Food Blog

The Food Blog covers our latest research and extension work to advance and optimize the production and vitality of California's abundant agricultural commodities.

Many clusters and grapes on a vine in an unpruned, mothballed vineyard

Food Blog: Article

Can vineyard ‘mothballing’ help growers weather wine market collapse?

July 31, 2026

By Michael Hsu

A UCCE viticulture advisor is studying vineyard “mothballing,” which entails maintaining vines with minimal inputs, while aiming to return to production in the future.

View Article

AI-powered precision application aims individual micro-shots at weeds or crops during nighttime

Lettuce, leafy greens focus of ag tech demonstrations on Salinas Valley farm Aug. 6

July 30, 2026

By Hanif R Houston

Growers, pest control advisers, researchers, commodity group representatives and other ag professionals are invited to a UC ANR Connect Field Day on Aug. 6 (9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.), at Sabor Farms.

View Article

UC SFN Community Education Specialist performs outreach at a farm in Fresno County

Report: Groundwater challenges for California’s small-scale farmers expose regulation risks

July 29, 2026

By Summer J Cortez

Researchers at the UC Small Farms Network and the Community Alliance with Family Farmers document the challenges facing small-scale farms with groundwater regulations.

View Article

Small child wearing pink outfit holding glass with two hands drinking milk

UC offers toddlers free milk to study health impacts of whole milk versus low-fat milk

July 27, 2026

By Pamela S Kan-Rice

Nutrition Policy Institute researchers are studying how the type of milk two-year-olds drink affects their health, growth and development.

View Article

Registration open for Central Coast Organic Agriculture Conference Sept. 15-16

July 20, 2026

By Caroline D Champlin

UC ANR is hosting a free conference to strengthen organic agriculture across California's Central Coast.

View Article