IE 11 Not Supported

For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers.

California State Regulators Are Ready for Ag Tech Innovation

How about free guidance from the state’s leading energy regulator? California Energy Commission (CEC) member Commissioner Andrew McAllister leads the panel’s efficiency projects.

Agricultural technology is well-grounded. It’s all about natural resources. Energy is one of those natural resources — embedded in water, applied chemicals, planting, harvesting, processing, transportation … you get it. Invisible, yet indispensable.

And renewable energy is a two-way street for ag tech. Growers, food makers and others in this sector are early adopters of solar, wind and geothermal. Growers and food makers generate biomass fuels by the ton.
 
Energy management is an essential app for ag tech. Conservation of resources generates reduced energy costs on the natural world. You move less material, you use less energy.
 
It’s the type of back-of-the-envelope equation which ag tech buyers love. Energy management apps, devices and integration that’s tailored for ag tech is urgently needed.
 
How about free guidance from the state’s leading energy regulator?
 
California Energy Commission (CEC) member Andrew McAllister leads the panel’s efficiency projects. He offered unusually candid advice to tech developers during the commission’s July 22 regular meeting.
 
Energy management software developers jammed the hearing room as the CEC reviewed its Energy Pro V6 project, which is the calculation methodology and software for commercial building efficiency design — and it applies to ag facilities.
 
Developers were pressing for delays. A parade of well-meaning people from “small tech” asked for more time, more detail and small changes here and there.
 
McAllister, visibly irked, delivered a round of profound, candid advice and counsel — notable for a cross-silo utility. Calling upon my past life as a Los Angeles Times writer, I took notes with an analog, digitally held implement and recyclable writing surface. 
  • “The California marketplace is rule-heavy.” This is an opportunity for practitioners to figure out solutions.
  • Energy conservation and renewables are new realities. Change is not easy. Engage and get it done. “Move to the new realities.”
  • Get your project done fast. “Do not prolong the pain.”
  • This is not about you and your product; it’s about solutions and results.
  • Ultimately, the marketplace will get this done. We do not want to interfere with the real world.
Take heed. From my private conversations with tech regulators, McAllister is not the only one losing patience with conversations that stress products over getting the job done.
 
There is a great appetite for ag tech innovation, driven by our drought of historic proportions and permanent climate change accommodation.
 
Glad to talk.
 
This story was originally published by TechWire.
Editor's Note: Comments from CEC Commissioner Andrew McAllister were originally incorrectly attributed to Commissioner David Hochschild. This column was updated throughout.