Northside Agriculture Innovation Center (NAIC)

The Northside Agriculture Innovation Center (NAIC) is a community-driven project in Riverside, California, aimed at boosting workforce development, fostering innovation, and creating businesses in sustainable agriculture and food production. With substantial input from over 200 community members and various local organizations, the NAIC was conceived to address the need for training and infrastructure in the green tech industry. The center will offer state-of-the-art facilities and a curriculum focused on climate-resilient agriculture, ultimately contributing to a more resilient food system while improving the environment and providing access to healthy, locally grown food.

The NAIC, an 8.8-acre public-private partnership, will be a multi-phase project located in the Northside neighborhood. Utilizing solar energy, the center will serve as a vital community resource, engaging over 5,000 regional residents and collaborating with more than two dozen partners. The City of Riverside has already secured over $9.8 million in funding for site development, amenities, and workforce training.

With site planning underway, Phase 1 of the multi-phase project includes site acquisition (completed), installation of approximately: 50,000 sq ft of solar PV greenhouses; 14,000 sq ft of agrivoltaics; 14,000 sq ft of a solar PV pole barn (to be completed in Phase 2, when funding is available, as a co-work learning center with classrooms, offices, demonstration kitchen, and farm stand); a 30-plot community garden; outdoor farmer training facilities; trails; and basic utility and water infrastructure.

Phase 2 of the project includes build-out of the co-work learning center, street improvements, restroom facilities, and completion of the site’s trail system and hardscape.

For more information, contact Denise Hamet: [email protected] | 951-312-5059.

From Concept to Reality - Timeline

Start April 2018
City of Riverside collaborated with area food systems stakeholders to submit an Urban Greening Grant application for Northside Agriculture Innovation Center.
Funding May 2020
City of Riverside awarded $3 million Urban Greening Grant 2019 for Northside Ag Innovation Center funds to be used for site property acquisition and site development.
Parcels Acquired January 2021
Community Project Funding FY 2022
Federal appropriation of $1 million for workforce development at NAIC.
Phase 1 Construction November 19, 2024
The Riverside City Council approved a contract with Marina Landscaping, Inc. and a supplemental appropriations to being construction of Phase 1 of the Northside Agriculture Innovation Center. Phase 1 of the project includes installation of critical infrastructure (water mainline expansion), site grading, onsite trail construction, planting of 450+ trees and shrubs, installation of a community garden, landscape irrigation, and site preparation for soil-based farmer training programming and new farmer incubation.

Documents related to City Council's action items are linked below.
Northside Ag Center Phase 1 Staff Report
Northside Ag Center Phase 1 Presentation
Northside Ag Center Bid Award Recommendation
Northside Ag Center Phase 1 Landscape Plans
Northside Ag Center Fire Safety Requirements (2)
Northside Ag Center Nonpotable Water Infrastructure Cost Estimates
Project Anticipated Deadline Q3 2025
Anticipated site programs launch – Q3 2025.

Workforce Development & Research

Co-work Learning Center

14,000+ sq ft. space featuring a commercial teaching kitchen, farm stand, classrooms, and offices. Programs focus on controlled environment agriculture (CEA), regenerative, and climate-resilient farming.

State-of-the-Art Greenhouses

Solar PV powered greenhouses offer hands-on training in climate-smart agriculture for future farmers.

Agrivoltaics Research

Demonstrates and researches the integration of solar panels with farming to optimize land use and sustainability.

Open-Space Training

1.5 acres dedicated to soil-based training for aspiring farmers.

Future Microgrid

Potential for collaborative research and training on a microgrid focused on renewable energy management.

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Incubation & Training: The center aims to train 350 individuals annually and incubate 6-10 new farmers and ag-tech startups each year, launching an estimated 25 companies over 10 years.
Specialized Education: Accredited instructors and experienced mentors provide business and agriculture-focused education and training.

Community Engagement

Community Spaces: Offers open spaces, a community garden, indoor/outdoor event spaces, and a co-work learning center for various urban agriculture programs.
Demonstration Greenhouse & Teaching Kitchen: Provides hands-on learning experiences in climate-smart agriculture and culinary arts.
Interpretive Trails: Half a mile of trails with educational signs for visitors to learn about the site's features.
Farm Stand: Provides fresh, locally grown produce in an area with limited access to grocery stores.

Carbon Sequestration & Urban Greening

Open Space & Tree Planting: Nearly seven acres of open space with over 450 trees planted, showcasing heat island mitigation and carbon sequestration through green infrastructure.
Climate Change Mitigation: Demonstrates how agricultural practices and landscape management can help combat climate change.
Composting Area: Recycles green waste to enrich soil health.