IMPERIAL VALLEY, Calif. — When Mariana González Castro was 5 years old, she stood among long rows of carrot and other vegetables crops at the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Desert Research and Extension Center, in Holtville, CA, pulling fresh carrots from the soil and filling a bag to take home to her family.
That early visit to the Farm Smart program helped shape how she saw agriculture — and today, she leads the same program that first inspired her.
Farm Smart, based at the Desert Research and Extension Center and part of the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, is celebrating 25 years of connecting students and families to agriculture through hands-on education.
“One of the great challenges is bringing education about the value of agriculture, water and natural resources to our communities,” said Jairo Díaz, director of the Desert Research and Extension Center. “Farm Smart helps connect people to the reality of how food is produced and why agriculture is essential to the Imperial Valley.”
Founded in 2001, Farm Smart has grown from a small after-school effort into a regional education program serving K-12 students, college students and community members. The program has reached more than 200,000 participants.
Hands-on learning rooted in agriculture
The program focuses on hands-on learning, using demonstration areas, crop tours and interactive activities to help students understand where food comes from.
In a region where agriculture drives the economy, Farm Smart helps bridge the gap between farming and public understanding.
Students learn how crops such as carrots are grown, how livestock are fed and how agricultural products move through the food supply chain.
From student to leader
González Castro said her early experience harvesting vegetables left a lasting impression.
“I am an example of the impact Farm Smart can have,” she said. “I participated as a child, and it changed how I saw agriculture. Today I want new generations to have that same opportunity.”
Now supervising the program, she works to ensure students see agriculture not only as food production, but as science, innovation and career opportunity.
Community support and partnerships
Farm Smart operates through donations, grants and community partnerships with schools, organizations and local agencies.
“Farm Smart would not exist without community support,” González Castro said. “Everything we do is possible because families, schools and organizations believe in this program.”
Looking ahead
The program’s success has helped drive plans for a new education facility at the Desert Research and Extension Center. The expansion is expected to increase access, create new learning opportunities and grow participation.
“The growth of Farm Smart is one of the reasons we are investing in new education facilities,” Díaz said.
After 25 years, Farm Smart continues connecting communities with agriculture and science.
The program reflects the mission of the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources — delivering science-based knowledge that supports communities, agriculture and future generations.
After a quarter century, Farm Smart continues seeding the future.