Strategic Vision 2040 prioritizes seven California challenges

Aiming to help tackle some of California's most pressing challenges, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources has released its Strategic Vision 2040. The document serves as a blueprint to guide UC ANR's work, structure and resource allocation over the next 15 years to make a positive impact in communities across California.

The Vision was informed by thousands of comments and feedback from hundreds of UC ANR employees and community members – including program participants, government agency staff, elected officials, nonprofit groups, California Tribes, industry partners, farmers and producers.

As a long-trusted source for practical tools and information, UC ANR is the critical link between UC research and the everyday challenges affecting Californians' lives and livelihoods.

“UC ANR is uniquely positioned to cultivate, co-create and share science-based solutions on a wide range of issues in California, across the U.S. and around the globe,” said Glenda Humiston, UC vice president for agriculture and natural resources. “The Strategic Vision 2040 reaffirms our commitment to serve as a catalyst for collaboration and innovation in achieving a brighter future for all.”

The Vision document is the result of a 15-month process in which thousands of comments and feedback from hundreds of UC ANR employees and community members – including program participants, government agency staff, elected officials, nonprofit groups, California Tribes, industry partners, farmers and producers – were distilled and synthesized.

Informed by those insights, UC ANR refreshed its mission and vision statements and also identified seven distinct California challenges as priority areas in which UC ANR can make a significant impact:

Core Areas of Research and Programming

• Agriculture and Food Systems
• Natural Ecosystems and Working Landscapes
• Thriving People and Communities

Overarching Issues

• Climate Change
• Innovation
• Regulations, Policy and Compliance
• Systemic Inequities

“It's important to note that these seven challenges are complex and interrelated, and demand the kind of interdisciplinary, collaborative approaches that UC ANR has become known for fostering and sharing,” Humiston said.

The seven challenges are complex and interrelated and will demand UC ANR's unique approach to generating, co-developing and sharing science-based solutions.

The Strategic Vision 2040 will provide direction for UC Cooperative Extension researchers and educators who bring their know-how and partnership ethic to all 58 California counties; UC ANR's 14 statewide programs and institutes; and approximately 20,000 volunteers in the 4-H Youth Development, UC Master Gardener, UC Master Food Preserver, and UC Environmental Stewards programs. UC ANR also supports a network of nine Research and Extension Centers, as well as productive collaborations among campus-based Agricultural Experiment Station faculty and UCCE advisors and specialists.

In the coming months, a UC ANR committee will develop a five-year Strategic Framework that will translate the Vision into action. Specific goals and objectives will guide UC ANR in its mission to cultivate thriving communities, sustainable agriculture, resilient ecosystems and economic prosperity.

The Strategic Vision 2040 document is found at: https://ucanr.edu/files/StrategicVision2040.pdf.