When Mariana González Castro was a child, she visited the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Desert Research and Extension Center in Holtville, California. There, she participated in Farm Smart, a program that allows students to experience agriculture firsthand by harvesting crops like carrots. Now, González Castro leads the same program that influenced her early view of agriculture.
Farm Smart is celebrating its 25th anniversary as an educational initiative at the Desert Research and Extension Center. The program is part of the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), which provides science-based knowledge to communities across California through research and outreach initiatives. UC ANR operates offices in all 58 counties in California and maintains nine Research and Extension Centers as living laboratories across diverse ecosystems, according to its official website.
Jairo Díaz, director of the Desert Research and Extension Center, said: “One of the great challenges is bringing education about the value of agriculture, water and natural resources to our communities. Farm Smart helps connect people to the reality of how food is produced and why agriculture is essential to the Imperial Valley.”
Since its founding in 2001, Farm Smart has expanded from a small after-school effort into a regional program serving K-12 students, college students, and community members. More than 200,000 participants have taken part in hands-on learning activities such as crop tours and demonstrations.
The Imperial Valley relies heavily on agriculture for its economy. Farm Smart aims to bridge public understanding with agricultural practices by showing how crops are grown, livestock are managed, and products move through supply chains.
González Castro reflected on her experience: “I am an example of the impact Farm Smart can have,” she said. “I participated as a child, and it changed how I saw agriculture. Today I want new generations to have that same opportunity.” As supervisor of Farm Smart today, she works to show students that agriculture involves science, innovation, and career possibilities.
Farm Smart’s operations depend on donations, grants, and partnerships with schools and local organizations. González Castro stated: “Farm Smart would not exist without community support. Everything we do is possible because families, schools and organizations believe in this program.”
The success of Farm Smart has led to plans for a new education facility at the Desert Research and Extension Center intended to increase access for more participants.
Díaz commented: “The growth of Farm Smart is one of the reasons we are investing in new education facilities.”
UC ANR enhances lives statewide by sharing science-based practices developed through University of California expertise (source). For over a century it has provided resources related to nutrition education for youth among other areas (source). Glenda Humiston serves as vice president (source).
After 25 years in operation, Farm Smart continues its mission connecting communities with agriculture while reflecting UC ANR’s goal—to deliver science-informed knowledge supporting both local economies and future generations.