Agricultural Research and Innovation Laboratory Complex will be established at UC West Side Research and Extension Center in Fresno County
October 15, 2026 — The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources has been awarded $1,479,774 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to establish a vital research lab in western Fresno County. UC ANR is matching the grant with $1,479,774 so the total project investment is about $2,959.548. The Agricultural Research and Innovation Laboratory Complex at UC West Side Research and Extension Center will allow scientists to study and diagnose problems more efficiently so farmers can get answers faster to reduce crop losses.
“This award recognizes the San Joaquin Valley, and California as a whole, as a preeminent producer of so much of our country’s agricultural bounty,” said Glenda Humiston, UC vice president for agriculture and natural resources. “Our farmers are incredibly resourceful and productive, but they need cutting-edge science to help overcome a host of difficult challenges, including water scarcity, severe drought, extreme weather, soil quality issues and ever-evolving pests and plant diseases. These enhanced lab facilities at West Side REC will enable researchers to better develop and deliver solutions to our growers with greater speed, efficiency, economy and effectiveness.”
Located in in Five Points, the complex will close a critical infrastructure gap by providing environment-controlled laboratory units and associated training, meeting and research-support space for timely, field-integrated agricultural research and extension.
“The facility will enable scientists to process and analyze soil, water, plant, pest and environmental samples on site immediately after collection, rather than shipping them to distant laboratories,” said Atef Swelam, director of UC West Side REC, which is operated by UC ANR. “This will reduce sample degradation, turnaround time, transportation and laboratory costs, and constraints on time-sensitive research, while improving data quality, collaboration and the efficiency of field-based investigations.”
The project will strengthen UC West Side REC’s capacity to generate science-based solutions for the San Joaquin Valley’s major agricultural challenges. The new equipment will accelerate research that helps farmers sustain profitability while meeting water, environmental and regulatory challenges. The flexible laboratory capacity will support current and newly recruited UC Cooperative Extension scientists in groundwater, integrated pest management, postharvest, vertebrate, soil and water, and agricultural innovation and technology.
With the new meeting and training space, UC Cooperative Extension also will be able to expand its hands-on workforce development for beginning farmers and training for other community members.
The complex will also serve as a regional research and education resource for scientists at UC campuses, California State University Fresno, USDA Agricultural Research Service, graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, visiting scientists, public agencies, nonprofit partners and industry collaborators.
“By strengthening the region’s capacity to conduct timely, field-based research and translate their findings into practical recommendations, scientists working at the Agricultural Research and Innovation Laboratory Complex will help farmers across California become more productive and sustainable, and protect the reliability of our food supply, which benefits the broader public,” said Swelam.
About UC Agriculture and Natural Resources
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources brings UC information and practices to all 58 California counties. Through research and Cooperative Extension in agriculture, natural resources, economic growth, nutrition and youth development, our mission is to improve the lives of all Californians. Learn more at ucanr.edu and support our work at donate.ucanr.edu.
