California Department of Food & Agriculture

04/03/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/03/2026 09:41

State Board of Food and Agriculture to visit UC Merced on April 7 to hold meeting focusing on agricultural research and innovation

State Board of Food and Agriculture to visit UC Merced on April 7 to hold meeting focusing on agricultural research and innovation

Release #26-034

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Sacramento, CA April 3, 2026 - The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will hear updates from researchers at the University of California, Merced (UC Merced) on the campus' Agricultural Experimental Station and the Secure Water Future collaborative. The meeting will be held from 10am to Noon on Tuesday, April 7th at UC Merced, Administrative Building Room 306, 5200 North Lake Rd, Merced, CA, 95343.

The Board will also receive a report from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation on the First Annual Status Update for SprayDays California - the nation's first statewide pesticide notification system.

"It's truly a pleasure to have the State Board visit the Central Valley and see first-hand research and innovation that will benefit California's farmers, ranchers and communities," said President Don Cameron, California State Board of Food and Agriculture. "UC Merced serves a research hub for the Central Valley and is a critical partner in the Farms, Food, Future (F3) Initiative."

The F3 Initiative focuses on developing new agricultural technologies, providing training for quality jobs and supporting growth of sustainable agriculture. Initially awarded $65 million in federal funding through the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the initiative brings together a broad coalition of partners to support and build economic growth within the Central Valley.

Invited speakers include: Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz, UC Merced; Dr. Joshua Viers, UC Merced; Juvenio Guerra, California Department of Pesticide Regulation; UC Merced faculty and researchers - Dr. Rebecca Ryals; Dr. Thomas Harmon; Dr. Adeyemi Adebiyi; Dr. Resa Ehsani; Dr. Josue Medellin-Azuara; Dr. John Abatzoglou; Dr Kimberly Gibson and other invited speakers.

UC Merced's Agricultural Experimental Station advances innovation, fosters sustainability, and builds climate resilience to meet the needs of the San Joaquin Valley. The Secure Water Future is a collaborative of investigators from across the western U.S. to improve agricultural and environmental water resilience.

The California State Board of Food and Agriculture advises the governor and CDFA secretary on agricultural issues and consumer needs. The Board conducts forums that bring together local, state and federal government officials; agricultural representatives; and citizens to discuss current issues and concerns to California agriculture.

CDFA's Mission: To safeguard a resilient food system and promote an equitable marketplace, cultivating a California grown food supply that is globally recognized for innovation, quality and sustainability.

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California Department of Food and Agriculture Office of Public Affairs
1220 N St., Sacramento, CA 95814
916-654-0462, www.cdfa.ca.gov

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California Department of Food & Agriculture published this content on April 03, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 03, 2026 at 15:41 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]