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.
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:
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:
To reach CAB, call (559) 278-4405.
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:
To reach CFSNR, call (559) 278-5924.
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:
To reach CIT, call (559) 278-2066.
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:
To reach VERC, call (559) 278-2089.
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.
