BFTV Cluster News

Study Improves Understanding of Food Safety Risks in California Central Coast Produce

Environmental Study with the FDA, UC Davis Western Center for Food Safety, CDFA and Partners Examined Pathogen Movement Through the Region

Diane Barrett featured in UC Davis Emeriti Association video series

Food Science and Technology

Diane Barrett, FST Extension Specialist Emerita, is featured in the latest video interview by the UC Davis Emeriti Association. Diane was appointed in 1992 and retired in 2016.

Selina Wang Named Faculty Director of the UC Davis Olive Center

Food Science and Technology

For nearly 20 years, the Olive Center at the University of California, Davis, has worked to improve the olive and olive oil industry through research, education and outreach. The center, known for its work in sustainable olive growing and improving olive oil quality, has named chemist Selina Wang as its faculty director to guide the next phase of research and innovation for the state’s growing olive industry.

January 2026 Extension & Industry Relations Update

Viticulture and Enology

The UC Davis Viticulture & Enology (V&E) Extension Team organized and presented a couple of programs in the fall. On December 10, 2025, we were On the Road to the Foothills! It was a beautiful sunny day, just above the fog line. Megan Bartlett, Ben Montpetit, James Campbell, Chris Chen, Ha Nguyen, and Mackenzie Patton were the presenters.

Fall 2025 Student Outreach

Viticulture and Enology

We kicked off the fall quarter with our annual department BBQ, bringing together students, faculty, and staff for a lively start to the year. Our DEVO and WIW students took charge of the grill, while faculty and staff warmly welcomed both new and returning students. Liz, the UC Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology (V&E) advisor, shared thoughtful words as she embraced this enthusiastic new cohort. Our Chair, Ben, concluded the event with encouraging remarks that set a positive tone for the year ahead.

Ted Rieger, freelance writer and photographer, retires after 41 years of covering wine industry

Viticulture and Enology

Anyone who regularly attended our departmental extension events over the last 30 years would recognize Ted Rieger as a constant presence. Maybe more importantly, those not attending our events could rely on Ted’s accounts of those programs in industry publications such as Wine Business Monthly, Vineyard & Winery Management, and Wines & Vines. After four decades of freelance writing, including nearly one thousand wine-industry-related articles, Ted has decided to retire.

Reviving an Ancient Bond, with Grape Leftovers

Food Science and Technology

Once, red abalone crowded the Northern California coast so thickly that, at some stretches, wading into the water almost invariably meant stubbing your toe against their soup bowl-sized shells. So the old stories say.

Fall 2025 Extension Summary

Viticulture and Enology

Grape Day at the Oakville Station, June 4, 2025

On Wednesday, June 4, the Department of Viticulture & Enology at UC Davis in collaboration with Christopher Chen, UC Cooperative Extension Integrated Vineyard Systems Advisor, North Coast, hosted a Grape Day at the UC Davis Oakville

Summer 2025 Student Outreach

Viticulture and Enology

This summer, the outreach team actively engaged with prospective students to showcase the exciting opportunities offered by the UC Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology (V&E). To support these efforts, we introduced new marketing materials, interactive activities, and tailored presentations designed for diverse audiences. These resources helped students and counselors better understand major requirements and explore career pathways in the wine industry.

Glen Fox weighs in on Sacramento brewery closures

Food Science and Technology

Glen Fox, endowed professor of malting and brewing sciences at UC Davis, is quoted in a Sacramento Bee article published on August 2, 2025 titled, "Are evolving tastes and high costs killing Sacramento breweries? Experts weigh in". The article reports the closure of local breweries Track 7 and Device Brewing, both in Sacramento.

Harris receives IAFP Honorary Life Membership Award

Food Science and Technology

Congratulations to FST's Linda J. Harris, distinguished professor of cooperative extension, who received an International Association for Food Protection Honorary Life Membership Award at the IAFP Annual Meeting in Cleveland, Ohio last week! The other recipients were Ian Jenson, Jeffrey Kornacki, and Ruth Petran. Each honoree received a personalized plaque recognizing them for their dedication to the high ideals and objectives of the International Association for Food Protection and for dedicated service to the Association.

UC Small Farms Food Safety Team Offers Bimonthly Produce Safety Workshops

Food Science and Technology

Are you looking for food safety training opportunities for your small-scale produce farm? If so, the UC ANR Small Farms Food Safety team is here to help.

2025 Unified Wine & Grape Symposium

Viticulture and Enology

UC Davis Viticulture and Enology (V&E) faculty, staff, and students represented the department at the Unified Wine and Grape Symposium, January 29 and 30, 2025, at the Sacramento Convention Center. Our team’s booth and engagement with industry leaders highlighted the department's innovative research, cutting-edge approaches to teaching, evolving curriculum, new faculty, and our continuing leadership.

Spring Extension Update

Viticulture and Enology

The UC Davis V&E Extension Team organized and presented several programs since the beginning of the year. We hosted two “On Campus” programs. The first, on February 19th, was titled, Exploring different aspects of vine health.

Viticulture & Enology Student Outreach Events

Viticulture and Enology

Our on-campus student outreach saw great momentum this winter, as we welcomed a wide range of visitors and collaborators. We hosted junior college counselors and presidents, middle and high school students from the Napa Valley area, and launched a new collaboration with the Lodi Appellation Inclusion Collective. Additionally, our undergraduate advisor Liz and the team did a phenomenal job encouraging admitted students to enroll at Aggie Day and Picnic Day.

Extension/Outreach