Message from the Vice President

Dear Colleagues,

Please join me in April and participate in UC ANR’s 2013 Statewide Conference.

For nearly 100 years the UC ANR community has catalyzed change by harnessing the power of scientific research to solve local issues, improve agricultural production and protect our natural resources. Our ability to continue this work for another 100 years depends on how we understand and address the critical issues facing our communities in the coming years.

This conference will open on April 9 with broad and provocative discussions on global agricultural, natural and human resource issues. On April 10–11, we will focus on ANR programs and forward-looking ideas that will enable ANR to continue as a leader in research and extension. We will reflect on our Strategic Vision and examine how our Initiative process has worked over the last four years. We will also think about what it means to be the Land Grant University for California, how our AES faculty and Cooperative Extension advisors and specialists share a 150-year-old mission, and consider opportunities for looking forward. 

UC ANR is comprised of many integral parts all working toward a common mission. The success of our programs and organization depends on all of us working collectively to develop strategies that ensure our relevance to our stakeholders.

Everyone in the Division has a role to play and a voice to be heard in this discussion. This conference is designed for each and every one of you. Look over the conference program and find concurrent sessions that will stimulate your thinking, help you do your work better or let you learn something new. I look forward to seeing you all in April and joining you in this conversation.

Barbara Allen-Diaz
Vice President
University of California
Agriculture and Natural Resources