Farm Research and Innovation connects growers with researchers and product developers to solve pressing on-farm challenges. The program facilitates field-based testing, collaborative problem-solving, and hands-on training to accelerate the adoption of appropriate solutions.
Who It Serves
Central Valley farmers facing practical production or sustainability hurdles
Research institutions and developers working on ag innovations
Extension agents and farm advisors
Key Features
Farmer-Led Needs Identification – Gathers data and input from small farmers to define key problems and guide technology development priorities.
Field Testing & Demonstration – Conducts real-world trials of tools and practices at UC research sites and on working farms, evaluating performance and farmer fit.
Training & Technical Assistance – Provides hands-on training and educational workshops to support the adoption of new technologies and practices.
Feedback Loop for Developers – Facilitates structured feedback between farmers and technology developers to refine tools based on actual field use.
Collaboration with Researchers – Supports cross-sector partnerships between growers, university researchers, and innovators to co-develop solutions.
Partners
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR)
UCANR Innovate
UC Cooperative Extension
Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center (KARE)
Contact
The Vine
Santanu Thapa
Research–Industry Liaison Coordinator
sbthapa@ucanr.edu