UC Merced and the Almond Board of California have signed a five-year memorandum of understanding, launching a partnership focusing on agriculture sustainability, innovation, and workforce development in the Central Valley.

The agreement, signed Sept. 10 at the university, creates a significant collaboration between university researchers and one of the state’s largest agricultural industries.

The Almond Board of California is an organization that promotes almonds through marketing efforts and by funding and promoting studies about the nut.

Making Almond Production More Sustainable

The partnership, according to a news release, will provide hands-on opportunities for students, new research for faculty, and forward-looking solutions for almond growers facing climate and resource challenges.

“We are laying the foundation for a future where almond production is not only more productive, but also more resilient and sustainable,” said Josette Lewis, vice president and chief scientific officer of the Almond Board, in the release.

The MOU includes the creation of new almond-focused demonstration plots at UC Merced’s 40-acre Experimental Smart Farm. 

Other benefits of the agreement, the release says, are research opportunities in regenerative agriculture, irrigation, automation, and new almond varieties to address the climate and resource issues facing California growers.

“This initiative is designed to accelerate the adoption of sustainable farming practices,” said Sebastian Saa, associate director of agricultural research with the Almond Board.

The Almond Board is also set to fund three scholarships for UC Merced students to attend the Almond Conference in Sacramento this December.

“In many ways, UC Merced’s advancements in agricultural technology have been happening for several years now,” said Joshua Viers, associate vice chancellor of interdisciplinary research. “We’re very excited that our students are going to be exposed to these new ideas.”

Valley Produces 80% of World’s Almonds

UC Merced is located in a region that produces 80% of the world’s almonds. Leaders from the university and UC Agriculture and Natural Resources emphasized the importance of collaboration.

“All of us working together makes us stronger,” said Glenda Humiston, vice president of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources.

The agreement includes farmer-focused workshops and training sessions to help growers adopt emerging technologies and sustainable practices. Organizers hope this effort will bolster California’s leadership in almond production while supporting communities throughout the Valley.

“We believe that by investing in students, supporting research and working together across institutions, we can create lasting impact,” Lewis said. “Not just for our industry, but for the Central Valley and all of California.”

About the Author

As the Bilingual Community Issues Reporter for The Merced FOCUS, Christian De Jesus Betancourt is dedicated to illuminating the vibrant stories of the Latino Community of Merced. His journey is deeply rooted in the experiences of migration and the pursuit of a better life.