Stories from the field

The people of the UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources work with California farmers to produce food for the world healthfully and sustainably. Read their stories.

Technical support

The primary missions of UC ANR include training scientists and conducting research while teaching growers, producers and consumers how to apply the latest findings.

Parsley pathogens: California parsley, widely used in dried spice mixes, soups and other prepared foods, has in recent years been suffering a loss of quality and reduced yields due to leaf spots, blighted foliage and yellowed plants. UC ANR plant pathologists discovered that the culprits were pathogens originating in poison hemlock and in certain seed stocks. Aggressive weeding and development of pathogen-free seeds will rectify these problems that afflict the $18 million crop.
Maintaining milk safety: UC ANR veterinarians are playing a key role in maintaining the safety of the nation’s milk supply by rigorously testing milk for disease-causing microbes and antibiotic residue. UC veterinary faculty members teach veterinary students and farmers how to safely administer antibiotics within the regulatory limits that prevent dangerous drugs from entering the food supply. Milk, the state’s top agricultural commodity, generates annual retail sales totaling nearly $7 billion.

On a monthly basis, UC Master Gardener volunteers conduct an average of over 5,000 hours of public education in demonstration gardens around the state. Workshops cover all facets of growing fruits and vegetables, reconnecting our communities to their food, promoting healthy activity and nutritious foods.

— Missy Gable, Director
UC Master Gardener Program