Agrinautics was started in Sunnyvale, California by George Sanders in 1958, following the start of his career in engineering in agricultural aviation research for the U. S. Department of Agriculture in 1951. Then known as the Agricultural Aviation Engineering Company (AGAVENCO), the firm grew with the merger of Pickell & Associates into Agrinautics and their other acquired company products.

Starting primarily with helicopter spray systems design for Hiller Helicopters in 1958, Agrinautics expanded into the manufacture of these systems and then for Bell and Hughes Helicopters soon after. Agrinautics then concentrated on the design and manufacture of high quality products for fixed wing agricultural air-craft, which were being developed to take the place of World War II surplus trainers adapted for aerial applications.

Today, Agrinautics is well known world-wide for its engineering expertise in the design, development, and manufacture of 800 hour warranty pumps, valves, strainers, accessories, and complete systems. This company was the primary source of helicopter and fixed wing spray systems for the Department of Defense during the Vietnam war where the applications extended from disease vector control to defoliation by the Army and Navy. More recently, Agrinautics manufactured products for drug eradication relocated and oil spill applications.