The Vantage Point

Glenda Humiston 
Vice President
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources 

First, my thoughts are with our UC ANR colleagues and others affected by the strong earthquake in Humboldt County early Tuesday and continuing aftershocks. UC Cooperative Extension professionals are working to support the community and to help prepare other communities across the state for disasters. We hope everyone in the Redwood Empire can rebuild stronger than ever.

While Californians look to the skies this winter for more precipitation, many at UC ANR are also focused on the earth below. Soil health is fundamental to thriving ecosystems, productive agriculture, prosperous communities and a climate-resilient future.

Our experts are essential in growing and sharing knowledge on how soil health practices can benefit water budgets, a pressing concern given the ongoing drought. Strong relationships across communities and sectors, forged through UC ANR’s many programs, are crucial in addressing this topic. It’s an issue that transcends disciplines and requires a grasp of myriad factors – economics, policy, infrastructure, workforce dynamics and more.

Similarly, an array of challenges and opportunities in the San Joaquin Valley are central to one of our newest projects: the Local Farm and Food Innovation initiative – a key component of the Fresno-Merced Future of Food Innovation Coalition (F3). I’m excited to see how this collaboration will provide resources and support for farmers, producers and vendors of all sizes to grow their operations successfully and sustainably.

Building upon that success, UC ANR is collaborating with partners in neighboring Western states to apply for a USDA grant to fund a regional center that strengthens the food system across four states and the Pacific Islands by improving the viability of food and farm businesses, especially in underserved communities.

At the same time, through potential funding from the UC Climate Action program, we hope to amplify the pioneering work of The VINE, UC ANR’s agrifood innovation and entrepreneurship program, which develops technologies that advance a climate-smart food system and mitigate climate change impacts. The VINE is also vying for a National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines grant that would propel leading-edge tech products and solutions in California’s agricultural regions. Special thanks to Vanity Campbell and the Office of Contracts and Grants team for their crunch-time work on these complex grant applications – and many others in the pipeline.

Of course, this isn’t just the season for grant deadlines! It’s also the season for gratitude. On Giving Tuesday (Nov. 29), you and other generous donors gave $89,477 for UC Cooperative Extension and UC ANR’s statewide programs, institutes and research centers to ensure they continue to serve more Californians, more effectively. Many, many thanks for your support!

I hope you are all taking some time, at the end of another busy and fruitful year, to recharge, reflect and enjoy the company of your loved ones. I wish you a safe and wonderful holiday and much happiness and good health in 2023.