The Vantage Point

Glenda Humiston 
Vice President
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources 

After a quiet start to the summer on the wildfire front, the Oak Fire in Mariposa County has reminded us that intense and fast-growing fires remain an ever-present danger across the state. Our thoughts are with UC ANR personnel and everyone in those communities affected by the emergency.

The most destructive fire of 2022 thus far (and possible harbinger of more to come) underscores that tools, tactics and know-how are needed more than ever to mitigate catastrophic wildfires, as well as the intertwined crises of drought and climate change that exacerbate fire severity. A reliable and trusted presence in all 58 California counties, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources is uniquely positioned to deliver the expertise and information that communities need to adapt, prepare and bolster their resilience.

In the two budget bills signed by Gov. Newsom late last month, the state once again recognized the leadership of the University of California – including UC Agriculture and Natural Resources – in addressing our most pressing environmental challenges. Specifically, the FY 2022-23 state budget allocates $185 million in one-time funds for UC to build new capacity in climate-focused research, innovation and workforce development.

Alongside UC President Drake, I thank Gov. Newsom and the state Legislature for reaffirming their belief in the power of UC to continually improve the lives of Californians – as reflected in a 5% increase to UC ANR’s state budget allocation.

Another budget provision I am particularly excited about is $2.4 million in one-time funds for the UC Nutrition Policy Institute to study the impact of the state’s commitment to providing “School Meals for All.” NPI experts will take the lead in evaluating the groundbreaking policy that made California the first state in the nation to commit to providing school breakfasts and lunches free of charge daily to all K-12 students after the federally funded pandemic relief program ends (prior to the 2022-23 school year).

The NPI team is working with national researchers and other stakeholders to collect data to strengthen implementation and capture the effects of School Meals for All. The work of NPI researchers – as well as contributions from CalFresh Healthy Living, UC, the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, UC Master Gardeners and others across UC ANR – have illuminated food security concerns and pioneered innovative ways to ensure more people have access to healthy and sustainable food.

Their accomplishments are just some of the highlights in UC ANR’s recently published 2021 annual report, which offers an overview of our progress on a host of agricultural, environmental and health issues. Kudos to Leyla Marandi, Katherine Webb-Martinez and the entire Program Planning and Evaluation team (and dozens of contributing academics and staff) for pulling together a truly outstanding showcase of our work.

Such far-reaching impact is a testament to the hard work of everyone at UC ANR – and an enduring legacy of leaders such as Associate Vice President Wendy Powers (who will be leaving us in mid-August) and Vice Provost Mark Bell, who retired at the end of June. Daniel Obrist, currently on the faculty at University of Massachusetts, will be joining UC ANR on Aug. 15 as the Vice Provost – Academic Personnel. While we transition our leadership structure and search for a permanent Associate Vice President, Deanne Meyer will serve as interim AVP.

I am thrilled that Deanne, with her vast academic and leadership experience at UC Davis and as a UCCE specialist and Sustainable Food Systems Strategic Initiative Leader, has agreed to step into this crucial position. Like so many of you, she deeply understands the value of Cooperative Extension and passionately champions UC ANR’s vital role in California and beyond. My thanks to Deanne – and to you all – for continuing to voice that support for our work.