A UC Merced research project led by Ken Prewitt, is investigating saffron as a heat-tolerant, drought-resistant crop that could serve as an alternative to water intensive varieties like almonds. With its high market value and low resource requirements, saffron offers Central Valley farmers a sustainable way to adapt to climate change and meet SGMA regulations while maintaining profitability. This interdisciplinary research underscores the economic, environmental, and social opportunities of introducing saffron to the region.
Exploring Saffron for Sustainable Central Valley Farming
