The University of California's storied history and mission of teaching, research and public service are not often connected to the Coachella Valley. Since the 1887 passage of the Hatch Act and creation of the Riverside Citrus Experiment Station in 1907, contributions by university scientists and researchers have ranged from creating new industries to eradicating bothersome pests throughout the valley.
For nearly 100 years, The Coachella Valley has been central to university research of crops of arid and semi-arid lands which has been shared in similar regions of the world. The university's work in agricultural research in citrus, field crops, grapes, turf and vegetables, including Phoenix dactylifera - commonly known as the date palm, a staple of modern-day valley agriculture.
Two Centers form the focal point of contemporary research.
The University of California, Riverside’s Vice Chancellor for Research Web site can be reached here.