1997 WEED SCIENCE WORKGROUP REPORT

University of California, Davis
November 12-13, 1997

Appendix C
Presentation of WeedRIC to the Weed Workgroup

What is WeedRIC?

The Weed Research and Information Center is an interdisciplinary collaboration that fosters research in Weed management and facilitates distribution of associated knowledge for the benefit of agriculture and for the preservation of natural resources. Why was WeedRIC formed?

The economic, sociological and environmental impacts from weeds affect an extremely wide range of clientele groups from homeowners to production agriculture and natural resource managers. These different interest groups lack a single, visible research and technology transfer organization upon which adequate fiscal and administrative support can be focused. In California, the Weed Workgroup, composed of UC faculty and specialists, USDA scientists, Farm Advisors, and Statewide IPM Specialist, represents the strongest, largest, and most diverse weed-management oriented group in the world. Nevertheless, Weed Science as a discipline is not formally recognized at the university level (i.e., department or section). This limits the groups visibility and effectiveness statewide and impedes inter campus and interdepartmental synergy that would optimize research and extension resources in the state.

What are WeedRIC's goals?

1. Administratively support research and outreach activities and ensure coordinated and efficient use of all UC science technology resources to meet the mission

2. Build a network of stakeholders in WeedRIC from both inside and outside the university who will support and guide the growth of the program.

3. Provide a focal point for weed science within the University and state

4. Enhance public understanding and awareness of weed related issues

5. Promote visibility and recognition of the Weed Science Program, Vegetable Crops Department, and the University with industry, commodity groups, other researchers and educators both nationally and internationally

6. Develop a stable funding base from private and public agencies

7. To act as a centralized source of weed science related information for use by researchers, Farm Advisors, agricultural consultants, educators, industry, the media, and the general public.

Administrative Structure

The Center Director will advised and is supported by an Advisory Committee, (AC) of about 30 people who represent WeedRIC stakeholders both inside and outside the University. Within this AC will be four standing subcommittees. Each subcommittee chair will be elected for two years and will serve on the Executive Committee, (EC). The EC will consist of the four standing subcommittee chairs, two at large members, (seated by vote of the AC), the Center Director, and one of the WeedRIC Program Representatives as non-voting Secretary.

The AC can form subcommittees at will to address various issues, but these will not have a seat on the EC. All members of a subcommittee do not have to be members of the AC. For instance the Weed Workgroup Executive Committee will be invited to be a subcommittee of the WeedRIC Advisory Committee; but all members of the Workgroup will not be on the AC.

Role of the Workgroup

The Weed Workgroup is the collective voice of all UC weed research and extension. WeedRIC will fail without the guidance and participation of the Workgroup. The Workgroup is a core stakeholder.

The work completed to date is only a framework of the center in the form of a strategic plan and an office and database. But the substance of WeedRIC will be the network of weed researchers, farm advisors, agency people, and industry representatives.

The center will rely on the Workgroup now during this formative stage for advice about goals and objectives, strategies, suggestions for AC candidates, sources of financial support, joint projects, etc.

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