- Author: Mark Bell
Find UC ANR community resources for the coronavirus crisis here.
Theories abound as to what life will be like when we come out of our current predicament. And who can say?
However, the focus for many is simply on dealing with the immediate. What can I eat? How do I visit the supermarket safely? Can I drink the water? I want to get outdoors, but is it safe? Can I garden? If so, how? How can I provide my kids meaningful engagement? What resources are available for the agriculture industry? How do I cope?
In response to these pressing needs, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, like many other universities and extension organizations across the country, are moving quickly to get more information online. While I haven't seen the actual numbers, we know millions of students (both high school and university) are quickly transitioning to online classes.
In addition, millions are seeking information on topics from agriculture and food to gardening to nutrition to wellness. The activity behind the scenes is at times frantic. We at UC ANR already have large amounts of credible, practical “how to” information online, but we know we can provide more. Our 12 statewide programs and institutes (links below), along with our network of advisors and specialists, are moving quickly to enhance out virtual connections and getting more useful information online - videos, fact sheets, courses, etc. - to ensure our outreach continues. For example, the UC California Naturalist program already had its first virtual graduation. Advisors are providing virtual consultations to farmers and others.
Do you need help navigating life during the coronavirus crisis? Explore our portal - ucanr.edu/covid19communityresources - to find information on gardening, safe outdoor exploration, food access, water and food safety, nutrition, wellness and more.
Learn about our statewide programs:
Agriculture
California Institute of Water Resources
UC Integrated Pest Management Program (how to manage pests)
UC Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program
Nutrition, food, water and wellness
Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program
UC Master Food Preserver Program
Enjoying the outdoors
Informatics and Geographic Information Systems
UC California Naturalist UC Integrated Pest Mangaement - understanding pests of our environment
Engaging youth and adults UC 4-H
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- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
Dignitaries from the Baja California department of agriculture were recognized along with representatives of the UC Agriculture and Natural Resources 4-H program by the California State Senate on April 2 for an agreement the two organizations forged last year to bring 4-H to children across the border.
In presenting a resolution, Senator Ben Hueso, whose district includes the entire 156-mile border of California with Mexico, said the two countries share an agricultural legacy that has faced growing challenges in recent years, such as drought and climate change.
“This requires California and Mexico to share resources by providing access to outstanding educational opportunities what will prepare leaders, scientists, educators, entrepreneurs and professionals with the knowledge and commitment to address these very important issues,” Sen. Hueso said to his colleagues in the State Senate.
Sen. Hueso said education isn't the only issue addressed by the 4-H-Mexico accord.
“This is also a food scarcity issue, addressing food scarcity in our communities and in the world,” he said. “Both Imperial County and Baja California are very big players on the world stage for feeding people.”
The first group of children in the Mexicali 4-H program learned where their food comes from. A second cohort will undertake a project related to science. The program is a model for establishment of similar 4-H experiences for youth in the rest of Baja California and Mexico.
Sen. Hueso introduced the delegation from Mexico, led by Manuel Vallodolid Seamaduras, Secretary of Agriculture Development in the State of Baja California, Mexico (Secretaría de Desarrollo Agropecuario del Estado de México - SEDAGRO), and others in attendance to accept the resolution, including:
- Hortencia Medellin Acosta, Director of Rural Entrepreneurship, Mexicali, Baja California
- Carlos Orozco Riesgo, Member of the UC ANR 4-H Multicultural and Community Engagement Advisory Committee, former Undersecretary of SEDAGRO
- Belem Avendaño Ruiz, Director of Inspection, health and safety SEDAGRO
- Guillermo Gonzalez Rubio, Director, Livestock health department SEDAGRO
- Agustin Manuel Velazquez Bustamante, Legal Advisor SEDAGRO
- Mark Bell, Ph.D., Vice provost, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources
- Shannon Horrillo, Ph.D., 4-H Youth Development statewide director
- Lupita Fabregas, Ph.D., 4-H Youth Development assistant director for diversity and expansion
- Claudia Diaz Carrasco, 4-H Youth Development advisor, Riverside and San Bernardino counties
“I hope that California, the nation's leading agriculture producing state, will continue to foster cooperation with Mexico and train future leaders through the launch of the 4-H Club in Mexicali,” Sen. Hueso said. “Please join me in welcoming them to the California State Senate and thanking them for their work in advocacy in helping educate the future.”
/h2>Click here to read the California State Senate resolution recognizing the establishment of a 4-H program in Mexicali, Mex.