Emily Canepa | CALIFORNIA

How artificial intelligence can enhance precision agriculture

Emma Canepa grew up on a vineyard in Clements, California, where agriculture played an integral role in her life. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Wine and Viticulture from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and completed additional coursework to obtain her Pest Control Advisor (PCA) license. During her time at Cal Poly, Emma gained practical experience through internships in the viticulture industry, where she developed strong skills in pest identification and crop health management.

After graduating in 2022, Emma began her career as a Viticulture Technician with Coastal Vineyard Care Associates on the Central Coast of California. In this role, she expanded her knowledge of harvest operations, agricultural technology, and vineyard management practices while completing the requirements for her PCA license.

In 2023, Emma returned to her hometown of Clements, California, to join Starr and Storm Crop Solutions as a PCA. She now collaborates closely with growers to develop sustainable spray and nutrient management programs and integrates precision agriculture techniques, such as GPS mapping, to optimize efficiency and crop performance.

Through the Nuffield Scholar Program, Emma will explore how artificial intelligence can enhance precision agriculture. By traveling and learning from agricultural systems worldwide, she aims to bring innovative practices back to growers in California and beyond.