Woodland has shaped the future of food and agriculture for over a century, driven by natural resources few places can match. But we don’t just rely on our ideal location. With a culture rooted in innovation, Woodland is constantly growing and improving, making sure we continue to lead the way for food and agricultural innovation and responsibility.
The climate in Woodland and surrounding Yolo County is perfectly suited to growing a wide variety of crops. It’s temperate here, with wet winters and dry summers, providing farmers with ideal growing conditions.
The fertile soil and mild climate of the surrounding region promotes incredible crop diversity. Over 300 different fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, and more grow in our county alone, including organic and conventional varieties. For food manufacturers, this means access to a variety of high-quality crops and the ability to directly source from our local farmers and ranchers.
The City of Woodland is dedicated to the improvement and maintenance of the essential infrastructure necessary to sustain our thriving community. In the last decade, the City has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in the various systems crucial to our partners.
With a state-of-the-art water treatment facility and aquifer storage and recovery, Woodland boasts an extraordinarily high-quality water system that can weather drought conditions. With these improvements, we have eliminated our reliance on native ground water, and efficiency upgrades have expanded our waste-water processing capacities.
Over 80% of the City’s municipal operation electrical needs come from its 2.5MW solar arrays. In addition, the Valley Clean Energy Alliance provides commercial and residential customers in Woodland cleaner and more affordable electricity alternatives that are up to 100% renewable and carbon-free.
We are strategically positioned near two major freeways, rail lines, ports, and an international airport. In fact, Woodland is closer to Sacramento International Airport than the City of Sacramento. This offers the efficient movement of goods and services essential to our growing industry.
Woodland leads in food and ag tech in part because of local relationships that turn innovation into implementation. Researchers collaborate directly with farmers and food processors, advancing robotics and automation, optical and moisture sensors, plant genetics and food safety, and soil science. Woodland is at the center of one of the world’s highest concentrations of seed and seed technology companies, providing the region and the world with improved food products and varieties. Plus, Downtown Woodland’s The Lab@AgStart is the largest wet-lab incubator for startup companies in California’s Central Valley region.
Located just ten miles north of UC Davis, the nation’s premier agricultural research university, Woodland businesses enjoy access to top talent in plant and animal sciences, food and ag technology, and more. Additionally, Woodland Community College offers relevant technical degrees and Woodland Joint Unified School District offers CTE programs in agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and more. More than 50% of the local labor force possesses bachelor’s degrees, compared to the national average of around 30%, and more than 300,000 students are enrolled in a four year university within 90 miles.
Many Woodland businesses and family farms are multi-generational and still in operation today, furthering our town’s rich agricultural heritage and strong work ethic. Over 80% of Woodland businesses have fewer than 10 employees, fueling a supportive and inclusive community. As a historic city, we strive to protect and refurbish important landmarks and buildings to preserve our distinct aesthetic character. Though some may call us a small city, we have big ideals fueled by a shared passion for our community.
