The Vantage Point



Glenda Humiston 

Vice President

UC Agriculture and Natural Resources 

I am excited to announce that the groundbreaking California Agricultural Research and Innovation Roadmap was published this month. Informed by feedback from farmers and ranchers across the state, this critical blueprint was developed by UC ANR, the California Department of Food and Agriculture, and academic and industry partners. By following this pathway to innovation, we will address the most pressing challenges facing the ag sector, train and upskill our workforce, and help secure the most productive, prosperous and sustainable future for California.

The roadmap outlines long-term research priorities for the duration of the 10-year plan: Climate Resilience and Environmental Sustainability; Water Management, Use Efficiency and Quality; Integrated Pest and Disease Management; Food Safety and Consumer Health; Technology, Automation and Data-Driven Farming; and Economics, Policy and Adoption Pathways.

At the same time, shorter-term priorities will be readjusted every two years to meet the urgent needs of the agricultural community. The California AgTech Alliance – for which UC ANR serves as a catalyst and convener – will define those priorities and drive the development and adoption of innovative solutions for a wide array of California’s commodities and communities.

The successful navigation of this roadmap relies on each partner, including CDFA, UC ANR, the California State University Agricultural Research Institute, California Community Colleges, Western Growers and the California AgTech Alliance. For our part, we are committed to supporting research projects that align with the roadmap, translating the latest findings for policymakers through the UC ANR Policy Institute, providing technical assistance to producers through Cooperative Extension, and leveraging our Program Teams and academics to focus resources on the areas of greatest need.

My thanks to all of you for fueling and co-piloting these efforts as we continue on this journey toward scientific discovery and practical new applications!

One area where UC ANR can and should lead is the growing bioeconomy. On March 5, I attended the Berkeley Bioeconomy Conference, where scientists, policymakers and entrepreneurs from around the world gathered to discuss an economy based on renewable biological resources.

Biological systems – historically harnessed for food, feed, fiber and fuel – also can be leveraged to sustainably produce bio-based materials and provide a host of goods and services. When developed with care and cross-sector collaboration, the bioeconomy can be a foundation for increasing productivity, boosting rural communities and protecting our water, air and the broader environment.

I had the great honor of speaking on a panel about the state’s bioeconomic development, alongside California Secretary for Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot and agricultural thought leader Robert Bonnie. My gratitude goes out to David Zilberman of UC Berkeley’s Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics for inviting me to participate – and kudos to the many UC ANR-affiliated speakers and panelists for their brilliant insights throughout the conference.

On March 7, I saw the brilliance of young minds at work (and play!) during the annual North Bay Science Discovery Day at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. I was among the more than 10,000 attendees at the festival, which sparks young people’s wonder and curiosity about science, technology, engineering and mathematics through hands-on activities. I enjoyed perusing the interactive exhibits with Sonoma County Supervisor Chris Coursey, Statewide 4-H Director Kimberly Holmes and Cooperative Extension Area Director Lauren Cartwright. Many thanks to our host Steven Worker, UCCE 4-H youth development advisor, who does a phenomenal job coordinating this community-supported event.

Finally, to learn more about how UC ANR and our land-grant university peers are making a difference, I strongly recommend you check out this impacts database, an essential tool we use to showcase our work to lawmakers and other key audiences. Pam Kan-Rice of UC ANR Strategic Communications was part of a team that reviewed over 1,200 impact statements and selected outstanding stories from across the country to highlight. My thanks to Pam for her contributions, and to everyone behind the research and programs that improve the lives of our fellow community members!