Coalinga College 'Farm of the Future' explores agave as sustainable crop for West Side farmers

COALIGNA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Water is a valuable resource for farmers across the Central Valley.

The Farm of the Future at Coalinga College is no exception.

"You know, the restrictions of water allocations are severe, and we've got to continue to look for ways to keep West Side farmers in agriculture, and whether that be through alternative or experimental crops," Director of Coalinga College's Farm of the Future Seth Yocum said.

Yocum says they are currently growing pistachios - a crop known to require a large amount of water. Because of that, many other acres of land have been left uncultivated to conserve water use.

But recently, thanks to a donation from Wolf Farms, a new crop has been added. It's one that requires drastically less water to grow: agave.

"So, for instance, you have pistachios and a general number for farming pistachios is 3.5 acre feet per acre to farm," Yocum explained. "The agave uses much less water, some say as little as 2.5 acre, inches per acre each year."

In addition to tequila, agave is also commonly used in cooking and baking as a substitute for sugar.

Yocum says the college is now looking into whether agave can be a viable long-term crop in California.

"What is that real water use? What are the markets? Is there viability beyond production?" Yocum explained.

The college is applying for grants in hopes of adding science-backed research to their agave findings. He says he would like to see farmers fill their land once again.

"I mean, farming is difficult. Margins are thin, and so being able to put as much of your land into production as possible has always been the goal," Yocum said.

Beyond benefitting farmers - he says a research partnership can support student success as well.

"Ultimately community colleges are built for building workforce, and I think to the potential of bringing university researchers on here gives students yet another avenue in which to envision their future," Yocum said.

In addition to agave, Coalinga College is developing a new carbon farm planning curriculum focused on climate beneficial farming practices and sustainable land management.

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