Agriculture

THE FARM OF THE FUTURE

Agriculture in California is getting more sustainable, safer and more efficient—​​and CSU students and faculty are at the forefront of these innovations.

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From vast fruit orchards to fertile fields of vegetables, the sun, soil and climate of our great state afford us the gift of abundant, nutritious foodand it fuels billions of dollars​ into California's economy.

​Growing that food has never been an easy way to make a living, and it's no different for today's farmers, who face more challenges than ever, including limited water resources, the impact of climate change and crop loss due to disease and pests.

In spite of the difficulty inherent in a career in agriculture, a new generation of future farmers is choosing this work​and they're choosing to get prepared at the CSU. It is these men and women who will play an essential role in the farm of the future and in the state's economy.


"Farms of the future will most certainly depend on new technologies. In California especially, farmers and growers must contend with global warming. The CSU's Agricultural Research Institute supports more than 100 projects each year, providing faculty an opportunity to discover new knowledge and involve students in their research to develop critical thinking, responsibility and leadership."

— Dr. David Still, Director, CSU Agricultural Research Institute


According to a recent report from the National Young Farmers Coalition, 27 percent of primary producers in California are beginning farmers with less than 10 years of experience. “The future of agriculture in the state, and the U.S. as a whole, depends on the success of California's next generation of farmers and ranchers," concluded the report.

Read on to learn how gifted CSU students, led by faculty, are driving innovation in agriculture across California.

Cleaner Dirt
 

“Cleaner” Dirt​

Discover how scientists at CSU Monterey Bay and San José State are harnessing the power of microbes to “eat” pesticides and nitrates in the soil.

Microbe Power Activate!
 

Stronger Strawberries

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo’s Strawberry Center is providing vital information for the future of California’s strawberry industry.

Meet the Berry Helpers
 

Zero-Waste​ Watering

Satellite data is helping farmers optimize their use of water and fertilizer thanks to​ researchers at CSU Monterey Bay.

Discover Farm Solutions
 

High-Tech Farm Tools

Fresno State is incubating and accelerating the next innovations in ag tech while stimulating the Central Valley economy.

Learn How Tech Propels Ag​
 

Ag that Combats Climate Change

Chico State is teaching future farmers about an exciting new practice called regenerative agriculture.​

Learn About Regenerative Ag
BY THE NUMBERS
By the numbers

1/3 of all vegetables in the U.S. are grown in California
$45.2Billion
California's agricultural sales in 2017
2/3 of all
fruits & nuts in the U.S. are grown in California
 

Source: California Department of Food and Agriculture


GROWING TOMORROW'S AG LEADERS
 
BATTLING A CITRUS PEST
 

BATTLING A CITRUS PEST

Faculty and students at Cal Poly Pomona are working with the California Department of Food and Agriculture to educate the public on how to prevent and control a tiny insect that could devastate California's commercial citrus crops.

See What CPP is Doing
 
Getting Rid of Rodents
 

GETTING RID OF RODENTS

Humboldt State is conducting research on barn owls as a natural rodent-prevention tool in California vineyards, eliminating the need for ecologically disastrous rodenticides.

See HSU's Barn Owl Research 
 
AG & THE CA ECONOMY STUDY
 

AGRICULTURE & THE ECONOMY

A Chico State ag expert created the first report to assess the economic contribution of agriculture to Northeastern California.

Read t​​he Report

 
7/10/2019