OUR HISTORY

Lettuce

Lettuce Compendium Introduction

Excerpted from the

Compendium of Lettuce  Diseases and Pests, Second Edition

Edited by Krishna V. Subbarao, R. Michael Davis, Robert L. Gilbertson, and Richard N. Raid

Reproduced, by permission, from Hayes, R. J. 2017. Lettuce production. Pages 1-6 in: Compendium of Lettuce Diseases and Pests, 2nd ed. K. V. Subbarao et al., eds. American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN.

OUR HISTORY

History of
Research Funding

Research Program
The California Leafy Greens Research Board (CLGRB) has invested in research that supports the long-term success of California’s leafy greens industry since its beginnings as the Iceberg Lettuce Advisory Board in 1973. Through partnerships with leading researchers, the Board funds practical, science-based projects that address current production challenges while preparing the industry for the future.
Research funding is awarded primarily to the University of California system, USDA Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) in Salinas, and other universities and research institutions.
Today, the Board’s research portfolio focuses on four core areas:
  • Plant Breeding and Genetics
  • Insect and Disease Management
  • Cultural Practices and Weed Management
  • Water Use Efficiency and Irrigation Management
  • Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Nutrient Management
  • Postharvest Quality and Food Safety
 
In recent years, the Board has invested more than $1 million annually in research, supporting a balanced portfolio of both long-term and applied projects. Long-range investments include the development of disease-resistant and climate-resilient leafy green varieties, while shorter-term projects address emerging pests and diseases, improve production practices, advance precision agriculture technologies, enhance food safety, and provide growers with practical management tools.
Research Funding Process
Each fall, the Board issues an annual Request for Proposals, coordinated through the University of California liaison. Research proposals are evaluated by the Research Advisory Committee, which includes experts from academia and the leafy greens industry. The committee reviews scientific merit, industry relevance, and potential impact before making funding recommendations to the Board.
The Board considers these recommendations and votes on research funding at its annual meeting each spring. Approved research projects begin on April 1 and are monitored throughout the life of the project to ensure progress and value to California’s leafy greens industry.