California Agricultural Technology Institute: Serving agriculture, California's premier industry.

OUR OBJECTIVES

Applied Research
The California Agricultural Technology Institute (CATI) is a non-profit, educational institution committed to improving the profitability of California agriculture. With a focus on applied research, CATI seeks to deliver immediate and practical solutions to problems facing all facets of the agricultural industry. Strong ties with industry, government and educational groups have enabled CATI to build a reputation as one of the leading research and development organizations in the state.

Technology Transfer
Timely transfer of results from field and laboratory research is a high priority for CATI. Dissemination of technical information is accomplished through an assortment of conferences, workshops, field days, forums, seminars, publications and through the Internet's World Wide Web. Faculty members, researchers and technicians from the university's School of Agricultural Sciences and Technology serve as resource personnel for the programs. Publications include a quarterly newsletter, as well as a variety of research reports, technical bulletins and resource booklets.

OUR RESEARCH CENTERS

Located on the campus of California State University, Fresno, CATI oversees operations of four centers which serve as bases for applied research and development activities. Facilities include a 1,100-acre university farm; an assortment of modern indoor laboratories; a unique-in-the-world dried foods technology laboratory; experimental and commercial wineries, a raisin processing plant, and a large hydraulics unit for testing irrigation equipment. Each center works in close coordination with industry to ensure that research programs meet the specialized needs of constituents. University faculty lead research teams with support from staff technicians and student assistants.

The names and brief descriptions of our four centers are listed below:

Center for Agricultural Business LogoCENTER FOR AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS

Meeting the challenges of change

The Center for Agricultural Business (CAB) offers resources, economic information and expertise in the areas of production agriculture and agribusiness. Conferences, forums and seminars serve as key dissemination activities. Areas of emphasis include the following:

  • International trade and export marketing
  • Water and energy management
  • Farm labor and personnel management
  • Agricultural safety education and training
  • Farm labor research
  • Farm management and accounting
  • Computer applications in agribusiness
  • New agribusiness opportunities

To reach CAB, call (559) 278-4405.

Center for Food Science and Nutrition Research logoCENTER FOR FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION RESEARCH

For better foods, better health

The Center for Food Science and Nutrition Research (CFSNR) promotes research and fosters partnerships with industry, professional organizations and public agencies dealing in food and nutritional sciences. Researchers address the following issues:

  • Food processing
  • New food product development
  • Sensory evaluation
  • Food selection
  • Dietary intake
  • Nutrition education
  • Nutrition-related health problems

To reach CFSNR, call (559) 278-5924.

Center for Irrigation Technology logoCENTER FOR IRRIGATION TECHNOLOGY

Conserving water, our essential resource

The Center for Irrigation Technology (CIT) works in cooperation with the irrigation industry, local, state, and federal agencies and irrigation users, to demonstrate new technology and develop performance specifications and standards for all types of irrigation equipment. Facilities include a field demonstration area and hydraulic research laboratory. Services include the following:

  • Irrigation equipment testing /evaluation
  • Irrigation equipment selection
  • Improving irrigation efficiency
  • Computer applications in irrigation

To reach CIT, call (559) 278-2066.

Viticulture and Enology Research Center logoVITICULTURE AND ENOLOGY RESEARCH CENTER

A partner in research

The Viticulture and Enology Research Center (VERC) acts as a local, national and international information center for applied research in the grape and wine industries. Facilities include a production winery, state-of-the-art raisin processing plant and full-scale commercial vineyard. Research objectives include:

  • Developing effective cultural practices for new wine, raisin and grape varieties
  • Improving existing methods and systems of vineyard management
  • Testing new processes and materials for use in the wine industry
  • Developing new food products and systems

To reach VERC, call (559) 278-2089.

Agricultural Technology Information Network logoAGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION NETWORK

In addition to its research centers, CATI oversees operation of the Agricultural Technology Information Network (ATI-Net), a computer-based information system serving California's business and agribusiness communities. Offered free of charge, ATI-Net uses sophisticated, high-speed electronic technology to link farmers, agribusinessmen, educators, researchers and students with current agricultural, business and trade information from all over the world. ATI-Net also offers special fee-based services such as developing and maintaining web sites.

To speak to a representative of ATI-NET, call (559) 278-4872.

Back