Agriculture and Natural Resources (Video)

As a small, family-run operation in Napa Valley, Matthiasson Winery relied on a federally funded research partnership with UC Davis to study how smoke affects grapes and ways to mitigate the damage. This collaboration gave them access to advanced scientific tools and expertise they wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford.The research was especially valuable because it was close to producing practical solutions to reduce or prevent smoke taint — solutions that could save harvests and protect wine quality. Then the funding was cut.

"It’s unthinkable to conduct our business and try to be farmerswithout having that resource that we can rely upon to help us navigatea constantly changing landscape.” — Steve Matthaisson Series: "UC Davis News" [Agriculture] [Show ID: 41736]

Valley fever, also known as coccidioidomycosis, is a fungal infection that is contracted when soil borne spores are disrupted and inhaled. The infections can cause symptoms similar to pneumonia or COVID-19, such as cough, headache, fever and, in more severe cases, meningitis. UC Davis Health patient Rex shares his journey with valley fever and how UC Davis doctors and researchers are advancing earlier diagnosis and better treatments through clinical care and laboratory science. Series: "UC Davis News" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Agriculture] [Show ID: 41743]

Jim Wallace's family-run farm and business have relied on UC Davis research on bean varieties for more than 60 years. UC Davis researchers have developed drought and pest-resistant bean varieties that Wallace counts on to stay competitive in an international market. Series: "UC Davis News" [Public Affairs] [Agriculture] [Show ID: 41735]

At the UC Davis Student Farm, students bring sustainable food systems to life.

In Episode 2 of 'Sustainably UC Davis', we explore student-led efforts in sustainable agriculture. Environmental and social sustainability remain central to the Student Farm’s mission, from organic practices to food justice. Hear about these topics and more from Colin Dixon, Director of the Student Farm, as well as staff and student leads from the Market Garden, Fresh Focus, and Green Fellowship programs. Series: "UC Davis News" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Agriculture] [Show ID: 41057]

Explore the evolving identities, histories, and rights of farmworkers across Mexico and the United States. Panelists—including scholars, organizers, and agricultural leaders—discuss cross-border migration, labor conditions, cultural heritage, and the impact of policies on communities. The conversation highlights the role of indigenous and Catholic traditions, the legacy of the Bracero Program, and the continuing struggles and resilience of agricultural workers. It also examines how economic and environmental pressures shape migration, labor organizing, and efforts to create sustainable, dignified livelihoods for future generations.

Series: "Future Thought Leaders" [Public Affairs] [Agriculture] [Business] [Show ID: 40584]

Join us for a dynamic panel discussion where experts explore the contributions of Indigenous practices to modern agriculture. The conversation highlights traditional ecological knowledge, addresses gaps in food access, and proposes strategies to promote food sovereignty. Panelists examine how Indigenous wisdom and contemporary innovation create equitable, sustainable food systems, amplify Indigenous voices, and inspire collaboration for a resilient future. Series: "Future Thought Leaders" [Health and Medicine] [Agriculture] [Show ID: 40171]

UC Davis researchers are using innovative techniques, including drone data collection, to battle an invasive species of weed that is threatening California's tomato industry.

Orobanche ramosa isn’t just menacing to tomatoes. It puts various other crops at risk too. With our commitment to sustainable agriculture and advanced agricultural practices, our esteemed faculty and devoted students are on a mission to find robust solutions, ensuring the thriving future of farming and preventing plant diseases.

Stay connected to unravel the profound impacts of our continuous research. By protecting crops, we are ensuring food security while also contributing to innovative, eco-friendly agricultural practices. Subscribe to keep learning how UC Davis’ research is improving our world. Series: "UC Davis News" [Science] [Agriculture] [Show ID: 40181]

Fungi play a crucial role in our natural ecosystem. Environmental scientist Danielle Stevenson discusses the great impact fungi can have on soil quality and a healthier food supply. Series: "Wellbeing " [Health and Medicine] [Agriculture] [Show ID: 40174]

In his compelling talk, Jorge Carrillo takes the audience on a journey through his life, from growing up in California to becoming a prominent figure in the legal field. Carrillo reflects on the challenges he faced, including personal struggles and societal issues, offering insights into his experiences as a farm worker and his pivotal role in the implementation of the Agricultural Labor Relations Act. With sincerity and wisdom, he shares advice for students, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, resilience, and seeking help when facing mental health challenges. Carrillo's talk is not just a personal narrative; it's an inspiring testament to the transformative power of education and the impact individuals can have on their communities. Series: "Education Channel" [Humanities] [Agriculture] [Education] [Show ID: 38315]

In the coming decades, individuals around the world must adapt to changing environmental conditions, often driven by climate change. Adaptation requires significant resources, prompting the question of whether existing economic and social inequities may be exacerbated when adaptation become accessible to some, but not others. Kyle Meng, associate professor of economics at UC Santa Barbara, explores what happens when one of the world’s most unequal cities experiences an unprecedented, nearly catastrophic environmental disaster. In 2017, following years of prolonged drought, the city of Cape Town announced an impending "Day Zero", at which point pipes would run dry. Using a variety of data sources, we show how households of different wealth levels adapted to Day Zero and discuss the long term implications of Day Zero for Cape Town's water use and public finances. Series: "GRIT Talks" [Science] [Agriculture] [Show ID: 39334]