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.

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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Seven people stand among dozens of wine barrels arranged concentric circles.

California, Chile and Argentina scientists to discuss weather variability, farm issues June 23-26

June 15, 2026

By Pamela S Kan-Rice

UC ANR scientists will meet with Chile and Argentina agriculture leaders on June 23-26 in Río Negro province of Argentina to discuss crop production systems and practices

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A flesh-eating fly has returned to the U.S. What now?

June 5, 2026

By Jules Bernstein

New World screwworm poses an existential threat to cattle farming and dairy production. While the U.S. Department of Agriculture officially declared the parasite eradicated from the country in 1966, several notable outbreaks have occurred since then. One of those is happening now.

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