Extension and Outreach

Cooperative Extension

Description
The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is committed to the application of knowledge to solve the needs of society.  One of the most successful models for scientific discovery to be transferred to the end user is through the continuum between campus-based faculty and cooperative extension specialists, and county-based cooperative extension advisors.  

As a land-grant institution the mandate of Cooperative Extension is tied to the welfare, development, and protection of California agriculture, natural resources, and people.  Cooperative Extension was established in 1914 as a partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and land-grant institutions.  Today University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) has farm, 4-H, and nutrition, family and consumer sciences advisors based in more than 50 county offices through California. In addition, Cooperative Extension specialists are headquartered at UC Berkeley, UC Davis, and UC Riverside where they conduct cutting-edge research that complements their extension activities.

• CA&ES Specialists in Cooperative Extension
  
• Statewide Cooperative Extension
  

Outreach

Agricultural Experiment Station, University of California, Davis

Mission Statement
The mission of the Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) at the University of California, Davis is to conduct research that encompasses the continuum of fundamental and applied research for the purpose of developing new knowledge and technologies that address specific problems of importance to the people of California.  Key to this mission is a broad range of research focused on the discovery of solutions and the development of educational programs that disseminate knowledge and technology to an identified clientele.  The AES mission focuses on agricultural, environmental, and societal issues that are impacted by, or impact upon, agriculture and the environment.

Description
The Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) is part of a state-funded UC research program consisting of more than 750 scientists and 1,300 research projects. Scientists at UC Davis, UC Riverside, and UC Berkeley are associated with the AES through the multi-campus Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Most AES faculty members also hold appointments in the instructional and research component of the University of California. Therefore, they are responsible for meeting the research and teaching needs of their departments as well as conducting mission-oriented research as required by the AES.  Faculty holding AES appointments are also charged with distributing research findings to appropriate audiences, and they have been extremely successful in transferring basic and applied knowledge to the public.

In CA&ES, this diverse team of scientists conducts research that addresses major issues such as maintaining an economically viable and environmentally sustainable agricultural production system, providing a safe, nutritious and affordable food supply, and preserving California's precious natural resources. A wide body of research contributes to this effort, including work on how to:

• Control animal diseases
• Develop new varieties of fruit and vegetable crops
• Conserve soil, water and other natural resources
• Develop environmentally sound policies
• Reduce the use of pesticides and herbicides when alternatives work better
• Protect the productivity of California farmers and growers
• Eliminate damaging pests such as the glassy-winged sharpshooter
• Assure the safety and health of our food supply
• Provide human and community development opportunities, and more.

The college is actively engaged in outreach to farmers, families, children and communities in California. Much of this effort takes place through the University of California Cooperative Extension.  Other programs focus on working with international students and scholars, publicizing the benefits of CA&ES research, and strengthening relationships with industry. CA&ES is dedicated to working with California's citizens and communities to address important societal needs, provide leadership in developing science-based solutions and assure a prosperous, sustainable future.

Extending Knowledge Links

• Programs, Institutes and Centers
  Active in outreach to government agencies, industry and the public.
  
  
• Children's Garden
  A working garden and farm that hosts visitors from regional elementary schools.
  
  
• California Future Farmers of America (FFA)
  A program by the California Department of Education.
  
  
• 4-H Youth Development Program
  Hands-on educational activities through 4-H clubs and school enrichment programs.
  
  
• CA&ES IMPACT
  Monthly publications highlighting the impact of CA&ES activities on the lives of Californians.
  
  
• CA&ES DISCOVER
  A publication highlighting the research and outreach activities of college departments.
  
  
• Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR)
  A network of UC researchers and educators.
  
  

Agricultural Biotechnology

• Agricultural Biotechnology
  See how agricultural biotechnology impacts everyday life. Many questions are answered in this section.
• Agricultural Biotechnology in California Series
  Fact sheets on many aspects of biotechnology.