The Vantage Point



Glenda Humiston 

Vice President

UC Agriculture and Natural Resources 



As summer winds down, I’m hoping most if not all of you have been able to enjoy some vacation time with friends and family. It’s a little quieter around UC ANR for some people because of the time of year, but certainly not for those who are involved in time-sensitive research, harvest-related activities or community outreach.

Thankfully, the punishing heat has eased up in many areas and a great deal of progress has been made in containing the Park Fire. We salute the extraordinary work of CAL FIRE and other agencies battling fires in our state and our thoughts are with all those who have been impacted. 

While we know fire is destructive, we don’t often hear about “good fire.” On Oct. 5, fire advisor Barb Satink Wolfson and California State Parks will co-host the Central Coast Good Fire Fair to show the public how fire is used in our coastal ecosystems.

I am proud to share that state Senator Nancy Skinner and Assemblymember Mia Bonta acknowledged the Nutrition Policy Institute’s 10th anniversary and decade of achievements in a jointly sponsored resolution. It’s an honor to have the Legislature recognize the value of NPI’s science-based policy recommendations to enhance the health of Californians.

NPI's research has informed policies such as free school meals for over 6 million students and funding for school kitchen equipment. Their research has helped enhance funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children; helped establish healthier beverage policies in child care; supported food security initiatives at UC campuses and much more. In a new study, NPI researchers are investigating whether whole or low-fat milk is best for toddlers.

UC Master Gardeners of Napa County were honored by legislators and their staff on July 25 for their outstanding community service. Alex Pader, senior field representative for state Senator Bill Dodd, and Laura Elena Beltran, senior field representative for Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, presented certificates to individuals who volunteered 50 to over 300 hours of community services. Congressman Mike Thompson also provided certificates. We depend on dedicated volunteers such as those in Napa – and across the state – who serve their communities as vital champions of our mission. 

Biomass and Bioenergy Advisor Haris Gilani spoke to the State Legislature Select Committee on Building a Zero-Carbon Hydrogen Economy on Aug. 6. He shared insights from a policy brief on how low-carbon and carbon-negative fuels – such as hydrogen produced from agricultural residues, woody biomass and municipal solid waste – can help California achieve its greenhouse gas reduction targets.

He emphasized that the state could meet 95% of its 2050 hydrogen demand by using waste biomass. He also outlined the steps for success: creating green hydrogen markets using woody biomass and agricultural residues, investing in hydrogen derivatives such as ammonia and developing green ammonia facilities, and establishing supportive procurement policies. Haris is just one of many UC ANR academics who provide critical, research-based information to inform policy and help guide the future of our state. 

Next month UC ANR will kick off its annual celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month with the theme “State of Latinos: Looking into the Future.” The program includes three events that the public are invited to attend. I hope you can join us for these inspiring events! Learn more and register at https://ucanr.edu/HHM2024events. 

Thank you, as always, for supporting our mission to make life better for every Californian.