Hansjörg Vollmer

Daniel Royer

Helge Biernath

Sarah Kurtz

Catie Field

Agrivoltaics Roundtable at UC Merced

Representative of German Business (GACC West)

Community-Centered Workshop on Resilient Agriculture Innovation

University of California Merced | Conference Center 110

<h2>About the Event</h2>California farmers are looking for practical ways to cut water and energy costs while keeping their operations strong.The Agrivoltaics Roundtable at UC Merced is a hands-on, solution-oriented workshop designed to meet that need. It brings together farm owners and operators, community leaders, regulators, and agricultural experts with agrivoltaic pioneers from Germany and California.German farmers have already built pilot projects that save water, generate power, and make their farms more resilient. A German orchard farmer will share how these systems work in practice, while California growers and experts will highlight what has — and hasn’t — worked locally.This is not a lecture. It’s a working session where everyone in the room contributes. The goal: to learn from each other and walk away with clear, practical next steps for testing agrivoltaics on California farms.

<h2>Why Attend?</h2>✅ Farmer case studies – real results from Germany and California✅ Solution-focused – honest discussion of water, energy, crops, and finances✅ Cross-sector exchange – growers, regulators, and developers working together✅ Next steps – identify opportunities and partnerships for pilot projects in California.

<h2>Program Highlights</h2>🌱 Farmer-to-Farmer Case Studies – Obsthof Vollmer (Germany) &amp; a California grower🌱 Community Voices – surface the most urgent local challenges🌱 Problem-Solving Panel – moderated exchange with experts and decision-makers🌱 Action Planning – concrete commitments and pathways to pilot projects🌱 Networking Lunch – connect with peers and potential partners

<h2>Expected Outcomes</h2><ul><li>A clear picture of farmer needs and concerns</li><li>Practical ideas for adapting agrivoltaics to California conditions</li><li>Connections between growers, developers, and researchers</li><li>First steps toward pilot projects in Central California</li></ul>

<h2>Reserve Your Spot</h2>This workshop is free of charge but space is limited.👉 Register today and be part of a results-driven conversation on how agrivoltaics can help California farms save water, cut costs, and build resilience.

Agenda

Registration & Coffee

Opening remarks from UC Merced, the German Consulate, and GACC West & Introductions of Who is in the room

Welcome & Introductions

Overview over Agrivoltaics

Farmer Case Study Germany: Saving Water and Energy with Agrivoltaics

Local California Case Study: Adapting Systems to Central California Conditions

Facilitated discussion with the audience on key challenges: water, energy, climate resilience, regulation

Community Voices

Coffee Break

Moderated discussion with growers, developers, regulators, and researchers with a focus: breaking down barriers (financial, technical, regulatory)

Interactive Problem-Solving Expert Discussion

- Identify interest in pilot projects, commitments and next steps from growers, developers, and community partners

From Talk to Action

Continue conversations with farmers, partners, and experts over a complimentary lunch