- (Public Value) UCANR: Promoting economic prosperity in California
- Author: Linda Forbes
UC ANR works to benefit the California economy by improving agricultural efficiencies, mitigating risk, providing trusted information to inform policy, combating pests and diseases, advancing agriculture technologies and training the next generation of leaders. Additionally, UC ANR improves community health and well-being through nutrition education, saving millions in healthcare costs and reducing monthly grocery bills. UC ANR's work is supported by more than 26,000 volunteers who provide donated service worth $71 million annually.
Nutrition
UC ANR's Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) helps limited-resource participants develop food buying and budgeting skills. Graduates save an average...
- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
Rice farmers are encouraged to monitor vigilantly for a rise in yield-reducing armyworms, reported Jake Abbott in the Appeal-Democrat.
UC Cooperative Extension rice advisor Luis Espino said the most recent numbers were low but are expected to climb in the next few weeks. The pest can quickly devour rice foliage down to the water level. The crop may recover, but armyworm presence can lead to yield reduction.
“I've heard numerous stories where growers were used to some...
- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
The newly appointed Presidential Director for the Clif Bar Endowed Organic Agriculture Institute, Houston Wilson, has already initiated a needs assessment of organic agriculture in California, reported Lee Allen in Western Farm Press. Wilson is using surveys and focus groups to determine production needs within target commodities.
“Our mission will be to develop research and extension for organic production of things like tree fruits, tree nuts and raisins, commodities representing a significant portion of the entire Central Valley, but with...
- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
The shut downs and self isolation sweeping across the country to curb the spread of coronavirus likely will not impact agricultural staple foods, but high-end wines and specialty ag products grown in California may suffer, reported Tim Hearden in Western Farm Press.
Hearden interviewed Dan Sumner, director of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources' Agricultural Issues Center.
He said some California agricultural products see demand increase during tough economic times, such as less...
