. Working with the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission, the Tri-City Development Council, and other partners, the site will place startups alongside growers and researchers to test technology under commercial conditions. Initial efforts will target labor-intensive crops such as apples, pears, cherries, and blueberries, with additional work in wine grapes and hops, addressing challenges including labor shortages and the difficulty of automating delicate harvests.