Extension/Outreach | BFTV Cluster News

CAES Coffee and Conversations - with Chris Simmons, March 20, 2025

Food Science and Technology Updates from Chris Simmons

Food Science and Technology Alumni and Friends!

New Center Expands Food Safety Training and Support for Growers

Small and diverse farms are a vital part of California’s food system, but navigating food safety regulations can be challenging, especially for those with limited access to training and resources. To bridge this gap, UC Davis is leading an effort to establish the California Center for Food Safety, a new hub offering growers the education and support they need to meet food safety standards.

Food Tech Club News Fall 2024

Food Science and Technology

The Food Tech Club (FTC) is a student chapter of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). Our goal is to help students find connections and passion in food research, industry, and beyond! In fall quarter, we had many great opportunities to share knowledge with each other, and to bond as a community. In November, we hosted a scallion pancake food demo, aimed to teach people how to cook unique cuisines!

Learn about yeast and other amazing living things at UC Davis Biodiversity Museum Day, Feb. 8, 2025

Food Science and Technology

Nine UC Davis biological collections including the Phaff Yeast Culture Collection are all having open houses the same day, Saturday, Feb 8, 2025! More information at the UC Davis Biodiversity Museum day event website. The yeast collection exhibits will be open 10:00 am - 2:00 pm in the Robert Mondavi Brewery, Winery and Food Pilot Facility.

Viticulture & Enology Winter Extension Update

Viticulture and Enology

The UC Davis V & E Extension Team organized and presented a few programs in the fall. On November 20, 2024, we were in Temecula! Megan Bartlett, Dave Block, Ron Runnebaum, Akif Eskalen, Tian Tian, and Axel Herrera were the presenters. There were about 100 attendees from both Riverside and San Diego Counties! The topics covered ranged from the latest information on grapevine trunk diseases, powdery mildew and Botrytis bunch rot in vineyards; to how to properly clean and sanitize and do it more sustainably; to irrigation management, vine nutrition and regenerative practices.

Fall Outreach Events

Viticulture and Enology

During the fall quarter, our outreach and communications team had an incredible experience visiting over 12 community colleges and high schools to attend college fair events. Alejandra engaged with future students, sharing the amazing opportunities in the UC Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology (V & E). On these trips, our team brought new marketing material tailored for our different audiences that helped outline the major requirements and career opportunities.

Summer Recap: Outreach Events

Viticulture and Enology

This Summer, the Department of Viticulture & Enology attended and held several outreach events.

We attended two events hosted by the Napa Farmworker Foundation.

On July 21st, members of the Department tabled at the Dia De La Familia Celebration. We met families and high school students, answered questions about our programs, enjoyed the music and traditional dances, and tried to inspire the next generation of vineyard managers and winemakers!

Viticulture & Enology Extension Update

Viticulture and Enology

The extension team has spent the last couple of months organizing our Department of Viticulture and Enology educational extension programs and other departmental programs for the upcoming year. We are planning both on campus and On the Road programs. On November 20, 2024, we will be in Temecula! Registration will be opening soon, so check our department webpage for the latest information.

Spring 2024 Extension Update

Viticulture and Enology

The Extension team started off the first half of 2024 at the Unified Symposium on January 24 and 25. The Department had a booth, where we got to meet with a lot of attendees, and hosted our annual reception, where we got to catch up with many alumni and friends! We also announced our new department chair, Ben Montpetit!

World Food Safety Day, June 7, 2024

Food Science and Technology

Food Science and Technology's Cooperative Extension would like to wish you all a happy and safe World Food Safety Day today, June 7th. World Food Safety Day is an initiative that was started by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The motto for this year is "Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected".