{"id":77,"date":"2020-10-02T19:39:38","date_gmt":"2020-10-02T19:39:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sustainabilityreport.ucop.edu\/?post_type=location&p=77"},"modified":"2023-01-05T06:39:51","modified_gmt":"2023-01-05T06:39:51","slug":"agriculture-and-natural-resources","status":"publish","type":"location","link":"https:\/\/sustainabilityreport.ucop.edu\/2022\/locations\/agriculture-and-natural-resources\/","title":{"rendered":"UC Agriculture and Natural Resources"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

UC Agriculture and Natural Resources<\/a> (UC ANR) delivers the land-grant mission for UC and California by developing and promoting practical, science-based solutions for the state\u2019s food systems, water resources and natural ecosystems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UC ANR\u2019s statewide facilities \u2014 including nine Research and Extension Centers (RECs)<\/a>, the Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Center<\/a> and an administrative building \u2014 made strides in sustainable practices in fiscal year 2021\u201322.<\/p>\n\n\n

Read More about Sustainability at UC Agriculture and Natural Resources<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n

Between 2014 and 2021, UC ANR\u2019s facilities reduced carbon dioxide emissions from 1,766 to 1,266 metric tons by improving facilities\u2019 energy efficiency and encouraging a reduction in employees\u2019 overall energy use. For example, Desert REC<\/a>, located in the Imperial Valley, where temperatures can reach over 100\u00b0F for months on end, recently installed new energy-efficient heating ventilation and air conditioning systems throughout its facilities. In 2021, UC ANR\u2019s water usage for agricultural research at RECs remained stable. Potable water consumption increased from the prior year as employees increasingly returned to locations for on-site work. Natural gas consumption decreased by 13.5% and electricity increased by 17.8%. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

UC ANR purchases or leases flex-fuel vehicles when possible and intends to replace its trucks and farm equipment when more zero-emission or hybrid models become available. For example, in 2022 UC ANR replaced several of its diesel-powered tractors<\/a> with compact electric Solectrac e25<\/a> tractors at seven out of its nine REC locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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UC Agriculture and Natural Resources<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n
\n\"Master\"\"<\/a>\n

UC Master Gardener Delivers Sustainable Gardening Education in Diverse Community Settings<\/a><\/h3>\n

The UC Master Gardener Program conducts statewide public service and outreach under UC Agriculture and Natural Resources. In 2021, the program had 6,100 volunteers in over 50 counties sharing research-based information to help the public grow home, community, and school gardens more sustainably. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

\n\"Person\"\"<\/a>\n

UC ANR Partners with Communities on Wildfire Resilience Education and Advocacy<\/a><\/h3>\n

Each year, California’s wildfire season requires additional resources due to climate change and increasing populations in fire-prone areas. UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) academics develop and disseminate fire resources and information. Notably, they engage with partners across the state to offer education on prescribed burns and form Prescribed Burn Associations (PBAs) in communities that are learning to “live with fire.” <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n