University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources is seeking grower input on commodity-specific problems and their costs to sharpen California’s agricultural research priorities. In an October 26 announcement, UC ANR said survey results are planned for publication in November and inclusion in a reprinted research roadmap.
The survey asks which commodities face particular problems, where those problems occur and what they cost growers. UC ANR describes the effort as a move from broad priorities toward specific needs that can guide research, programming and investment across the state.
From broad categories to grower costs
The October announcement identifies four innovation priorities: water and soil management, pest management, automation and technology, and biomass. The requested commodity, location and cost information would add detail to those categories rather than simply restate the broad areas of work.
UC ANR says it already uses the roadmap when bringing new academics into the organization. The survey is intended to give that framework a more detailed picture of the problems growers face.
A longer-term research framework
The California Agricultural Research and Innovation Roadmap was introduced in March, before this latest request for input. It was developed with farmer and rancher input by CDFA, UC ANR, the California State University Agricultural Research Institute, California Community Colleges, Western Growers and the California AgTech Alliance.
The March release distinguishes two planning horizons: research priorities spanning 10 years and nearer-term innovation priorities updated every two years. The four innovation categories cited in October are therefore distinct from the roadmap’s broader, long-term research priorities.
The roadmap also assigns institutional responsibilities. In the March release, UC ANR committed to directing research funding toward roadmap priorities, translating science for policymakers and helping farmers adopt practices through Cooperative Extension. CDFA committed to convening partners, informing policy with current science and aligning grant opportunities with the priorities.
