MERCED, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - Merced College will soon break ground on a $21.5 million project that will prepare students for what they say is the "future of ag-tech." The AgTEC Innovation Center is described as a cutting-edge facility that is a core component of its work to revolutionize agricul tural education and workforce development in the Central Valley. The college says that once completed, the AgTec Innovation Center will have 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. The college says this was funded in part by the Fresno-Merced Future of Food (F3) initiative—along with a $15 million investment from the state made possible by State Sen. Anna Caballero. The total cost of the project is $21.5 million. According to the college, the facility will complement existing initiatives such as the Reservoir Farms robotics incubator and the college’s expanding role in sustainable, high-tech agriculture. The groundbreaking ceremony for the Innovation Center will be on April 17. ...read more read less