She calls agriculture a career path that nurtures the soil and the soul.

June 6, 2014
(from the Santa Cruz Sentinel)

Helene Dillard, dean of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at UC Davis, called for women to choose careers in agriculture at the annual Down to Earth Women Luncheon at Driscoll’s Corralitos Ranch in Watsonville. Nearly 300 Santa Cruz County women from agriculture, business and government attended the event.

“Here’s why we should encourage our daughters to work in agriculture. It’s a career path that nurtures the soil and the soul,” Dillard said.

“They’re problem-solvers, and very vocal about what they want from the university,” Dillard said of students. “They want to be leaders, and they are very passionate about their work.”

Graduates, Dillard said, have applied their skills in amazingly diverse careers. “There are many opportunities in California with its 400 commodities,” Dillard said.

Her message resonated with the audience.

(Read the full article, by Donna Jones, djones@santacruzsentinel.com, May 15, 2014, Santa Cruz Sentinel.)

About the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, UC Davis

The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the University of California, Davis, is the leading college of its kind in the world. Its researchers address critical issues related to agriculture, food, the environment, communities, and human and social sciences through cutting-edge research, top-ranked undergraduate and graduate education, and internationally recognized outreach programs. An overarching goal is to develop solutions for a better world, healthier lives, and an improved standard of living for everyone. www.caes.ucdavis.edu

Media contacts:

• Helene Dillard, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, UC Davis, hrdillard@ucdavis.edu
• Ann Filmer, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, UC Davis, afilmer@ucdavis.edu