Agriculture
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The CSU has always been a strong contributor to the food, agriculture and beverage industries. By leveraging the expertise of our faculty and researchers, the CSU conducts applied research projects that address real-world challenges in agriculture.

Impacts on California Agriculture

  • Workforce Development: CSU graduates fill over 60% of degree-holding roles in California agriculture, spanning farm management, processing and policy.
  • Research and Innovation: The CSU’s practical, regionally focused research advances crop science, irrigation, pest management, and sustainability, driving innovations adopted by farms and agribusinesses.
  • Industry Partnerships: Strong partnerships with growers, commodity boards, and agencies provide technical support and hands-on training for students.
  • Support for Rural Communities: CSU campuses serve as economic anchors in rural regions, supporting local economies and improving the viability of regional agriculture. Through outreach and education programs, the CSU supports local farmers, including small and underserved producers.
  • Sustainability and Policy Leadership: The CSU promotes sustainable practices in agriculture, helping the industry adapt to climate change and environmental regulations.

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CAMPUS CENTERS AND INSTITUTEs (CCIs):

The CSU hosts 10 Campus Centers and Institutes (CCIs) affiliated with various CSUs and dedicated to agricultural research and outreach. Each CCI focuses on specific aspects of agriculture, such as sustainable farming practices, crop science, agricultural economics, and environmental resource management. They also facilitate technology transfer and innovation adoption by collaborating with industry partners and community stakeholders.

MULTICAMPUS COLLABORATION: ARI

The CSU's Agricultural Research Institute (ARI)is a comprehensive applied agricultural and environmental research program that joins the CSU’s four colleges of agriculture (Chico State, Fresno State, Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo) and two associate campuses (Cal Poly Humboldt and Cal State Monterey Bay) with the state’s agriculture and natural resources industries and allied business communities. ARI engages the collective expertise of CSU colleges of agriculture and other related programs to conduct applied research that benefits California agriculture, while also cultivating the next generation of agricultural leaders. Since its inception in 1999, ARI has awarded over $228 million in funding for 1,287 campus projects addressing California farm, ranch and consumer challenges such as improving food quality, increasing productivity and economic viability, and managing natural resources.