A new partnership focused on a popular snack nut will offer exciting opportunities for students, research potential for faculty and the latest technology for farmers.
Representatives of the University of California and the Almond Board of California signed a memorandum of understanding, or MOU, at the UC Merced campus on Sept. 10. The MOU calls for the entities to work together over the next five years in such vital areas as automation, sustainability and new almond varieties.
Josette Lewis, vice president and scientific chief of the Almond Board, said the agreement between her organization and UC Merced and UC Agriculture and Natural Resources “marks a new chapter for our industry and our communities. Together, we are laying the foundation for a future where almond production is not only more productive, but also more resilient and sustainable.”
The Almond Board of California is an industry organization dedicated to promoting California almonds to a domestic and international audience through marketing efforts and by funding and promoting studies about almonds' health benefits, as well as ensuring sustainable agricultural practices and food safety.
The MOU is the culmination of discussions that began several years ago, Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz said.
“I’m delighted that we’re here,” the chancellor added. “I hope this is the beginning of other partnerships to benefit our students and the agricultural industry.”
The pact calls for establishing demonstration plots at UC Merced’s Experimental Smart Farm, where researchers will delve into best practices in irrigation automation, regenerative agriculture and new almond varieties and rootstocks. The farm, established in 2022 south of campus, is a 40-acre research facility dedicated to advancing agricultural innovation, sustainability and education.
“This initiative is designed to accelerate the adoption of sustainable farming practices, improve water and soil management, and support weather adaptation strategies for California’s almond growers,” said Sebastian Saa, Almond Board associate director of agricultural research.
The agreement also aims at developing the next generation of the agricultural workforce. The Almond Board will provide three scholarships for UC Merced students to attend the Almond Conference in Sacramento in December, where they will have the opportunity to connect with industry leaders.
“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 and be able to work on the farm and work with the Almond Board in this new capacity.”
UC Merced, located in the heart of the region that produces 80 percent of the world’s supply of almonds, is a natural fit for this kind of effort.
“All of us working together makes us stronger,” said Glenda Humiston, vice president of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources. “We each bring different strengths to the table.”
Farmers also will benefit from the initiative, which calls for accelerating the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, supporting growers in meeting weather and resource challenges, and maintaining California’s leadership in almond production. Workshops and training programs will be offered to growers looking to adopt sustainable practices and emerging innovations.
“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.”
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