California Intern Sees Farms as Climate Solution at Summit

Alanna Laverty walked into a UC Davis conference expecting to learn about agricultural problems. She walked out seeing farmers as climate heroes.

The Global Studies major spent her summer interning with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, where she attended the State of the Science Summit focused on reducing methane from animal agriculture. Scientists and researchers from multiple countries gathered to share breakthrough solutions for cutting emissions from livestock.

The science itself impressed her. Researchers discussed animal genetics as a "permanent solution" to methane reduction, alongside innovative feeding strategies that could transform the industry. One particularly clever approach combines two problems into one solution: using food waste as animal feed, which reduces both methane emissions and landfill waste.

But what really changed Laverty's perspective was seeing how researchers centered farmers in every conversation. Instead of treating ranchers as the problem, summit experts designed solutions around their economic reality. Scientists understood that dairy and beef operations are mostly small businesses that need to stay profitable while going green.

The human element surprised her most. Speakers emphasized building trust with farmers through clear communication and practical implementation plans. One Texas A&M expert noted that uplifting the beef and dairy industries works better than criticizing them when trying to bridge gaps with consumers.

Laverty realized the summit represented something bigger than just reducing emissions. These weren't just environmental solutions. They were farmer solutions designed to work in the real world.

The Bright Side

Agriculture often gets blamed for climate problems, but this summit flipped the script. California produces more food than any other state, giving it unique power to lead climate solutions at scale. The research presented shows farmers don't have to choose between their livelihoods and the planet.

The interdisciplinary approach impressed Laverty most. Scientists, economists, and agricultural experts worked together, understanding that solving climate change requires more than just good research. It requires solutions that work for the people actually growing our food.

As she heads into her final year at UC Santa Barbara, Laverty carries a new perspective. Agriculture isn't just about soil carbon sequestration. It's packed with overlooked opportunities to cut emissions while supporting the people who feed us.

The summit proved that when you design climate solutions with farmers instead of against them, everybody wins.