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.

David kneeling in green field putting a protective wire screen around something

Lile retires from UC ANR after 30 years of serving Lassen County ranchers

July 6, 2026

By Pamela S Kan-Rice

David Lile, UC Cooperative Extension natural resources and livestock advisor, retired on July 1, 2026, after 30 years of serving Lassen County residents.

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Central Coast UC Cooperative Extension advisor Larsen retires, known for his word ‘as good as gold’

June 29, 2026

By Caroline D Champlin

Watershed and natural resource advisor Royce Larsen retires this summer after his 30-year career helping ranchers care for rangelands.

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From left, 5. Matthew Fidelibus, Mark Battany, Larry Bettiga crouch to examine old vine Zinfandel vine in the Cucamonga Valley

Bettiga, leading light in viticulture, retires after 41 years as UC Cooperative Extension advisor

June 29, 2026

By Michael Hsu

Larry Bettiga, UCCE viticulture advisor for Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties, is set to retire July 1. He shaped the wine industry across California and beyond.

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Sarah Weil looks at a leaf as she inspects trees on her Twin Tree Farms

‘Farm to corrections’ program benefits California growers, incarcerated people

June 26, 2026

By Michael Hsu

Since 2023, Harvest of the Month has expanded to supply fresh fruit and vegetables to all 30 adult facilities under California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

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Autonomous robots treat grapevines with UV-C light at night to control powdery mildew

Farmers invited to see latest vineyard ag tech in Mendocino County on June 30

June 22, 2026

By Hanif R Houston

Eight companies will put their high-tech vineyard management tools to the test at Hopland Research and Extension Center during a UC ANR Innovate field day.

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