- Author: Cris L. Johnson
Dr. Smith earned his B.S. in genetics at UC Davis while performing biochemical research on herbicide tolerance in glyphosate-resistant tomato cells, and subsequently received an M.S. in Biology for his work on Citrus Tristeza Virus at Long Beach State University. At the University of Nebraska, his research encompassed biochemical characterization of regulatory proteins ("kinases/phosphatases") involved in carbon-fixation, and wound-induced systemic signaling and gene expression in plants, culminating in a Ph.D. in biological sciences.
After completing his doctorate, he did postdoctoral research in sequence-structure computational analyses of protein kinases ("molecular switches"), and development of database resources for protein kinase information, at the San Diego Supercomputer Center, University of California San Diego. He spent the next 14 years serving as the executive director for the National Biomedical Computation Resource, and the Center for Theoretical Biological Physics at UCSD. Prior to joining UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR), Dr. Smith served as the associate vice provost for research at Rice University.
Ventura County possesses a moderate climate and prime agricultural land that allows it to be one of the more versatile growing environments in the state. The county is not only the number one producer of strawberries and has significant acreage in citrus, avocado and vegetable crops, but also provides a viable testing ground for specialty crops that can serve profitable niche markets. Through collaboration Dr. Smith envisions a stronger commitment to the success and promotion of county agriculture for now and future generations.
The Spring 2014 issue of "Central Coast Farm & Ranch" magazine has an article that focuses on Chris Smith and his aspirations for UCCE Ventura and the Hansen Agricultural Center. The article is entitled "On the Ground" and is published by the Farm Bureau of Ventura County. If you are interested in subscribing to "Central Coast Farm & Ranch" please contact them at (805) 289-0155 or info@farmbureauvc.com.
Dr. Smith encourages an active and responsive dialogue with the public and the county's agricultural community. He can be reached at 805-662-6943.
- Author: Cris L. Johnson
This is an option more agriculture land owners are exploring to enhance revenue and share some of the agricultural lifestyle to others.
There will be hand-on activities and experts will advise on business planning, regulatory compliance, risk management, hospitality and marketing. The course includes a copy of "Agritourism and Nature Tourism in California."
These courses are being offered by the County of Ventura UC Cooperative Extension, Ventura County Farm Bureau, UC Small Farm Program, Oxnard Convention and Vistor's Bureau and others with support of the USDA.
Dates: December 3, 2013, January 14, 2014 and February 11, 2014.
Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm (each session)
Location: Center for Non-Profit Leadership
4001 Mission Oaks Blvd.
Camarillo, CA 93012
Cost: $50 for the 3-session course
Contact: Penny Leff, UC Small Farm Program, paleff@ucdavis.edu, 530-752-7779
REGISTER AT https://ucanr.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=11547.
For more information, see the flyer here.
- Author: Cris L. Johnson
The annual award is given to a recipient whose dedication to the field of agricultural sustainability best reflects the legacy of Charlie Rominger and Eric Bradford, academics known for their passionate comittment to agriculture. Rose has consistently demostrated such passion and enthusiasm for her work in this area and we congratulate Rose on another well-deserved honor.
To read the UC ANR blog post about Rose's contribution and learn more about the award, please click here.
- Author: Cris L. Johnson
Interested individuals may attend an informational meeting in the Small Barn at UC HAREC —Wednesday, January 16th, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. or Thursday, January 17th, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The Center is located at 14292 W. Telegraph Rd. in Santa Paula (corner of Briggs Rd. and Telegraph Rd). Please use Briggs Rd. main entrance. Free parking available.
To reserve a spot call or email by January 15th— 805-525-9293 ext. 206 or awfaris@ucanr.edu. Walk-ins also welcome.
For more information about our youth development programs visit our website at: http://ucanr.edu/sites/hansenagcenter/Hansen_Agricultural_Center_Programs/
- Author: Cris L. Johnson
Rose leads a statewide initiative for sustainable food systems and has a passionate interest in promoting community and victory gardens. It is no surprise that she won a Twitter contest prize invitation to the tour by expressing within the website's 140 character limit format why she wanted to visit the White House garden.
This was Rose's second visit to the White House gardens. After the tour, the group spent several hours with White House staff learning more about the administration's food and health initiatives. The stay included touring urban garden projects in Washington D.C. with UC ANR advisor Rachel Surls from the UC Los Angeles extension office.
The social is a part of the Fall Garden Tours in October where invitees and members of the public can view the kitchen garden, Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Rose Garden and South Lawn of the White House.
For more information, please follow the links to view the brochure or check out the White House Blog.
