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.

Santos stands beneath an arch decorated with red, yellow and green vegetable ornaments. Three women stand on both sdies of him

Food Blog: Article

‘Don Santos’ leaves legacy of healthy habits in Contra Costa County

June 23, 2025

By Pamela S Kan-Rice

UC EFNEP educator Santos Lopez has helped people improve their eating and physical activity habits by delivering bilingual nutrition lessons to families in Contra Costa County. He is retiring after serving the community for 17 years.

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View of a vineyard & Winery in the north of San Diego

Food Blog: Article

Welcome to the Farm: UC ANR’s Role in California’s Agritourism Transformation

June 17, 2025

By Ricardo A Vela

In a state where agriculture is a $59 billion industry, a quiet revolution is changing how Californians experience farming—not just as consumers, but as guests, learners, and partners. Agritourism, once a niche side venture for farmers, is now a significant and growing segment of the rural economy…

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Orchard machinery retrofitted for autonomous operation

Food Blog: Article

Startups to showcase irrigation, robotics, pest-detection tech June 26

May 19, 2025

By Hanif R Houston

Six ag tech startups will demonstrate their products at a free public field day hosted by UC ANR Innovate, in partnership with Farmhand Ventures, on June 26 in Fresno County.

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View of the Port of Stockton on the San Joaquin River. Photo by by Downtowngal https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26671447

Webinar May 19: How might trade-policy shifts affect California growers, consumers?

May 15, 2025

By Pamela S Kan-Rice

UC expert James “Jay” E. Sayre hosted a webinar on what trade policy shifts may mean for California growers, processors and consumers. A recording is available.

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View over the tops of avocado trees from a tower with scientific instruments

Food Blog: Article

UCCE advisor provides first-of-its-kind avocado irrigation data

May 15, 2025

By Michael Hsu

Crop coefficients are numbers used to calculate the amount of water a particular crop needs. In an unprecedented study, Ali Montazar, UC Cooperative Extension irrigation and water management advisor, set out to develop more reliable crop coefficients for avocado based on real-world data.

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