The Vantage Point

Glenda Humiston 
Vice President
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources 

Happy new year, everyone! I am optimistic and hopeful for 2022, and not just because this omicron wave of the pandemic appears to be cresting in some parts of the country. I have faith in science and technology, trust in bright ideas and innovative solutions, and a fervent belief in the power of partnership and cooperation. They are the keys to overcoming this public health crisis – and a host of other challenges we face.

Last week, I was inspired by my fellow panelists during a discussion at the annual conference of California Association of Resource Conservation Districts, themed around collaboration as a driver of cutting-edge advancements. Along with Karen Ross, California Department of Food and Agriculture secretary, and Carlos Suarez, NRCS state conservationist, we discussed how to implement healthy soil and regenerative agriculture practices. It was invigorating to share practical insights on methods that deliver a variety of ecosystem services and benefits, not the least of which is bolstering resilience to climate change.

On that crucial subject, I will be speaking on a 2022 Agricultural Outlook Forum panel on Feb. 24 about how climate-smart production practices can generate environmental and economic returns, while still meeting the needs of consumers. I am honored that U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack invited me to participate in the opening plenary panel at the USDA’s largest event of the year, and I look forward to connecting with agriculture leaders and experts from around the country on the latest breakthroughs that advance both productivity and sustainability.

Promoting climate-smart practices is also at the heart of a recently announced $1.5 million USDA National Institute for Food and Agriculture grant to a team of scientists led by UC ANR, with UC Cooperative Extension specialist Tapan Pathak as principal investigator.

Our experts will help convey locally relevant climate adaptations and science-based solutions to farmers, ranchers and agricultural service providers, with an emphasis on serving socially disadvantaged communities. The effort leverages our hands-on Extension programs, as well as strong partnerships with scientists across the UC, the USDA California Climate Hub and local, state and federal agencies.

I am especially excited about the component focused on students, via courses through UC Merced Summer Institute on Climate, UC Davis and local community colleges. As Tapan said: “Through climate-smart agriculture education, the workforce will be prepared to advance climate science and research efforts for future generations.” And the brilliance of those future generations is just another reason why I will always have hope for brighter days and years ahead.

In closing, I’d like to give a shout-out to five of our own for being selected as Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. AAAS fellows are scientists, engineers and innovators who are recognized for their achievements across a range of disciplines. Congratulations to Dean Helene Dillard of the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Dean Kathryn Uhrich of the UC Riverside College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, UC Davis Professor and Cooperative Extension Specialist Linda Harris, and UC Berkeley Professors Rodrigo Almeida and Paolo D'Odorico! We are fortunate to have such great scientists and leaders in our UC ANR family.