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Escondido’s rich agricultural history has cemented its position as a key farming community in San Diego County. But its agricultural make-up goes far beyond the traditional citrus, avocado, and grape crops that have colored the city hills since the early 1900s. Today, Escondido’s agricultural industry has evolved to include specialty crops, sustainable farming systems, and technology that saves water, increases output, and conserves energy. This diverse ecosystem has made Escondido a unique and bustling location to support AgTech efforts in Southern California.

Residents and Escondido neighbors can get involved in growing the local AgTech scene at the AgTech Startup Hackathon event weekend. Taking place October 21-23, the event will bring together farmers, technologists, community leaders, engineers, and more to enjoy a jam-packed agenda that focuses on food system problems and innovative solutions. 

Secure your ticket here, and in the meantime, read more about the agriculture and AgTech companies and efforts already making an impact in Escondido and beyond.

Escondido Companies and Organizations Supporting AgTech 

San Diego County Farm Bureau

San Diego County contributes $1.8 billion annually to the local economy, with many of those dollars coming from Escondido’s agricultural impact. The San Diego County Farm Bureau – located in Escondido – helps farmers navigate a complex regulatory environment and advocates for farmers so they can remain economically viable in San Diego County. 

Escondido’s MFRO Water Filtration Facility

In 2012, Escondido officials were faced with the reality that the City needed a new and innovative solution to deal with its wastewater. Last year, the City broke ground on a new Membrane Filtration Reverse Osmosis (MFRO) Facility, which will treat Escondido’s recycled wastewater so that it is usable for agriculture. Instead of wasting usable water and sending it through a pipeline into the ocean, this water will now be directed back into the City and used by farmers to water their crops.

Aquacycl’s Wastewater Regeneration

Headquartered in Escondido, Aquacycl is a woman-owned and woman-run wastewater treatment technology company. Aquacycl’s BioElectrochemical Treatment Technology offers an onsite water treatment technology that breaks down 80-90% of wastewater and converts some into energy, which fuels the system, and safely disposes into our waterways.

Past, Present, and Future of Farming in Escondido

Tucked away in foothills, Escondido may be the “hidden” valley of San Diego County, but its agriculture footprint is no secret. For centuries, Escondido’s reputation as a grower’s haven drew in farmers far and wide to plant their roots in the city. Many of these growers still operate in the City today, and many new faces have joined, introducing more techniques and products in the region.

Escondido Tackles Drought with Novel Solutions

Escondido understands the importance of conservation and regenerative practices, and was recently ranked No. 1 in the County for its performance and progress on its Climate Action Plan (CAP). Through diversified water sources, conservation, and a nationally renowned desalination plant, San Diego County has been able to stave off water supply issues for the foreseeable future thanks to the efforts spearheaded by Escondido.

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Southern California is facing its toughest drought in 1,200 years. And while San Diego County’s water costs are 26% higher than its surrounding metropolitan counties, the region is also decades ahead in terms of water storage and supply. Through diversified water sources, conservation, and a nationally renowned desalination plant, San Diego County has been able to stave off water supply issues for the foreseeable future. Many of these efforts have taken place in Escondido, where advanced water recycling initiatives have been setting precedents for other drought-stricken cities. In fact, Escondido has been quietly leading San Diego County on climate change efforts, and was recently ranked No. 1 in the County for its performance and progress on its Climate Action Plan (CAP). 

Highlights

• Escondido earned a 97.5 score, the highest in the County, on the 2022 Climate Action Plan Report Card

• Escondido’s overall score is based on its direction to increase climate equity, green infrastructure, and food availability

• Escondido joined the Clean Energy Alliance to bring Community Choice Energy to the City’s resident and local businesses in 2023

“Not only is Escondido leading in water conservation, but the quality of our water is also noteworthy,” said Christopher McKinney, City of Escondido Head of Water Utilities. “Our advanced water treatment plants ensure our drinking water meets or exceeds all state and federal health standards for water quality as noted in the 2021 Water Quality Report. We also took a more ambitious approach to incorporate new and more stringent quality control processes over the last two years, making the Escondido Water Quality Lab one of only two California labs already compliant with new accreditation standards.”  

Escondido has a long history of acting fast on water woes. When the city was incorporated in 1888, the influx of families moving to the area quickly pressured the water supply. Within a year, local farmers formed the Escondido Irrigation District to ensure both residents and the booming agricultural sector had steady water access. By building the 15-mile Bear Valley Dam, Escondido was ahead of its time in engineering. 

Eighty years later, the City of Escondido acquired the Escondido Mutual Water Company, marking the beginning of a sustained period of water infrastructure. This era provided the basis for much of what Escondido relies on today for water supply. The City’s latest efforts in water have revolved around innovative wastewater treatment solutions to bolster the region’s agriculture amid climate change. Escondido, and San Diego County as a whole, has invested significant energy and resources into meeting new water measures, such as:

• Household water restrictions regarding irrigation, landscaping, and recreational water use

• Customer-request-only water conservation regulations at restaurants, hotels, and other public spaces where food and drink is served

• Converting agricultural land from untreated water sources to treated water sources

“Escondido has a long history of being ahead of the curve on sustainable practices,” said Jennifer Schoeneck, City of Escondido Deputy Director of Economic Development. “Our proactive and comprehensive strategy to water conservation has made our city an enviable locale for innovative companies and new and novel water-saving solutions.”

Escondido’s Methods of Sustainability

Innovative water-saving techniques and the companies that spearhead them are originating in Escondido thanks to the city’s agricultural sector and commitment to regenerative practices. The city takes a multifaceted approach when it comes to water conservation and its methods have proven effective. 

Wastewater Treatment

The City is home to several water treatment companies. AgTech and clean-tech startups choose Escondido for its rich agricultural sector, proximity to San Diego, and business-friendly environment.

