Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment

grain production factory via getty — UMass Amherst Food Scientists Develop New Antimicrobial For Cleaning And Sanitizing Dry-Food Processing Equipment

Climate Action Tool homepage — Updated Climate Action Tool Curates Library of Possibilities

Dr. Kira T. Lawrence is the new Director of UMass Clean Energy Extension — Kira T. Lawrence Named Next Director of UMass Clean Energy Extension

flowering tree — UMass Extension experts have advice for gardeners and growers of all skill levels

Soil tests, fact sheets and much more cover every angle of growing successful plants, fruits and crops

Stories in CAFE

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Advancing Sustainable Plum Curculio Management through Attract-and-Kill and Biological Control

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) combines multiple complementary strategies to manage pests effectively while reducing reliance on broad-spectrum insecticides.
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UMass Amherst soil tests offer tailored advice for healthier gardens

See this story by WCVB 5 on what our routine soil analysis can do for you!
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Weird gray circles in your yard after the snow melts?

That’s likely snow mold.
View our Snow Molds Fact Sheet.
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UMass Amherst Strengthens Collaborative Ties with Hokkaido University

UMass faculty and staff explore advanced imaging, engineering, and orchard management techniques while deepening a partnership that spans more than a century.
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UMass Research Farm Field Day

UMass Extension, the College of Natural Sciences and Stockbridge School of Agriculture will once again present the Crop & Animal Research Farm Tour on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. Attendees will tour the research farm and learn about ongoing science investigations, including updates on carrot trials, weed emergence control strategies, cover crops and living mulches, bees and more. Free and open to the public, the event will run from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm at the Mass Crop and Animal Research and Education Farm in South Deerfield and will include lunch for attendees.
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Life as a Shepherd (and Beyond): Alice Newth

It’s hard to say what a typical day looks like for Alice Newth. One day, she might be moving fences and animals to new grazing pastures, and the next she’s teaching UMass students about livestock management. Sometimes, she’s even helping students oversee the birth of lambs or piglets.

Research and Outreach Interest Areas

Upcoming Events

Barnyard to Backyard

Calendar Feed Choices: Mass 4-H

Event date/time

Sat, May 16, 2026 : 10:18am - 2pm

Event Type: In-person

Event location

Franklin County Fairgrounds (Greenfield) MA
WPS Training for Handlers

Calendar Feed Choices: Cranberry

Event date/time

Wed, Apr 8, 2026 : 8 - 9am

Wed, May 6, 2026 : 8 - 9am

Wed, May 20, 2026 : 8 - 9am

Event Type: Online, In-person

Event location

UMass Cranberry Station
Public Webinar - Overview of the Draft Fungicide Strategy

Calendar Feed Choices: Center for Agriculture Food and the Environment, Cranberry, Fruit, Integrated Pest Management, Vegetable

Event date/time

Wed, May 20, 2026 : 2 - 3pm

Event Type: Online
Fruit Team Twilight Meeting

Calendar Feed Choices: Fruit, Vegetable

Event date/time

Wed, May 20, 2026 : 5 - 6pm

Event Type: In-person
MA 4-H Poultry Advisory

Calendar Feed Choices: Mass 4-H

Event date/time

Wed, Mar 18, 2026 : 7 - 8pm

Wed, Apr 15, 2026 : 7 - 8pm

Wed, May 20, 2026 : 7 - 8pm

Wed, Jun 17, 2026 : 7 - 8pm

Event Type: Online
Insect & Disease Clinic II (2 credits)

Calendar Feed Choices: Cranberry

Event date/time

Tue, May 26, 2026 : 8 - 10am

Event Type: In-person

Event location

UMass Cranberry Station