New UC Davis research center will inform the future of food

FEATURED STORY: Agricultural research is about to get supercharged at UC Davis, thanks to a $50 million donation from the co-owners of one of the biggest names in almonds.

California’s Central Valley was once an inland sea. Sediments of aquatic life and, later on, seasonal flooding of the newly formed valley created a nutrient-rich plain ideal for farming.

In the northern half of the valley, farmers harnessed the Sacramento and American rivers to grow abundant harvests. Cotton, rice and grapes were early cash crops, and today the state produces nearly half of U.S. vegetables and more than two-thirds of the nation’s fruits and nuts.

It’s no surprise that a Central Valley university is at the forefront of agricultural research. For example, did you know that almonds — a crop for which California produces 100 percent of the U.S. supply and 80 percent of the global supply — could do with less water? Researchers at UC Davis have found that, with the right tools, farmers can successfully grow this notoriously thirsty crop while wasting far less water.

That’s just one of many game-changing discoveries emerging from UC Davis — with more on the way, as the university is building a new agricultural research center. More on those plans and the center’s potential in this week’s featured story.

– Dakota Morlan, managing editor

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Recommendations From Our Staff

Judy: Years ago, I spent a weekend at Mammoth Lakes. During a hike, my husband and I realized we were walking in circles. We kept passing the same trees. We were lost. We eventually found our way out, but some don’t. Forest officials warn of being aware of your surroundings on trails. An innocent step off the path to look at flora or fauna could disorient you. When you turn around, everything looks the same in a dense forest, and you can’t find your way back. That’s the plot of a new book I just finished reading and my favorite of the year. “Heartwood” by Amity Gaige is the story of a 42-year-old woman who gets lost hiking the Appalachian trail in Maine. The story centers not only on her, but the warden determined to find her and an elderly online sleuth who provides vital clues in the disappearance. I once hiked the Appalachian trail, albeit for an hour, and I’m thankful I didn’t get lost again.

Jennifer: I’ve decided to spend some of my free time studying Spanish, so I’m on the lookout for learning tools that are better than Duolingo (which I firmly believe is just an ad-delivery platform that gives you the illusion of learning). Turns out that Sacramento library card holders have access to an amazing free (and ad-free) tool for studying not just Spanish but hundreds of other languages: Pronunciator. Just log in with your library card and start learning!

Odds and Ends

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December is all about innovation, and the Capital Region is leading the way. From advancements in EVs and AI to the future of agriculture, these are some industries to watch in 2026. Access the Innovation Issue on your computer, phone or tablet.

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