Challenges and Success at the California Agricultural Experiment Station.

Within California, the Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) is formally categorized as a multicampus organized research unit. Organizationally, the California AES is located within the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR). Authority for its programs lies jointly with the ANR vice president – officially the director of the AES – and the deans of the College of Natural Resources at UC Berkeley; the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at UC Davis; the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at UC Riverside and the School of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis.  These four deans are designated as associate directors for AES.  In addition to the three campuses, California’s AES mission is also served by nine statewide research and extension centers – over 12,000 acres representing the diverse array of ecosystems and climates throughout California.  Although all of these institutions have deep roots in agriculture, their missions also include environmental, natural resources, and human and community development. The presentation will examine current challenges and opportunities facing the California AES. Challenges include the complicated AES structure, funding, facilities and infrastructure, and attracting the best and brightest researchers. Opportunities include new partnerships, new funding sources, and innovative approaches to address global issues.