California Agricultural Technology Institute
Who We Are
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 1,000-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:
INSTITUTE FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
Meeting the challenges of change
The Institute for Food and Agriculture (IFA) 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 IFA, click here or call (559) 278-4405.
CENTER 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, click here or call (559) 278-2066.
VITICULTURE 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, click here or call (559) 278-2089.