Aquacycl, a woman-owned and -operated wastewater treatment technology company, helps food and beverage companies save money on their sewer discharge by breaking down 80-90% of wastewater and converting it to energy. 

Escondido-based SmartCover Systems’ groundbreaking monitoring technology helps wastewater utilities avoid sewage spills and reduce maintenance costs. Since 2005, SmartCover Systems has prevented thousands of sewage spills across the country and saved utilities companies millions of dollars.

Agricultural Water Recycling

The City of Escondido is nearly ready to put its new water filtration system to work for farmers. Expected to be finished in 2023, the water filtration system would take more of the water that is already treated to the recycled water standard and further treat it so that it is usable for agriculture irrigation in Escondido.

The plant will solve a billion dollar problem in Escondido and support growers and farmers who have been facing water shortages for years. In an interview with the San Diego Union-Tribune, Eric Larson, Executive Director of the San Diego County Farm Bureau, said the recycled water program will not just reduce the cost of water — perhaps by about 40 percent — but will also produce a reliable, drought-proof supply.

Landscaping

Escondido offers several water-wise workshops, classes, programs, and contests for residents to implement drought-tolerating landscaping. Even little ones can get in on the fun. Since 1991, fourth graders in the Escondido water district have participated in an annual poster contest, giving local students the opportunity to illustrate the value of the city’s water resources.

Resident Rebates

Residents and businesses who invest in water-saving solutions, from efficient washing machines to toilets, can get some of their money back through a variety of rebate programs. 

“We take regenerative practices seriously in Escondido,” said Escondido City Manager Sean McGlynn. “Shifting towards water and energy independence, zero waste, and clean technologies is a top priority for the City. Thankfully, with so many innovative water companies and infrastructure in our community, we are able to confront these challenges head-on and continue Escondido’s legacy as a leader in climate action.”

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Tucked away in foothills, Escondido may be the “hidden” valley of San Diego County, but its agriculture footprint is no secret. For centuries, Escondido’s reputation as a grower’s haven drew in farmers far and wide to plant their roots in the city.

Escondido had — and still boasts —  a unique and ideal environment for agriculture that makes it a premier locale within San Diego County and all of California. That’s why the County’s first avocado tree was planted here in 1892. You don’t have to be acquainted with our local farmers to see the impact of the industry all around you.

• Escondido farms make up 19% of the County's agricultural production

• About 5,000 acres of Escondido are avocado groves, citrus trees and nurseries

• Avocado revenues alone impact the economy by more than $100 million per year, and most of these dollars are spent by farm employees and by farms purchasing equipment and services

• Agriculture, along with food and beverage production related to agriculture, are two of the largest employment clusters in the City of Escondido, employing over 2,446 people.

“Escondido has a rich history of farming throughout the area,” said Jennifer Schoeneck, Escondido’s Deputy Director of Economic Development. “It really is a hub for farming in San Diego County.”

And it all started in the late 1800s, when the first Escondido farmers came to the region to grow citrus, grapes and avocados. Many of these families are still operating today, a rare multigenerational legacy as agricultural resources dwindle. Today’s Escondido growers face mounting water shortages, the pressures of climate change, and labor woes. The pandemic exacerbated these issues.

“Escondido is ensuring long-term viability for agriculture,” said Hanna Gbeh, Executive Director for the San Diego County Farm Bureau. “An example of that is the clean water pipeline they are constructing. This is a national model of how to successfully make sure you can keep agriculture continuing to develop in urban environments.”

Water isn’t the only commodity being recycled in Escondido. Part of Escondido’s investment in AgTech also involves cleantech and other clean measures, such as food waste recycling. Through the help of EDCO, Escondido residents were able to adopt California’s new food waste laws, requiring that food waste scraps, yard trimmings and other organic waste be disposed of properly in green bins. These compostable materials play an important part in agriculture. Companies like EDCO work to break down these materials into microorganisms that can be used in farming. 

Microorganisms made from the breakdown of our materials help companies and farmers rely less on chemicals, antibiotics and other additives that help their production. That was the quest for Escondido business owner and scientist, Dr. Suresh Menon, who founded Menon Renewable Products, a company that makes a revolutionary animal feed that converts waste into feed for animals. It is the first product of its kind to do this while getting rid of the need for antibiotics in animal feed. 

Providing a reliable and safe supply of food for animals is an important effort, as food production greatly strains the health of our environment. It’s one of the primary concerns for Bill Toone, an Escondido biologist and conservationist who founded Ecolife Conservation to create healthy ecosystems between humans, plants and animals. Ecolife tackles a number of environmentally draining challenges, such as smoke-free cooking. 

These companies and innovative leaders find home in Escondido due to the dedicated concentration made by the City to nurture these efforts. No one does it better than Escondido, which is why the San Diego County Farm Bureau opened its AgHub in the City in 2017. The San Diego AgHub, located off of Broadway and 4th Avenue, acts as the home base for farmers, growers and AgTech companies to exchange ideas, information and resources. 

It’s here where agriculture companies like Henry Avocado, can learn the latest from their local government. Founded in 1925, the Escondido-based avocado pioneer company counts on Escondido’s business-friendliness to continue to expand in the City. 

“Being located on Escondido's Harmony Grove Road gives the company a central location among its Southern California customers and easy access to Interstate 15 and Route 78,” said Henry Avocado Co-Founder Charles Henry. “Henry Avocado was built on strong relationships with business associates and customers, which gives the company more reason to stay and grow in Escondido.”

We’re happy to have Henry Avocado, and others, contributing to Escondido’s glorious agriculture and AgTech sectors. Whether we’re harvesting avocados or recycling water, Escondido’s farming future looks bright.