FIRA USA 2026 Award Winners announced: Growers, Women Leaders, and Top Robots recognized

FIRA USA 2026 recognized growers, a women leader in agricultural innovation, and the most-appreciated robots at its awards ceremony on Oct. 21 in Yakima, Washington. Held during the fifth edition of the event, the ceremony brought together growers, technology providers, researchers, and industry leaders around those shaping the future of agriculture, in the field and beyond.

“These awards put the spotlight on the people and machines proving that innovation works in real farm conditions,” said Maialen Cazenave, co-director of GOFAR (the Global Organization for Agricultural Robotics) and the FIRA events. “Growers who take the risk of trying new solutions, women who lead the sector forward, and robots validated by those who matter most, the people who use them.”

Grower-Led Innovation of the Year: three growers recognized

Launched this year, the Grower-Led Innovation of the Year Award recognizes growers and farming operations that go beyond adopting technology by testing, shaping, and sharing what works. Ten growers and producers were selected as finalists, and one winner was named in each of three categories.

Applications were assessed on four criteria: what the grower did, adoption and implementation, impact on the farm, and transferability and sharing. The jury included Shannon Dininny, managing editor of Good Fruit Grower; Walt Duflock, VP of Innovation at Western Growers; Steve Mantle, founder and CEO of Innov8.Ag; and Julien Laffont, strategy and business development at GOFAR.

The winners are:

First in Field | a grower who tests an emerging or pre-commercial technology and helps improve it: Jeff Cleveringa, Orchard Manager, Columbia Orchard Management

“Who's doing the trials, who's helping the startups, who's letting guys on his acreage, who's letting guys operate after hours on his acreage, who's letting guys damage some of his acreage? This guy's at the top of the list.” – Walt Duflock

Farmer Built | a grower who co-develops a technology with a partner or builds a solution of their own for real-world farming conditions: Andrew Nelson, Farmer and Software Engineer, Nelson Farms & Ag Answers“He helped build Ag Answers, a farm operating system that pulls operational, agronomic, financial and market data all together. It flags what needs attention, it automates the paperwork, and Nelson Farms tests every feature first. He's the guinea pig.” – Steve Mantle

Proven on the Farm | a grower who adopts an innovative technology and demonstrates clear operational, economic, environmental, or workforce benefits: Joel Carter, Orchard Operations Manager, Okanagan Specialty Fruits“This person is hands-on and takes a collaborative approach with tech innovators, helping to refine and evaluate these technologies. In 2025, this grower achieved savings of over $2,000 per acre and improved fruit quality.” – Shannon Dininny

Women in Agricultural Innovation Award: Ines Hanrahan

Now in its second year, the Women in Agricultural Innovation Award celebrates women shaping the future of agricultural technology. This year's winner is Ines Hanrahan, Executive Director of the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission, selected from six finalists.

“She has very measurable results and real-world impacts. One example of her leadership and inspiration is hosting over 120 interns... She has helped create crafts for three to twelve-year-olds for sixteen years, not just in her professional role, but in her spare time to move the industry forward.” – Paige Gilligan

Candidates were evaluated on six criteria: professional role and contribution, key achievements and projects, leadership and inspiration, contribution to the industry (including inclusion, mentorship, and fair participation), personal motivation and vision, and a short video presentation. The jury brought together representatives of women's organizations and the agricultural press: Elisa Abreu (GOFAR – FIRA), Chrissy Wozniak (American Agri-Women), Lauren Milligan (Women in Ag Tech), Paige Gilligan (California Women for Agriculture), and Antoon Vanderstraeten (Women in Ag Magazine).

“This award is for the community. It's all about the community here in the Pacific Northwest. I accept this on behalf of the entire community, because this is what we are about.” – Ines Hanrahan

Best FIRA USA Robot 2026: chosen by attendees

For two days, FIRA USA attendees voted for their favorite among 22 agricultural robots and automation solutions showcased at the event. The three most-voted solutions were:

• Gold medal: Burro Grande 44
• Silver medal: 2026 Boson Rig
• Bronze medal: Agtonomy-Enabled