Allen-Diaz Dr, Barbara H

Editorial 150 years after Morrill Act , land - grant universities are key to healthy California his issue of California Agriculture explores a range of top - and relevant inquiry and a commit - Barbara Allen - Diaz ics representing the breadth of scienti � c expertise and fo - ment to extending that knowledge Vice President Tcused inquiry found across UC Agriculture and Natural in the form of practical solutions UC Agriculture and Resources ( ANR ) . It explores new business models for direct and critical feedback . Natural Resources marketing , targeted nutrition research , genetic resistance to Our near - term and strategic plant disease , biological control of pests and improved pro - goals are to ensure that all elements of the community thrive duction methods for Californiaâ??s strawberry industry . These and that we act swiftly and effectively to support and focus are clear examples of the legacy of research and innovation the extraordinary resources of our people to solve critical documented in the journalâ??s 66 - year history . issues and address complicated problems . Guided by our President Abraham Lincoln signed the Morrill Act into Strategic Vision , we have taken important steps : law 150 years ago , launching publicly supported land - â?¢ Launched � ve strategic initiatives . grant institutions nationwide â?? including the University â?¢ Begun critical academic recruitments . of California . President Lincoln and those who wrote and â?¢ Completed our � rst round of competitive grants . supported the legislation had a revolutionary vision of ac - â?¢ Captured signi � cant administrative ef � ciencies . cessible and affordable higher education that would advance â?¢ Enhanced statewide program leadership . our nationâ??s agricultural and industrial knowledge and ex - â?¢ Expanded consultation and leadership interactions . pertise . Their imagination and foresight led to a system that â?¢ Focused our communications , both internal and external . remains unique in the world . There can be no question that Much more remains to be done . We are increasing ef - this system has been critical to the growth of our nation and forts to : ( 1 ) engage with key external stakeholder groups and what is , for now , the worldâ??s largest economy . We are no less leaders ; ( 2 ) increase proactive communications and active re - certain that UC , and ANRâ??s outstanding scientists and educa - sponses to critical issues , focusing on solutions and relevant tors , have been essential to the development of Californiaâ??s research ; ( 3 ) restructure our county partner relationships dynamic food system , our rich natural resources and our to improve program delivery and operate more ef � ciently ; youth and families . ( 4 ) develop improved collaborative processes for recruiting In 2014 , we will celebrate the centennial of the signing extension specialists and advisors ; ( 5 ) ef � ciently support of the Smith - Lever Act , establishing Cooperative Extension program planning and multidisciplinary interactions ; and ( 6 ) in partnership with the land - grant universities and their improve the support structure for UC ANR academics . Agricultural Experiment Stations . This Act enabled an We have taken many steps toward achieving our Strategic equally original vision of a continuum of scientists discov - Vision in the past 4 years , despite the fact that we are op - ering and delivering research - based information to solve erating with reduced resources and the loss of expertise in local and global problems and contributing to the growth of critical areas as many academics retire . Meanwhile , an array Californiaâ??s world - leading agricultural economy dedicated of issues evolve and develop with profound implications for to healthy food systems , environments , communities and Californiaâ??s agriculture , natural resources and communities . Californians . We must acknowledge that we face real constraints in Since assuming the role of ANR vice president , I am even people , resources and time , which make it even more criti - more convinced that these revolutionary visions and land - cal to work together . While we continue to look for more mark pieces of legislation , and the challenges and opportuni - ef � cient ways operate , we must promise only what we can ties described in our Strategic Vision 2025 deliver and deliver all that we promise . The opportunities to ( http : / / ucanr.org / About_ANR / Strategic_Vision ) are impor - discover and implement science - based solutions and make a tant , necessary and compelling . real difference are only enhanced by close collaborations and As I write , UC again � nds itself at the center of a funda - a shared vision in our various units of ANR . mental and passionate discussion about the future of public In spite of all the hurdles we face , as a community we en - investment in higher education and the system of universi - joy amazing and unmatched academic talent and a dedicated ties that conduct research , extend science - based solutions , and involved staff . As we recruit new academics , carefully and educate professionals and scientists whose innovation focus our resources and move to address critical issues , I and entrepreneurship support the bene � ts we all enjoy . All believe that a thriving UC ANR community will help renew partners in the ANR community are affected by these issues . and reinvent the vision of President Lincoln , Justin Smith Both human - and � nancial - resource issues present a Morrill and others . I am committed to continuing the work daunting array of obstacles and an exciting set of dif � cult of those who have realized that vision to the bene � t of us all choices . Meanwhile , the contributions of our academics and and to demonstrating our commitment to excellence in re - staff continue to demonstrate an unmatched body of creative search , problem - solving and public service . 2 CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURE â?¢ VOLUME 66 , NUMBER 1