In September, the U.S. Agency for International Development announced it will provide a base $15 million investment, over the next five years, to support global research program led by UC-Davis. The research will focus on advancing fruit and vegetable production as well as improve handling and consumption efforts in struggling or developing nations.

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Beth Mitcham, program director and UC Cooperative Extension Plant Sciences specialist says on paper, this research and work looks to benefit farmers overseas, but she was quick to point out U.S. producers benefit in a variety of ways. In the past she noted, UC Davis worked with technology developed by American companies and then used around the globe, including the United States.

"Also, I think for small farms in general, some of the technologies and approaches that we’re studying in other parts of the world are also applicable.  And so we do share that information out on our website, and often times we will go to the small farms conference and share information.  So, there can be some benefits coming back.”

Mitcham added UD Davis will work with Florida A&M, Michigan State, Texas A&M and the Wolrd Vegetable Center. She noted horticulture research is vital.

“There’s so little funding for horticulture research from the federal level, through USDA, that any funding is helpful to researchers who work in this area.  It helps them to support their program and then of course use other parts of their time working with U.S. industries as well.”

Total funding over the next five years could top $34.5 million.




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