The UC Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center has produced 60 years of research benefiting growers in the Central Valley and beyond. The center is a vital source of knowledge for all stakeholders in California including growers, policymakers and investors.
On Jan. 27, UC Kearney REC Director Atef Swelam hosted Congressman Jim Costa and his staff for a tour of the center. They were joined by Ryan Jacobsen, CEO of Fresno Farm Bureau; Lindcove REC Director Ashraf El-Kereamy and the Director of USDA-San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center Adalberto Pérez de León and his team leaders.
“Jim Costa has been a long-time supporter of Kearney REC and agriculture in the region in general,” said Swelam. “We were glad to welcome him and his team for a tour on a bucolic California winter day.”
Costa made introductory remarks highlighting the importance of food security and expressing gratitude for the great research and extension programs at UC Agriculture and Natural Resources' research facilities.
Kearney REC Research Associate Ryan Puckett led the tour, which gave Costa the opportunity to meet UC's world-class scientists and learn about the excellent work they are doing for California agriculture and the world.
On the tour, Mary Lu Arpaia, UC Cooperative Extension subtropical horticulture specialist, talked about her research on postharvest handling and oil extraction from different avocado varieties. Andreas Westphal, UCCE nematology specialist discussed his research on sustainable methods of nematode control in the various crops affected by the microscopic root-feeding worms.
Khaled Bali, UCCE irrigation water management specialist, showed the congressman and other guests irrigation water management techniques, including groundwater recharge using artificial intelligence. Themis Michailides, plant pathologist, explained his research on fruit and nut crops and mycotoxins. He also pointed out to Costa the historic father pistachio tree planted at Kearney REC in the 1960s, the original genetic source of pistachios in the United States.
Adalberto Pérez de León, director of USDA-San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center (located across the street from Kearney REC), highlighted the strong collaboration between the two research centers, and Costa expressed his appreciation for the synergy.
After the tour, Swelam introduced more Kearney REC scientists to Costa and other guests. Listening to each individual's short story of how they are passionate to support California agriculture and contribute to the world's food security, the congressman was impressed by the diversity of scientists from all over the world working together at Kearney REC. He said he appreciated the diversity of cultures, knowledge and background that makes Kearney unique.
As he concluded his visit, Congressman Costa said he would continue to support the work at Kearney REC – and expressed his desire to return to learn even more.