Project Supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP)
Seeding Success: Youth Engagement & Training for a Sustainable Specialty Crop Future
At LabToFarm, we’re sowing the seeds for California’s agricultural future. The Seeding Success project is a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower young people and underrepresented communities with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in specialty crop farming. Supported by the California Department of Food and Agriculture and led by experts at the University of California, Riverside, this project is set to transform education into hands-on, impactful action.
Cultivating a New Generation of Ag Experts
Addressing Today’s Challenges:
California’s specialty crop industry faces mounting challenges—from labor shortages and water scarcity to the ever-evolving demands of climate-smart agriculture. Seeding Success answers this call by creating a dynamic training ecosystem that bridges cutting-edge research with real-world practice.
Innovative Curriculum:
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Comprehensive Modules: Over a 9-month course, students dive into nine teaching modules covering everything from sustainable soil management and water-efficient irrigation to advanced pest management and agricultural legislation.
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Hands-On Learning: Participants gain practical experience through on-campus demonstrations, educational displays, and immersive field trips—including a transformative 5-day excursion that connects classroom insights to thriving agricultural operations.
Pathways to Opportunity:
By integrating theory with experiential learning, Seeding Success not only prepares students for careers in specialty crop farming but also opens doors to higher education and entrepreneurial opportunities. The project is especially tailored to engage youth, special needs students, and underserved groups, ensuring that the benefits of sustainable farming practices reach every corner of our community.
“ This project bridges academic innovation with real-world application, ensuring that our future farmers are equipped to overcome today’s challenges with sustainable, hands-on solutions.”
– Deborah pagliaccia, Leading Project Manager and Scientist at UCR
A Collaborative Effort
Bridging Academia and Community:
Seeding Success is a collaborative venture among UC Riverside, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, John W. North High School, the Growing Hope Project, and San Andreas High School. Together, these partners are reimagining agricultural education by:
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Developing and Delivering a Modern Curriculum: Local educators and UCR experts work side-by-side to design course materials that reflect today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities.
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Fostering Community Engagement: With on-site displays, interactive field tours, and hands-on internships, the project connects students with real-world practices and local industry leaders.
Impact:
Over the course of the project and beyond, Seeding Success is poised to directly impact thousands of individuals—from high school students to aspiring young farmers—equipping them with the skills to lead California’s specialty crop industry into a more sustainable future.
Join Us in Growing the Future
At its core, Seeding Success is about more than just farming—it’s about cultivating resilience, fostering innovation, and empowering the next generation of agricultural leaders. Are you a student, educator, or community member passionate about sustainable agriculture? Join us in sowing the seeds for a greener, more resilient future. For more information or to participate, contact:
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Deborah Pagliaccia: deborahp@ucr.edu
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Arunabha Mitra: arunabhm@ucr.edu
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Learn more about upcoming workshops, field trips, and ways to get involved by visiting our LabToFarm website and following us on social media.
