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Feeding America

The University of California is an essential partner to farmers, ranchers and growers in all 58 counties of the state, bringing the power of science and research to the vital work of feeding the nation.

Backed by UC expertise, agriculture has taken root as one of California’s most important industries, with farm revenues of more than $59 billion. The state’s farms and ranches are so productive that they supply 25 percent of the nation’s food.

Grown in California

UC develops crop varieties that can withstand drought, floods and disease, creates tools and techniques that enhance productivity, and uses science-backed solutions to maximize the state’s precious water supply. And that’s just for starters. UC is proud to lead the research that feeds the nation.

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Tasty and affordable

Almonds, asparagus, avocados, oranges, pistachios, strawberries — the (grocery) list goes on

When you hit the produce aisle, you’re tasting UC ingenuity. Not only has UC developed some of the country’s most popular fruits and veggies, but our work to make crops more resilient and productive helps keep food prices down — a boon to the bottom line of consumers and farmers alike.

Read more in UC Newsroom

Growing resilient kids

Through UC’s 4-H program, kids all over California find their spark, build real-world skills, and become adaptable, lifelong learners. That’s just one of the ways that UC is in your community. We also have economic development experts and farm advisors spread across all 58 California counties.

Read more about California 4-H

A young blonde boy has his right arm around one brown calf while petting another whose head is raised to his hand

Tackling today’s challenges

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The multicampus consortium that could save California millions of gallons of water

A unique public-private partnership is testing the viability of covering all 4,000 miles of California’s exposed canals with solar panels, with the potential for big savings in water and energy.

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UC Riverside discovers first effective treatment for citrus-destroying disease

UC Riverside scientists have found the first substance capable of controlling citrus greening disease, which has devastated citrus farms in Florida and also threatens California.

A close-up of grapes in a vineyard

Protecting California wine from wildfires

UC Davis researchers are focused on mitigating the effects of smoke taint and developing drought-tolerant rootstocks to protect California’s world-renowned wine industry.