Guest Commentary, Vanya Quiñones | Cal State Monterey Bay: Advancing agricultural technologies in our region – Monterey Herald

Cal State Monterey Bay has proudly announced the launch of our newest academic facility, the Edward “Ted” Taylor Science and Engineering Building. This cutting-edge facility exemplifies our dedication to cultivating the next generation of STEM professionals.

The $38.5 million building will house our innovative mechatronics engineering program and our distinguished marine science program. These programs are crucial for meeting local industry needs and advancing regional economic development. In addition, it will provide office space for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary which will deepen our existing collaboration with the agency.

Looking ahead, we also plan to establish a research and teaching farm and a greenhouse complex on approximately 10 acres of campus land. This initiative aims to benefit students, faculty and the local agricultural community, enhancing hands-on learning and enabling research to solve industry challenges.

Cal State Monterey Bay is committed to advancing the future of agribusiness. This investment positions our university as a leader in agricultural technologies, essential for boosting efficiency, sustainability and economic growth in local agriculture. In fall 2025, we are also introducing our much-anticipated bachelor of science in Agribusiness Supply Chain Management, designed to address the challenges of perishable product logistics. This program in our College of Business has received tremendous support from community members and local, regional and national businesses, with more than two dozen philanthropic gifts totaling more than $2 million. Additionally, our Agricultural Plant and Soil Sciences program is expanding rapidly. We’ve graduated more than 60 students since its inception in 2020.

Cal State Monterey Bay is uniquely situated for these programs due to our location in one of the most productive agricultural regions in the country. In Monterey County, agriculture makes up the largest segment of workers by industry and the Farm Bureau reported contributions of at least $3.9 billion a year, with our region supplying up to 61% of leaf lettuce for the nation.

With this new building, our greenhouses and university farm, we will be able to expand on the significant contributions our faculty and students are already making in agricultural research and support. Cal State Monterey Bay has been a partner in securing key grants in recent years totaling $30 million from the United States Department of Agriculture to collaborate with UC Santa Cruz, Hartnell and CSU Agricultural Research Institute to support internships, field experience for students and to advance the future of ag technology.

The Taylor building also bolsters our Marine Science program. With more than 30 research institutions, the Monterey Bay area is a global leader in marine science. Investments in marine science and collaboration with NOAA’s Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary are vital for developing a workforce dedicated to ocean conservation and ecosystem resilience.

This new facility is the result of collaborative efforts, including philanthropic contributions, federal support, and the commitment of our university community. We extend our gratitude to Bruce and Linda Taylor, the entire Taylor family, and Taylor Farms for their support. Naming this building after Ted Taylor, a renowned leader in Salinas agriculture, reflects Taylor Farms’ dedication to innovation and regional economic growth.

We also recognize Joanne Church Taylor for her support and her role in nurturing a family of influential leaders. We are grateful to Congressman Jimmy Panetta and NOAA for their essential federal support, as well as to Julie Packard, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Sally Hughes Church Foundation, Roberta “Bertie” Bialek Elliott, and others for their generous donations, which have significantly enhanced our engineering and marine science programs and facilities. Our Greenhouse Complex and Teaching/Research Farm has also garnered strong support to date from the Tanimura Family Foundation, the Rick and Tonya Antle Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County, the Harden Foundation, David and Susan Gill, and Wilber Ellis. In addition, the USDA NextGen Grant will support equipment for the greenhouses.

At Cal State Monterey Bay, we are dedicated to advancing social mobility for first-generation and diverse students. Our affordable education equips them with essential skills for impactful careers, which in turn benefits our region’s economy. As agribusiness and marine science continue to grow, they will create valuable job opportunities and offer a bright future for both our alumni and the Monterey Bay community.

Investing in Cal State Monterey Bay is an investment in our community and the future of our region. We are eager to strengthen our partnerships with industry leaders, community organizations and residents who are committed to supporting our mission.

Vanya Quiñones is the president of Cal State Monterey Bay.

Originally Published: August 31, 2024 at 9:11 a.m.

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