Oranges hanging on an orange tree in an orchard

Agriculture

UC is an essential partner to growers across the state.

Since its earliest beginnings, the University of California has helped growers and ranchers by delivering science-backed solutions to the most complex challenges facing our food supply. California’s farms and ranches supply 25 percent of the nation’s food, and we’re an essential partner to growers in all of California’s 58 counties.

UC’s investment in agricultural research extends beyond growing and harvesting to support safe food production and delivery, marketplace success, a sustainable farming environment and expanded science literacy across the state.

From crop production and farm management to beekeeping and viticulture, UC helps California feed America. 

Made in the USA, grown in California

Fresh produce, nuts, wine — that abundance on your plate didn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of federal support for science and work by the University of California that goes back to the university’s earliest beginnings.

How California leads farming

A man in a lab coat in a lab examines an immature grain of wheat

How UC delivers to your dinner table 

From cutting-edge research to protect our farms to sparking curiosity in children through 4-H, UC is an engine for agriculture in California.

A young girl riding on her mother's back reaches for a pepper in the grocery store, holding a cell phone in her other hand

12 foods you couldn’t live without — brought to you by the University of California

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.

Someone's hand holds a sliced orange, brightly colored

How UC helps 3 Central Valley farmers feed America

Three farmers who work closely with UC researchers and UC Cooperative Extension advisors to bring products to market and improve their productivity describe the significance of UC to their livelihoods, which energize a $61B state industry.

A young woman next to a sheep in a paddock

The 4-H alumni keeping California farming strong 

UC’s 4-H program alumni find their spark, build real-world skills, and become adaptable, lifelong learners. Find out how these two alumni nurtured their youthful passions into fulfilling careers around farming.

Campuses & Locations
UC Santa Cruz |

Partnership across UC campuses will prepare the next generation of leaders in organic agriculture

A grant of more than $700,000 from the USDA will support a UC collaboration to improve and expand undergraduate education in organic agriculture, with an emphasis on supporting underrepresented students.
UC Berkeley |

Could this new process finally turn polyethylene bags, plastics into something useful?

A promising new method for breaking down plastic would finally allow us to do something useful with hard-to-recycle waste.
UC Riverside |

New strategies to save the world’s most indispensable grain

Researchers provide genetic insights to help rice survive drought and flood.
UC Davis |

Should there be more microbes on your plate?

Researchers find Americans are increasing their intake of friendly microbes, which are good for gut health and can promote a healthy immune system.