Agricultural Resources

Ag Economics & Small Farms

The Agricultural Economics & Small Farm Program focuses on the challenges and opportunities of California's small scale farm operators.

We develop field and marketing research aimed at the needs of small and moderate scale farmers, and provide that information to farmers who are often not reached by traditional extension programs. Our clients include farmers of many different cultures who operate a wide variety of farming operations, often with limited resources.

Visit the San Diego County Small Farms Website

Agriculture & Climate

The Agricultural and Climate Program focuses on the impacts of climate trends on agricultural production and farm enterprises in San Diego County.

We are developing information resources about the policies, research, programs and strategies available to support sustainable agriculture and contribute to soil, water and energy conservation. Our clients include agricultural producers, policy makers, government agencies, researchers, educators, consultants and other public and private agricultural service providers.

Visit the Climate and Agriculture in San Diego County Website

Ag Water Quality Research & Education

The Agricultural Water Quality Research and Education Program assists growers and the general public by researching and developing farming practices that protect water quality, and fostering the implementation of these practices in the field. As part of the University of California, Cooperative Extension in San Diego County, our programs are based on sound scientific research and cooperation with the participants in our programs.

Visit the Ag Water Quality Website

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Integrated pest management, or IPM, is a process you can use to solve pest problems while minimizing risks to people and the environment. IPM can be used to manage all kinds of pests anywhere—in urban, agricultural, and wildland or natural areas. This section covers some work and information from Area IPM Advisor Eric Middleton, Ph.D. He works primarily with professional ornamental plant growers, pest control advisers, landscapers, and public agencies. Eric is also the Area Integrated Pest Management Advisor for Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego Counties.

Visit the Integrated Pest Management Website

Human & Wildlife Interactions

The Vertebrate Pest Control Education Program provides flexible multimedia outreach and education focused on agricultural vertebrate pest control including pesticide application and trapping practices of wildlife in the state of California. Here you can also find information on acquiring study materials to assist you in preparing for the Private Applicator Certificate (PAC) exam as well as links to various handbooks for species specific Best Management Practices (BMPs). PLEASE NOTE: Our Online course certification is currently unavailable for both Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) and Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB).

Visit the Human and Wildlife Interactions Website

Farm Management

The Agricultural Economics & Farm Management program focuses on research and education that provides growers and managers business management tools for planning, evaluating and implementing a farm business.

We develop crop production costs and profit analysis, and educate growers and managers on how to apply them to evaluate farm profitability. We provide guidelines on how to do financial analysis and risk management in farm business. The program covers the southern California region in crop production economics. Our clients include farmers and farm managers of crops grown in southern California and allied industries including financial institutions, property assessors and insurances that do business with farming enterprises.

Visit The Farm Management Website

Nursery & Floriculture

The Production Horticulture Advisor Gerry Spinelli conducts applied research, education and outreach programs to improve production and viability of the floriculture and nursery industries in San Diego and Riverside Counties. Environmental issues such as water quality and exotic pests are challenging the viability of the industry. If you are among those affected, join us at one of our workshops or seminars and find out what we're doing to help you.

Visit the Nursery & Floriculture Website

Subtropical Fruit Crops

San Diego County supports a highly productive and diverse subtropical agriculture sector, driven by commercial avocado and citrus operations and supported by the region’s unique coastal and inland microclimates. UC Cooperative Extension’s Subtropical Crops program partners directly with growers, pest control advisers, and industry stakeholders to address day-to-day production challenges that impact yield, quality, and profitability. Through applied field trials and on-farm research, the program develops practical, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible solutions for weed, pest, water, and nutrient management under real production conditions. This work helps growers adapt to regulatory pressure, resource limitations, and climate variability while maintaining the economic viability and long-term sustainability of San Diego’s subtropical crop industry.

Visit the Subtropical Fruit Crops Website

Viticulture

The viticulture program addresses critical needs and issues that affect wine grape and table grape production in Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties. The overall goal is to develop a program to maintain vineyards with a more sustainable approach that includes the control of pests and pathogens and the efficient management of irrigation, fertilization, and floor management.