Food And Farm News
5-14-2025
Cal Poly professors examine ethics of robots and AI in the kitchen
Professors at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, are conducting a multiyear research project to study the ethical implications of robotic and artificial intelligence applications in the kitchen. As part of the project, the philosophy, psychology and religious studies professors will travel to Rome this month to participate in a workshop hosted by the Vatican, meeting with scientists, industry experts, religious leaders and philosophers from around the world to discuss automation and food. “This is our most interdisciplinary project, which isn't a surprise because the subject, food itself, touches on just about every single discipline at Cal Poly,” philosophy professor Patrick Lin said.
Study finds sinking land could limit water deliveries to farms and cities
A new technical report released by the California Natural Resources Agency found that subsidence, or the sinking of land, in the Central Valley caused by the overpumping of groundwater has restricted the amount of water the State Water Project can deliver each year by 3%. The SWP supplies water to 27 million Californians and 750,000 acres of farmland. Without decisive action, the current trajectory of subsidence, combined with climate change, could reduce water deliveries to farms and cities by 87% by 2043, the California Department of Water Resources reported.
The University of California launches policy institute
Already a major source of consequential agricultural research, the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources plans to play a more direct role in informing policymakers in the Golden State. Last month, the agriculture-focused UC branch launched the UC ANR Policy Institute, “envisioned as a ‘one-stop shop’ for policymakers to find and easily access scientists and research on a host of critical issues in California,” UC ANR said in a blog post. The institute will build on the work of the former UC ANR Agricultural Issues Center.
Video series aims to help young farmers grow vegetables
A new video series by the University of California aims to provide free virtual training in how to grow vegetables. The training was designed to reach younger farmers and those entering the field for the first time. “The average age of agricultural producers in California is currently about 59.2 years,” said Jeff Mitchell, UC Cooperative Extension specialist in the Department of Plant Sciences in Davis. “Therefore, there is an urgent need to encourage and recruit young people into agriculture to sustain current and future production.”
For more information about any story in Food and Farm News, contact the California Farm Bureau Marketing/Communications Division at 916-561-5550 or email news@cfbf.com. Connect with us on Facebook, X, or Instagram: @CAFarmBureau.
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