Reinvigorating UC Ag and Natural Resources

Dan Dooley, UC Senior Vice President for external relations and VP for the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR), recently spoke to the Almond Board of California Directors about the university's plan to reinvigorate the tradition of ANR through planning that addresses strategic initiatives. ANR is the public service arm of UC that is at the heart of UC's connection to the people of California. In agriculture, this includes researchers, Extension specialists and farm advisors. It is this relationship between UC and ag that has made California the most productive state in the nation and region in the world.

Budget cuts have led to demand-based planning aimed at reinvigorating this UC program's connection to its key stakeholders, including ag. The outcome is a strategic vision identifying five key initiatives that will guide the process. These are:

• Sustainable food systems
• Endemic and invasive pests and diseases
• Water quality, quantity and security
• Healthy families and communities
• Sustainable natural ecosystems

In the next few months, the planning phase will address these initiatives, and a draft five-year mission for each will be created to be reviewed by UC stakeholders, including almonds.

ANR leadership has met the current California budget cuts head on by streamlining administration so that all current program positions, such as farm advisors and Extension specialists, have been retained. Despite these cuts, Dooley sees a bright future for rebuilding. First, both top UC administration and state policymakers more fully understand the importance and relevance of the ANR Division. Second, at the federal level, the important role of research and Extension and additional funding to address the above initiatives is being recognized. Third, globally, the challenge of feeding 9 billion people by 2060 is underscoring the opportunity to support more efficient and intensive agriculture that does not increase its footprint and makes the most efficient use of resources.